Has amazon stopped using royal mail for returns

Amazon has not completely stopped using Royal Mail for returns, but they have been gradually reducing their reliance on Royal Mail in recent years. Here's what's been happening:

  1. Amazon Logistics: Amazon has been expanding its own logistics network, Amazon Logistics, which allows them to handle returns and other shipping tasks more efficiently. This has led to a decrease in the number of returns processed through Royal Mail.
  2. Amazon Lockers: Amazon Lockers are self-service kiosks where customers can pick up and drop off packages, including returns. These lockers are often located in convenient locations, such as shopping centers or train stations, and are not dependent on Royal Mail.
  3. Partner carriers: Amazon has partnered with other carriers, such as DHL, UPS, and Hermes, to handle returns and other shipping tasks. These partnerships have helped reduce their reliance on Royal Mail.
  4. In-house returns processing: Amazon has been investing in its own returns processing facilities, which allows them to handle returns more efficiently and reduce their reliance on third-party carriers like Royal Mail.

According to a report by The Telegraph in 2020, Amazon's use of Royal Mail for returns had decreased by around 30% since 2018. However, it's worth noting that Royal Mail still handles a significant volume of Amazon returns, especially for smaller items and those sent from Amazon's smaller fulfillment centers.

In summary, while Amazon has been reducing its reliance on Royal Mail for returns, they have not completely stopped using the postal service. Royal Mail still plays a role in Amazon's returns process, but the company is increasingly using its own logistics network, partner carriers, and in-house returns processing facilities to handle returns more efficiently.