News

Parcel carriers have unveiled their plans to accomodate extra volumes in order to help customers threatened by strike action at Royal Mail.

In response to the risk that Royal Mail members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) would strike today and tomorrow (22 and 23 October), some couriers are putting on extra services to ensure clients' businesses are not disrupted.

Nightfreight says it has seen a 150% increase in enquiries for its pre-9.30am next-day delivery for small items. The company is doubling its resources for this service, with all depots on standby for any last-minute calls.

Nightfreight chairman Robbie Burns says: "Unlike Royal Mail, our national network is running every day (except Sundays) and, in many cases, it will be Nightfreight to the rescue as we try to help as many businesses as possible."

Meanwhile, Home Delivery Network Limited (HDNL) has announced that from January 2010, it will offer retailers a 72-hour distribution service for parcels up to 2kg called HDN Lite. The service was previously only available to existing clients, but the Royal Mail strikes have prompted the parcel carrier to roll out HDN Lite to all customers.

DHL Express also tells CM that if it sees a surge in volumes, its "experienced network is ready for it, and can cope with additional demand."

As CM went to press, the strike was set to go ahead, with union leaders considering legal action against Royal Mail's plan to take on 30,000 temporary staff.