Online retailers at risk of overwhelming their distribution networks

DX Group sales and marketing director Paul Doble has warned that online retailers are in danger of overwhelming capacity on their distribution networks in the run up to Christmas.

Financial services firm Experian has predicted a 36% rise in online retail visits today and Doble said retailers should re-assess their delivery capabilities.

Carriers are offering collection two working days before Christmas. TNT Express, DPD, FedEx, Hermes and UK Mail all said that 21 December is the last day they can receive next-day Christmas deliveries.

Doble said: “Last year, certain carriers admitted they had been unable to deliver up to 15,000 parcels on time. There is already concern in the market that demand will, again, outstrip capacity this Christmas.” Operators hope the extreme weather of 2010-11 will not return to wreak havoc on the networks.