Yodel, a courier company, is facing capacity constraints before Christmas, impacting its ability to deliver efficiently.
- Key clients such as Gousto, eBay, and New Look have been informed of significant operational issues affecting parcel processing.
- Financial incentives offered elsewhere are causing a shortage of peak HGV drivers at Yodel, affecting collection capabilities.
- Yodel cannot guarantee a 24-hour service and suggests clients consider alternative delivery services to manage parcel volumes.
- Despite challenges, Yodel is working with clients to adapt schedules and aims to clear backlogs by the weekend.
Yodel is currently experiencing considerable capacity issues as the festive season approaches, affecting its operational efficiency in delivering parcels. This situation has compelled the courier company to advise its clientele to consider alternative delivery couriers during this peak period. Affected clients include major businesses like Gousto, eBay, and New Look, all of whom have been notified of these operational challenges.
In a communication sent out recently, Yodel detailed the significant delays in parcel processing, contributing to the unavailability of empty trailers and disruptions in planned driver schedules. These challenges were exacerbated by a shortage of peak HGV drivers, many of whom were drawn away by lucrative financial incentives offered by competitors. Yodel has been in active discussions with these drivers who had initially committed to work during the peak period, trying to realign their commitments.
Furthermore, Yodel has communicated to clients that, due to an unprecedented surge in parcel volumes following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is unable to ensure a 24-hour delivery service. This has led to a request for clients to cut down their planned volume for the network over the upcoming week, if possible, by diverting parcels through alternate carriers.
A spokesperson for Yodel acknowledged the collaboration and support received from various clients, highlighting that adjustments in collection schedules were necessary to sustain smooth operations amidst record-breaking parcel volumes. The company is making concerted efforts to address these issues and expects to resolve a minor backlog by the end of the weekend.
Yodel is navigating significant logistical hurdles this festive season, urging clients to seek alternative couriers while striving to maintain service quality.
