HDNL delivers Christmas peak forecasting advice key to retailers

With 61% of UK households now online and the proliferation of broadband, internet shopping has reached new levels. This Christmas industry experts are predicting that online sales are set to reach £10 billion.

Over the past year, HDNL has worked closely with clients to forecast delivery volumes to ensure all Christmas deliveries will reach their destination by 24th December. A dedicated planning team has been closely observing and planning the volumes of parcels being received into the network.

According to HDNL Commercial Director, Chris Bowden, the key to avoiding a parcel mountain on Christmas Eve is clear communication: ”Delivering a better service is achieved best by a partnership approach. At HDNL we believe we have a shared responsibility in delivering an excellent customer experience and this can only be achieved through working closely with retailers.”

Last year HDNL delivered over 20 million items to homes throughout the UK in the 10 weeks leading up to Christmas.This year the HDNL planning team will be monitoring demographic shifts in customer ordering, enabling them to allocate driver resources efficiently and respond to regional fluctuations.

HDNL are also urging retailers to clearly communicate a 'cut off' date to customers for ordering goods online in order to guarantee delivery by the 24th December.

“The challenge for the retailer and carrier is to work together to fulfil this expectation in the run up to Christmas, when the pressure is on to deliver that Christmas promise” Chris Bowden commented. “We believe the changes we have implemented to deliver service excellence this year will help deliver a successful Christmas for our clients and their customers alike.”