Delivery boss willing to go extra mile to cut charges

A parcel depot manager in the north-east is “hopeful” a UK Government review of delivery charges will stamp out excessive fees.

Fraser MacLean, general manager at Menzies Distribution, has been campaigning against surcharges for the last six years.

Mr MacLean, who is based in Elgin, gave evidence at a Westminster review during 2013, when it was raised by former West Aberdeenshire MP, Sir Robert Smith.

Yesterday, Mr MacLean said he would “watch with interest” to see if measures were introduced which could regulate fees.

He said he was willing to travel down to England to give evidence if it was required.

Mr MacLean said: “The average cost for delivery in the UK is about £5. I accept it will cost more to deliver to the north, but nothing can justify some of the prices I see.”

A review carried out by Citizens Advice Scotland found that customers in the north and north-east pay, on average, four times as much as customers in the rest of the UK for bulky items.

Meanwhile, Yodel has issued an apology after delivering a parcel to Lhanbryde, near Elgin, with “isle” printed on the delivery note.

In a letter to the Press and Journal, the firm explained the code – shorthand for Highlands and Islands – is issued to regions where deliveries cannot be completed within 24 hours of order.

Patrick McGuirk, Yodel’s commercial development director, said: “We recognise that Moray is neither in the Highlands nor an island and that the code has caused some concern.

“We would like to apologise for any confusion or offence caused and confirm that this code will be removed from all labels from next month.”

Letters, Page 31

“Customers in the north pay, on average, four times as much”