The so-called closing mile of supply – when a bundle is transported to a client’s doorstep – faces “a lot of challenges” within the UK, he advised the PA news company.
“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.
“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 stated.
The firm expects to ship 40 million packages this manner within the yr to the tip of June, out of a complete of round 190 million.
It delivered 25 million parcels to Pudo factors throughout the earlier 12 months.
Mr Hancox stated Pudo orders have gotten “the preferred choice”.
It’s a lot better to have all 5 parcels dropped off at a location that you just go and acquire from once 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 procuring deliveries, there are additionally considerations in regards to the impact on congestion.
Latest Department for Transport figures present the estimated variety of miles travelled by vans within the yr 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 stated The Very Group – the corporate behind the Littlewoods and Very manufacturers – is among the few on-line retailers to supply monetary incentives to shoppers 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 stated.
It’s a lot better to have all 5 parcels dropped off at a location that you just go and acquire from once 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 stated 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 stated that is partly to spice up capability in response to “very strong” demand.
