Parcel weight increase
From today, the maximum domestic weight limit for our Tracked 24/48 parcels will increase from 20kg to 30kg, with maximum dimensions of 610mm x 460mm x 460mm (equivalent to 129 litres).
Competition in the domestic parcels market continues to increase, with our competitors expanding their networks and delivering enhanced customer services.
We are responding to these market challenges through a number of initiatives designed to defend and grow revenue, increase traffic and extend our service capabilities.
In what is an extremely competitive market there is a need for us to play an important role. As such, increasing the weight allowance for our domestic Tracked 24/48 parcels products will strengthen our position in the market and assist the business in retaining existing and winning new contracts.
Our research indicates that many of our customers continue to use specialist carriers to handle 20+kg items. However, some customers would prefer to have all their consignments handled by one supplier for ease of management.
If a company sends mostly small and light items, they typically do not send 20kg+ items. Conversely, customers sending predominantly 20kg+ items despatch few or no small and light items.
Safe handling of parcels over 20kg
Health and safety is of paramount importance. A Safe System of Working (SSOW) and all relevant safety compliance documentation have been developed and agreed between Royal Mail and the CWU National Health & Safety Department.
Our manual handling training, which we launched in May this year, has also been updated to accommodate the change in our product offering. All colleagues must ensure that they have completed this training.
Every delivery office should have at least one sack trolley available for handling heavy goods. Where a sack trolley is not in situ then one should be ordered. Delivery office managers and area safety representatives, with support from workplace coaches, will be expected to ensure that all Delivery colleagues are able to correctly use a sack trolley and where to access one.
