Following the launch of a pioneering Highland delivery scheme, operators Highland Parcels, an arm’s length delivery service of Menzies Distribution, have reported strong demand from both private and commercial customers.
The delivery service aims to offer fairer delivery charges to residents across the Highlands and Islands to end the post-code penalty many have experienced, with a flat-fee of £4.99 for delivery to any of Menzies’ 19 depots across Scotland.
For £9.99, customers can opt to have their parcels delivered directly to their door.
Fraser MacLean, Menzies Distribution general manager, stated: “Highland Parcels has had an incredibly successful start and we are delighted that our customers and campaigners for fair postal charges have backed our initiative so enthusiastically.”
The scheme had been praised by Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn, who visited the organisations Inverness depot last month during Scotland’s first ever Fair Delivery Day.
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Mr MacLean added: “We are thrilled that Highland Parcels has been recognized by the Scottish Government as a leading solution to an incredibly unfair situation in the Highlands. Our service is simple for people to use and consumers and businesses are voting with their feet.”
Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “It’s great to see national companies like Menzies working to solve delivery issues in the Highlands where there is a thriving community and a strong local economy.”
Since the inception of the service, over 1200 people have set up accounts with over 100 paid orders delivered thus far.
Plans are being put in place by the delivery service to roll out the flat-fee parcel service to other areas across the UK which are classified as hard to reach.
Drew Hendry MP, who has backed the scheme, said: “It is great to hear that so many Highland residents have got behind this innovative new service from Menzies, which will significantly reduce delivery costs for families and local businesses ordering online.
“That said, the UK Government cannot use its success to shirk its responsibilities on bringing forward measures to end rip off delivery charges. Along with my colleague Richard Lochhead MSP, I will be keeping up the pressure on them to take action on the disgraceful postcode lottery Highland residents face when ordering goods online.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: “I am delighted to hear that Highland customers are taking advantage of new commercial solutions that help avoid many of the absurd parcel delivery surcharges that too many retailers continue to apply to north postcodes.
“As part of my campaign, I continue to be inundated with new cases where north households and businesses are being fleeced by retailers. However, there is a greater awareness about these rip off surcharges with people being more vigilant and seeking cheaper alternatives and Highland Parcels is one such alternative and I’m not surprised they are attracting good business.”