​SOHO Commercial Status Update – 22 April

​SOHO Commercial Status Update – 22 April

Posted by Mike Roke on 22nd Apr 2020

As part of our continued attempt to keep customers updated on the status of operational services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have provided regular blog posts that detail the impact of the pandemic on our ability to supply goods. However, as the weeks have passed, we’ve noticed that couriers and businesses – ourselves included – have settled into a routine that has lead to the development of an operational status quo. As a result, we have taken the decision to reduce the frequency with which we post updates. If the situation changes, we will review this decision and act accordingly.

In the meantime, please find the latest information below:

Communication

All staff are handling calls while working from home. However, we are experiencing high call volumes and delays are to be expected. If you are unable to get through on the telephone, we recommend sending an email to your sales representative, or to sales@sohocommercial.com.

Collections

Strict, contact-free procedures are in place for collections, and this will continue into the foreseeable future. Protecting our staff is extremely important to us and enables us to continue supplying goods to those in urgent need.

Please note that customers who do NOT normally collect from us MUST adhere to the strict collection window of 11am – 3pm. The complete list of enforced collection procedures is as follows:

  • Collections must have been agreed with a sales representative
    • Customers who do NOT normally collect from us will only be allowed to collect between the hours of 11am and 3pm
  • You must keep a distance of 2m between you and the warehouse or personnel
  • If you are displaying cold or flu like symptoms, you must leave the site immediately
  • All items for collection will be placed on a pallet at a safe distance from the warehouse. Do NOT approach until personnel are a safe distance away
  • All paperwork will be left on the pallet with goods. Sign one copy using your own pen and replace on pallet

Shipping

Despite the challenges faced, our despatch team have remained committed to ensuring that goods are shipped as quickly as possible. Their tireless work has allowed us to continue to provide products that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, while all attempts are being made to ensure the quick expedite of parcels, delays are likely.

Customers will continue to be contacted by a sales representative to ensure that they are well, and someone is available to take receipt of goods. Due to likely delays in shipping, we ask that all customers give us the most accurate time scale within which deliveries will be accepted, particularly if a closure is expected.

If you are concerned about your order and its status, please contact your sales representative via email. Alternatively, you can contact us at sales@sohohcommercial.com

Couriers

DPD

On 20 April, DPD reported record volumes of parcels for this time of year. However, delivery success rate remains at 99.96%.

We remind all customers that DPD are continuing to enforce the following to protect staff and customers:

  • Staggering start time of drivers to ensure social distancing requirements can be upheld
  • Providing customers with contact free delivery that can be arranged using the DPD app and editing delivery preferences
    • Alternatively, a note can be left on door to instruct driver to “leave in a safe place”
      • If there is no “leave in a safe place” instruction, the parcel will not be delivered and returned to depot.
  • Contact-free delivery requires no signature from recipient, and a photograph will be taken as evidence of delivery

Further details of service functionality can be found at: https://www.dpd.co.uk/content/products_services/covid-19-bulletins.jsp

UKMail

We remind customers that UKMail have removed the “leave with neighbour” option for deliveries to assist with maintaining social distancing. Therefore, the only service options available to those using UKMail to despatch goods are “recipient only” or “leave in a safe place”.

The following information also remains relevant:

  • Delivery windows have been increased from 1 hour to 4 hours
  • Reporting increase of 75000 more parcels entering network, including large numbers of oversized items such as gym equipment
  • 75% of these are for delivery in London and South East which means delays are likely
  • As a service, they are prioritising fresh foods, medical supplies and cleaning products to help combat Covid-19
  • Significant staff shortages in customer service and operational services which could lead to delayed deliveries and slower response time to enquiries

For further updates on the operational status of UKMail, please visit: https://www.ukmail.com/news

Tuffnells

Saturday deliveries have been stopped until further notice

Palletforce

Nothing to report

Scotland

There have been reports that XDP are experiencing delays of approximately 24-48 hours in Scotland. In light of this, we ask that all Scottish customers remain patient.

If you do have any concerns, please contact us at sales@sohocommercial.com

We once again thank all of our customers for their continued patience and loyalty during this extremely challenging time. Please continue to follow government guidelines and help to further flatten the curve.