onsumers will turn into “less obsessed” with residence deliveries as consciousness of the “sustainability argument” for sending parcels to assortment factors grows, based on an trade chief.

Mike Hancox, chief govt of supply firm Yodel, mentioned areas corresponding to outlets, petrol stations and lockers are “a much more efficient network” for getting items to and from clients.

The so-called last mile of supply – when a package deal is transported to a client’s doorstep – faces “a lot of challenges” within the UK, he advised the PA news company.

“In the run up to Christmas last year, with the Royal Mail industrial disputes, there really were not enough drivers to deliver parcels on that one-to-one relationship.

“Dropping off 10 parcels at a shop will allow the whole industry to deliver more parcels efficiently and I think eventually that’s what’s going to happen.

Read More

“Over time, people will be less obsessed with delivery to home.

“I think people will become more aware of the sustainability argument for why they should go to a shop and pick up five parcels in one visit.”

Yodel has recorded a “significant acceleration” within the variety of parcels it delivers to its 5,500 pick-up and drop-off (Pudo) areas, Mr Hancox mentioned.

The firm expects to ship 40 million packages this fashion within the 12 months to the tip of June, out of a complete of round 190 million.

It delivered 25 million parcels to Pudo factors in the course of the earlier 12 months.

Mr Hancox mentioned Pudo orders have gotten “the preferred choice”.

It's a lot better to have all 5 parcels dropped off at a location that you simply go and gather from while you're prepared

He added: “It gives the consumer the convenience they want. They’re probably going into a store anyway.

“With the growth of e-commerce through the pandemic, it’s become increasingly apparent to people that having five diesel vans go up a cul-de-sac all delivering one parcel is not particularly efficient for the carriers or for the environment.

“It’s much better to have all five parcels dropped off at a location that you go and collect from when you’re ready.”

In addition to the impression on the atmosphere from on-line purchasing deliveries, there are additionally considerations concerning the impact on congestion.

Latest Department for Transport figures present the estimated variety of miles travelled by vans within the 12 months ending September 2022 was 59.5 billion, representing an 11.2% rise in contrast with pre-coronavirus ranges.

That is in contrast with an 8.8% lower for vehicles.

Mr Hancox mentioned The Very Group – the corporate behind the Littlewoods and Very manufacturers – is likely one of the few on-line retailers to supply monetary incentives to customers ordering purchases to assortment factors.

“Other retailers don’t do that and even if I offered them a lower price, they’d just price it the same (to their customers),” he mentioned.

It's a lot better to have all 5 parcels dropped off at a location that you simply go and gather from while you're prepared

“They’re just making more margin.

“So it’s difficult for me to offer the incentives. I would say the burden is on the retailer to decide whether they want to enhance their own green credentials by having an incentive on Pudo.”

Mr Hancox mentioned the corporate is investing £14.5 million in its fleet, with the acquisition of 120 new double-decker trailers and 45 new tractor models, which haul trailers.

He mentioned that is partly to spice up capability in response to “very strong” demand.