Much of the UK, including Scotland, Wales, the north, and midlands, has been hit by the first major snowfall of the winter, causing some issues on local roads and regional rail services. However, according to Parcelhero, a delivery comparison expert, there has been no significant national disruption to courier and mail services in the UK so far. David Jinks M.I.L.T., the Head of Consumer Research at Parcelhero, stated that couriers were well prepared for the forecasted snowfall and have not been caught off guard. While there have been some localized disruptions in areas with heavier snowfall, overall, the impact on deliveries has been minimal.
Some courier services have reported delays in specific areas, such as Clwyd, Powys, and Shropshire, where snow has caused setbacks. Additionally, flights to and from East Midlands airport were temporarily suspended to clear runways, affecting deliveries to certain regions. The adverse weather conditions also led to delays on major routes like the M1 and A50, further impacting parcel deliveries.
In the event of delays due to snow or other adverse weather conditions, it is important to note that your contract is with the retailer, not the delivery company. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the seller to track down your package if it does not arrive on time. While compensation for late deliveries due to weather is unlikely, retailers and online marketplaces like eBay take into account weather-related disruptions when evaluating seller performance.
eBay, for example, automatically protects sellers’ performance during disruptions by removing negative feedback related to late deliveries. Sellers are encouraged to use tracking services to keep customers informed, but in cases of severe weather, eBay will make exceptions. However, if you have selected a timed delivery or money-back guarantee service, you may be entitled to compensation for delays caused by courier errors.
It is essential to stay updated on the status of your deliveries through email notifications and courier apps during adverse weather conditions. Couriers prioritize the safety of their drivers and staff, conducting risk assessments to ensure safe deliveries. While compensation may not be available for weather-related delays, it is recommended to check for the latest updates before booking a parcel collection in the coming days.
