Royal Mail and Ford Partnered on Test to Help Make Large Package Deliveries More Efficient

Royal Mail and Ford partnered on a trial in Manchester using Ford’s routing software to find if it could help Royal Mail to increase its foot-based deliveries of larger parcels in urban areas.

• The object of the trial was to have fewer delivery vehicles in urban areas support multiple posties on different foot-based routes, making delveries of large packages more efficient and climate friendly.
• Ford’s software would identify safe and convenient locations for the handover of parcels to the postmen and postwomen. Posties used a smartphone app showing the location of the van while also providing the most efficient routes for delivering parcels.
• The process maintained human interaction at the time of delivery, while also resulting in fast and efficient deliveries.
• Reduced CO2 emissions: The use of vans for the delivery routes in the test decreased by 50% while daily vehicle mileage declined 33%. These reductions also reduced the carbon footprint of deliveries which is a big push for the company as it continuously seeks and deploys new technologies to reduce the CO2 emissions across its network.
• Royal Mail did not say if it planned to run a similar trial in other areas or if it will deploy the scheme permanently. But apparently, it picked Manchester for the test as the city will launch its Clean Air Zone next year, with daily van charges coming in 2023.

Ford Quote

“Our software made it possible for Royal Mail to help reduce carbon emissions and congestion in city centres. As we enter the busiest and most magical time of year for parcels, we are delighted to see the results of this trial prove the value of delivery on foot and the effectiveness of Ford’s software in making city centres cleaner, greener and safer.”

Tom Thompson, Founder, Last Mile Delivery at Ford Mobility

Royal Mail Quote

“Ford’s software enabled Royal Mail to reduce van usage and mileage in the trial area, whilst still offering a prompt and reliable parcel delivery service. At Royal Mail, we are continuously looking at opportunities to reduce our emissions, alongside delivering convenience to our customers.”

Achim Dunnwald, Chief Operating Officer, at Royal Mail

The full Royal Mail press release about this trial is available here.