Yodel has partnered with national private hire company Arrow Cars to increase its operational capacity following a 25% spike in trade as consumers turn to online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic.
The initial three-month trial between the two companies commenced at the end of April, with five Arrow Cars drivers each carrying up to 120 parcels daily for Yodel across the West Midlands and providing a ‘flexi-cover’ solution to Yodel’s operation.
The parcel carrier can now draw on up to 1,000 Arrow Cars drivers nationwide.
According to data from ACI Worldwide, nationwide figures show a surge in online retail sales in March 2020, with 74% growth in average transaction volumes compared with 2019.
Carl Moore, chief operational officer at Yodel, said: “As consumers continue to stay at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a significant growth in e-commerce as shoppers are unable to make purchases in person.
“As a result, demand for our services has increased and we’re constantly working to develop new agile options to cope with extra volume.
“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Arrow Cars to provide some additional resource during this period.”
Arrow Cars was established more than 40 years ago, specialising in airport transfers, and is the official taxi partner at five UK Airports including Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Birmingham and Bristol.
Managing director Daniel Graham revealed the company approached Yodel about the partnership after “taxi usage dropped off completely at the end of March” due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Our expertise lies in local knowledge, our multi-site operations and our large capacity, so we are well positioned to support with seamless deliveries,” said Graham.
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