Postal problems for UK parcels in Portugal

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.theportugalnews.com/cgi-bin/ ... ?id=1163-3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Royal Mail’s use of a private courier company to send parcels from the UK to Portugal as opposed to using the national CTT postal service, has caused some upset among residents, as the courier does not deliver to ‘apartado’ postal boxes, sending these parcels back to the sender.

One reader told The Portugal News that they ordered a parcel on 4 April and by 18 April it had not arrived, although according to Royal Mail Tracking, delivery had been attempted the day before.

The reader went to their local post office who informed them they had no information on the parcel as the Royal Mail were now using other companies for delivery.

“I eventually managed to get through to Royal Mail on the phone and they advised me that a company called GLS is doing their deliveries,” said the reader, adding: “I phoned GLS...they informed me that they are not allowed to deliver to apartados.”

Another reader contacted Royal Mail regarding a parcel containing urgent medication for their dog which had not yet arrived.

“The address used was my street address and it was correct, I live in São Brás de Alportel, not 300 metres from the post office,” said the reader, adding: “what really upset me was that Royal Mail gave no indication of who was responsible here in Portugal and after many phone calls…Royal Mail just kept on about the local post office being responsible.”

The reader found out about the GLS courier service through the letters page in The Portugal News (see 28 April, edition 1162).

“It took another 20 calls to GLS…, a further six emails to the various departments of GLS until I did get a phone call from GLS at 7pm to arrange delivery.”

Another resident said this week that they often receive parcels from the UK and have never had any problems or delays with national postal service CTT.

“Recently, I had to wait for 15 days for a parcel to arrive. I found out it was being transported by GLS instead of CTT and now our latest parcel is taking just as long if not longer.”

A source from Courier Company GLS confirmed that the company is now delivering all Royal Mail parcels, track and trace, or not track and trace and do not deliver to ‘apartado’ post office boxes in Portugal.

After 10 days, they return the parcel if it’s a Post Office box number as the national CTT post offices are not willing to give them the physical address of the client.

No one from the Royal Mail was available to comment at the time of going to press.

As a result of the changes, to ensure parcels from the UK are received, readers are advised to write their full postal address and provide a telephone number for couriers to contact in case of difficulties with deliveries. The use of an apartado number is not recommended.

[Lounge Lizard]

Since Victorian times there was no problem until recently with deregulation and competition and confusion between GLS and CTT and the postal service ending up a smambles.

[davidmac]

Yes it is true - all Royal Mail International Signed For is handed to these understaffed people GLS. The company prevaricates about "incorrect address" when it is correct. The REAL problem cutting through detail (I had to collect two packages from local cafe as driver no idea of area!!) is that GLS are NOT equipped to handle the business. They do not seem to have proper cover and of course no local knowledge as with Pedro postie at CTT. Oh well what the hell - guess I'll pay for DHL!

[ori]

My first order from GLS, refuse to leave UK :) . If i paid for airmail they can´t send by surface, this is not rigth. I have contact with Royal Mail costumer service and they don´t care refuse to do anything.

[Mr Rush]

The Royal Mail’s use of a private courier company to send parcels from the UK to Portugal as opposed to using the national CTT postal service

GLS is a Royal Mail subsidiary, so is RM finally getting a taste of that sweet deregulation action that it suffers from at home?

[fishtank]

It's not GLS's fault.
I had this conversation with another customer about U.S PO Boxes.
http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 12#p491774" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Royal Mail don't do international PO Boxes.
It states clearly on both the airsure and international Signed For webpages.

Please note that Airsure items cannot be posted to a PO box address or parcel station.

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/deliv ... re/details" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Please note that International Signed For is not available to PO boxes.

http://www.royalmail.com/delivery/deliv ... ed/details" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;