We’re changing for the better
Royal Mail is entering an exciting period of transformation as we continue with our extensive £2 billion modernisation programme, fast-forwarding us into the 21st century. The planned improvements are on an unprecedented scale, and will see new equipment and ways of working rolled out across our entire business over the next three years.
These changes will make a big difference which is why we’re introducing the changes as quickly as we can so you can experience the benefits as soon as possible.
What we’re doing
More effective delivery routes
We’re using the latest technology to plan the most efficient delivery routes based on each days mail volume. This helps our postmen and women to share vans and work as a team on their rounds, which is a more flexible and environmentally friendly way to deliver.
30,000 new delivery trolleys
Nowadays our postmen and women have to deliver more parcels and fewer letters, so we’re equipping them with new high capacity and lightweight trolleys to take the weight off their shoulders. It’s simple technology, but the benefits are huge as they allow our people to carry more letters and parcels whilst keeping them secure and in good condition.
Improved Saturday service
Our Saturday service will run in the same way as the rest of the working week, giving you a reliable service six days a week.
What improving deliveries means for you
We’re better equipped to deliver what you want, when you want it.
It will help us offer you a more consistent and reliable delivery service.
The new trolleys will help us deliver your letters and parcels in even better condition.
You’ll receive better value for money as we keep our service levels high and costs down.
What we’re doing
Machines that put mail in the order of a delivery route
We’re introducing thousands of new machines so postmen and women no longer need to sort their own letters manually. They receive their mail in the order of their route so they can get straight out on their deliveries. By 2013, 95% of all letters will be sorted this way.
Machines that can read handwritten addresses
We’re speeding up our sorting process by introducing machines nationwide to reduce the need to sort handwritten letters manually - sorting a remarkable 11 items a second.
Introducing smarter parcel-sorting machines
Due to their irregular shapes, parcels have traditionally been sorted by hand; however new parcel-sorting machines will make this a thing of the past. These new machines can measure, weigh and scan parcels, whatever their shape, so that you’re always charged fairly.
What new machinery means for you
By becoming more efficient, we’re reducing our costs, which will enable us to offer you better value for money.
More automation will improve the quality of our deliveries and reduce errors.
The machinery reduces bending and squashing, so we can keep your letters and parcels in even better condition.
The flexibility of our machines will enable us to introduce new services tailored to your needs.
Eh? Every efficiency drive they have come up with yet, has resulted in worsening deliveries, and the public can see this all too well! Hooray--says Joe Blogs, in three years time I'll get my mail at 6.pm.