The Post Office has chosen to partner with both Evri and DPD to offer a new in-branch delivery option.
For the first time in its 360 year history, customers at the Post Office can choose to use companies other than Royal Mail.
The new service with DPD and Evri, (formerly Hermes), will start in selected stores during peak season, the Post Office has said.
The new service compliments the recent launch of the Post Office’s Parcels Online service which allows its customers to compare and purchase postage online, in order to drop off in their local branch.
According to data from the Post Office, 76% of people in the UK send parcels every year, and more than one in three, (37%) will shop around to find the best deals on delivery.
Almost half, (48%) said they wish there were more delivery providers available to choose from.
Research by the Post Office shows that 40% of people admit sending parcels at Christmas can be stressful because they worry that it could get lost (47%) or won’t arrive in time (43%).
Nick Read, CEO at Post Office said: “We are fundamentally transforming the Post Office by introducing new mail carriers for over-the-counter sales for the first time in our 360 year history. This expanded partnership with DPD and Evri shows how we are disrupting the mail market to offer greater choice for customers and more opportunities for Postmasters as we build a Post Office fit for the future.”
Adding, Elaine Kerr, CEO at DPD UK said: “Buy-in-branch extends our working relationship with the Post Office and will help provide more choice and convenience for UK parcel shippers. DPD parcel recipients can already collect their parcels from Post Office branches and regard them as safe and trusted locations for a wide range of services.
