Quadient, a renowned player in the integration of digital and physical customer engagement channels and a key operator of a global open locker network, has announced a significant partnership with Royal Mail, the UK’s premier parcel delivery service.
This collaboration, formalized through a multi-year agreement, marks Royal Mail’s entry into the Parcel Pending by Quadient Open Locker Network. This strategic move aims to enhance customer service and experience by introducing convenient returns and outbound drop-off options. Initially, Royal Mail plans to implement these services across approximately 200 sites by May 2024.
Quadient provides a streamlined solution
Quadient specializes in facilitating business communications and operations. Their services encompass areas like customer communications management, automated processes for accounts payable and receivable, and mailing solutions.
They company aims to merge physical and digital communication channels effectively. Additionally, Quadient offers parcel locker solutions, enhancing logistics and delivery services. This integration of services is designed to streamline various business processes and improve customer engagement across different sectors.
As Quadient’s UK network expands, Royal Mail’s engagement is expected to grow, potentially incorporating lockers across 3,000 locations in the upcoming years.
Convenient parcel locker locations
Leveraging Quadient’s strategically positioned open locker network, which is conveniently accessible in community-centric locations like Rontec and MFG forecourts, Stonegate Group pubs, and APCOA parking sites, Royal Mail is set to enhance its service offerings. The company will initially introduce the option for customers to drop off returns or dispatch parcels using specially branded and dedicated Drop Box units.
This initiative represents the first phase of an expansive plan. In the future, Royal Mail aims to broaden these services to include not only the collection of items sent directly to lockers but also the option for redelivery to a locker, further streamlining the logistics process and enhancing customer convenience.
Martin Seidenberg, group chief executive of International Distribution Services, says: “Our expansion into lockers with 24/7 access will give our customers even greater choice of more than 21,000 locations to drop off parcels. We want to make it as convenient as possible for customers to send and return parcels, fitting it in around their daily routines with a range of options for different lifestyles.”
UK postal service market
Mordor Intelligence reports the UK postal service market is estimated to achieve good growth in the next five years. “The United Kingdom courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is growing with the increasing number of same-day delivery transactions.
Due to the powerful digital trends driving the market, the United Kingdom and Italy have been the fastest-growing markets in the European region. The key market players are continuously reinventing the post and parcel industry with technology-driven innovations.”
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
