Google searches reflect public fears of postal delays

Reflecting a widespread public need for alternatives to the Royal Mail, the web’s number one search engine in the UK, Google, has seen searches for the term “courier” increase by a staggering 46 percent in the four weeks to 14th October 2009.

Richard Adams-Mercer, business development director for online delivery company Parcel2Go.com, claimed this is “yet another reminder to business and consumers that the current postal system does not deliver”.

He said that Google searches on the brand name “Parcel2Go” were up by nearly 40 percent over the same period too.

“Parcel2Go.com is a recognised alternative to the post office. During previous strikes by Royal Mail workers we experienced huge increases in our online courier business.

“As the largest online parcel delivery service in the UK, we have demonstrated that we are a proven alternative to Royal Mail for parcel deliveries.

“Our aim is to give customers choice, reliability and flexibility for their parcel deliveries. Our partners include top express carriers like DHL, FedEx, City Link, HDNL and UPS.

“However, while Parcel2Go.com benefits from an immediate 20 percent increase in turnover during an industrial dispute, the approach isn’t good for the postal system as a whole and will not halt further downsizing in Royal Mail in the future.”

He added: “Businesses want to know that their deliveries will arrive on time. Royal Mail workers are shooting themselves in the foot – UK plc will be hit hard by the strikes and this will cause firms to take their business elsewhere.”

Further bad news for the postal service came from the British Chambers of Commerce, which found three-quarters of the 250 businesses it surveyed are considering using an alternative delivery service.

There is a fear that strike action in the run up to Christmas will permanently scar the Royal Mail, with high volume producers of direct mail and retail institutions not only looking at short-term contingencies but permanent alternatives.

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