ParcelHero welcomes government’s recognition of key worker delivery drivers
The international courier expert ParcelHero says it is pleased that the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, has recognised the vital role delivery drivers are playing in keeping the nation fed and provisioned. It says it was essential delivery drivers were included in the list of key workers whose children will continue to be looked after by schools, because their parents need to be able to go to work.
And ParcelHero confirms domestic and international courier services remain in good health, despite the coronavirus crises; though some individual international services have been cancelled, and there are delays to certain regions.
ParcelHero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks, a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, says:
‘The coronavirus outbreak has created a massive growth in home deliveries which has resulted in some home delivery services being stretched to near breaking point and the complete suspension of Ocado new orders until Saturday; and it was essential to avoid more delivery drivers missing work, because they had to look after young children.
‘This decision will help keep home deliveries on the road, and give a platform for retailers and their courier partners, to build up their delivery capabilities further in the days ahead.
‘And there was more helpful news from the government for everyone wishing to send a parcel abroad, whether for business or private use. It has confirmed its advice not to travel abroad does not apply to parcel shipments. The government’s latest advice says ‘International and domestic freight transport is classified by UK government as an essential activity… The advice against non-essential travel is not intended to apply to international and domestic freight transport.”
‘This means almost all international destinations continue to be served, though it is important to note not every courier is delivering to every region. If you are used to using a particular carrier sending to a particular destination, you might find that service is not currently available, but a glance at the ParcelHero international courier services guide will show all the international couriers still serving your chosen destination, together with estimated transit time and the cost. As particular services with all the leading couriers are revised or cancelled, the web site will be updated, so every service you see will be currently available for booking.
‘Whether you’re a business sending goods to Australia, or a mum sending a food parcel to a family member stuck in isolation in France or Italy, there is highly likely to be a good choice of delivery services still available, which you can compare on the ParcelHero site. And that applies whether customers are booking a home pick up or dropping off at an access point, depending on preference.
‘Be aware, however, that some usual service conditions and money back guarantees will not be valid during this period, as couriers battle to adapt to new border closures and coronavirus lockdowns.
‘One final point that needs emphasising is that people need not be afraid of passing on or catching the virus when sending or receiving domestic or international parcels. Both the World Health Organisation and the Robert Koch institute have confirmed there is no evidence that an infection with any type of coronavirus is possible through contact with objects or packages, including those arriving from areas where cases have been reported.’
For constantly updated information on international services with all leading international couriers, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/en-gb/international-courier-services