What happens if royal mail cannot deliver a parcel
If Royal Mail is unable to deliver a parcel, they will typically follow a specific process to handle the situation. Here are some possible scenarios:
- Failed Delivery Attempt: If the delivery driver is unable to deliver the parcel due to the recipient not being available, the driver will leave a card with instructions on how to arrange redelivery or collect the parcel from a local post office.
- Redelivery: If the recipient is not available to receive the parcel, Royal Mail will attempt to redeliver the parcel on a subsequent day. This is usually done at no additional cost to the sender.
- Collection from a Post Office: If the recipient is unable to receive the parcel, they can collect it from a local post office. The post office will hold the parcel for a limited period, usually 10-14 days.
- Return to Sender: If the parcel cannot be delivered and the recipient does not collect it from the post office, Royal Mail will return the parcel to the sender. This is usually done at the sender's expense.
- Special Delivery: If the parcel is sent via Special Delivery, Royal Mail will make up to two attempts to deliver the parcel. If the parcel is still not delivered, it will be returned to the sender.
- International Parcels: If a parcel is sent internationally and cannot be delivered, Royal Mail will return it to the sender or hold it at a local post office for collection.
In some cases, Royal Mail may also contact the sender to inform them of the issue and seek their instructions on how to proceed.
It's worth noting that Royal Mail has a range of services with varying levels of tracking and delivery guarantees. For example, their Special Delivery service offers a higher level of tracking and delivery guarantees than their standard parcel services.