Jersey Post trials alternative parcel delivery options

Jersey Post is trialling new ways to improve its chances of delivering parcels at the first attempt. Over the next three months, the Channel Island operator is trying out a greater range of delivery alternatives through its SecureDrop service.

The service currently allows Jersey residents to nominate an alternative location on their property where packets and parcels that do not require a signature can be left if they are not at home to receive them.

The new trial will see customers able to nominate a neighbor to receive their parcels, or opt to have items held at Jersey Post’s Commercial Street or Rue des Pres sites for collection in person.

Residents of the St Helier, St Clement and St Saviour parishes will be sent a letter and application form next week to participate in the trial.

Jersey Post said the trial was a response to the increasing number of islanders shopping online, and customer feedback calling for solutions to the problem of missed deliveries.

The company is predicting a 30% increase in the number of packets and parcels passing through its Rue des Pres sorting office this year.

The trial will take place during the peak period for online shopping and parcel volumes.

“Fine tune”

Andy Jehan, Jersey Post’s director of postal operations, said this meant Jersey Post would be sure its processes were robust. “We will be able to fine tune the service while the trial is running and then roll-out the service to other parishes early in 2013 so that other islanders can benefit.”

Jehan said Jersey Post had attempted to provide flexible delivery options to appeal to a wide range of customers.

The trial will also see parcel recipients sent a text message or email to confirm their item is waiting for collection from their nominated location, neighbour or collection site.

“If we can deliver more packets and parcels on the first attempt this is great for our customers, but also a huge help to our businesses operationally,” said Jehan.

Difficulties still remain for Jersey Post for items that do require a signature, particularly for items sent from the UK mainland covered by the company’s contract with Royal Mail.

“The contract we have with Royal Mail means that we have to receive a signature on delivery for items sent by ‘Signed for’ and ‘Special Delivery’ services,” said the Jersey Post director of postal operations. “Whilst we’ve made some progress in allowing neighbours to receive ‘Signed for’ items, ‘Special Delivery’ can only be signed for by the addressee.’