Yodel is experiencing significant challenges in managing parcel deliveries ahead of the Christmas trading period.
- The delivery company has advised its customers, including major clients like Gousto and eBay, to consider alternate courier services due to operational difficulties.
- Yodel’s struggles stem from delays in processing parcels, shortages of available trailers, and issues with peak driver schedules.
- The company has also highlighted that financial incentives from competitors are impacting its capacity to fulfill commitments with some drivers.
- Yodel is collaborating with clients to adapt collection schedules and expects to resolve a backlog shortly.
Yodel is currently facing substantial operational challenges in the lead-up to the Christmas period. Customers have been advised to consider alternate courier services. The company has been dealing with significant disruptions, involving notable clients such as Gousto and eBay, as reported by Sky News. These disruptions include delays in parcel processing, affecting trailer availability and driver schedules.
The firm has communicated to its customers via a memo about the “significant delays in processing [parcels] therefore impacting the availability of empty trailer[s] and our planned driver schedules.” This situation is exacerbated by some Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers missing their scheduled times, reportedly due to better financial offers from competitors.
Upon investigation, Yodel identified that improved financial incentives offered by competitors were a key factor affecting driver commitments during the peak period. Despite these setbacks, the company is actively working with these drivers, reaffirming their commitment for the current busy season.
Acknowledging the surge in parcel volume, particularly larger items during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Yodel has warned clients of potential impacts on the 24-hour service guarantee. They have suggested that clients reduce their planned volumes through Yodel’s network and, if possible, channel parcels through other carriers to ensure timely delivery.
A spokesperson mentioned, “Due to record-breaking volumes and a surge in larger parcels over Black Friday week and Cyber Monday, we worked with a small number of clients to adapt collection schedules to maintain smooth operations.” The company is grateful for the cooperative stance of these clients.
Yodel remains committed to addressing these challenges; their teams are working tirelessly, aiming to clear a small backlog by the weekend, maintaining optimism in their resolution strategies.
The ongoing logistical challenges have prompted Yodel to seek alternate solutions, prioritising transparency and collaboration to navigate the busy festive season effectively.
