I like the way they move

We all know that fabulous feeling when your parcel arrives at your end destination. But have you ever wondered how your parcels get there? Where do they come from, where do they go (it’s giving cotton-eyed Joe)? 

In this blog, we’ll talk about our logistics providers and how your parcels make their way through our network.  

Menzies Distribution – our main logistics provider 

Our trusty partner Menzies Distribution handles most of the heavy lifting when it comes to your deliveries. Once you pop your parcel into one of our lockers or drop it off at a shop, Menzies swoops in to collect it. From there, they whisk it off to one of their sorting hubs (AKA distribution centres), then to a local depot, and finally – ding ding – to the locker or shop where it meets its new owner. If you’re returning to or collecting from a retailer, Menzies will take care of that too.  

As well as InPost parcels, Menzies also handle any Evri parcels that we have in our network that have been dropped off at our lockers or shops – more on that here.  

InPost Home Delivery – delivered by Royal Mail 

We also offer home delivery services, which Royal Mail are our logistics provider for. Your parcels are picked up by Menzies, taken to sorting hubs and local depots and dropped at your home addresses by Royal Mail. 

What is a depot? (pronounced deh pow). 

Great question! A depot is basically a giant warehouse where your parcels are gathered, sorted, and sent on their merry way. Your package will typically pass through two depots – one when it’s collected and another closer to its delivery destination. Between depots, your parcel will also land at a sorting hub which will make sure your parcel arrives at the correct location. Think of depots and hubs as the pit stops your parcel takes on its journey. 

What’s a courier? 

Couriers are the stars of the delivery process. They are responsible for transporting your parcels from retailers or lockers/shops, sorting hubs, and depots. Throughout your parcel’s journey, multiple couriers will likely be involved. Every one of our lockers and shops gets a daily visit from a courier, usually bright and early in the morning. Our busiest lockers might even get multiple trips a day. 

A quick note on labels 

What about labels? Labels are basically your parcel’s ID badge. When a courier picks up your label-less parcel, they add on a label so it can be scanned and tracked throughout its journey. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know: 

• For InPost Returns: No need for a label. All you need is a QR code, and you’re good to go 

• InPost Locker & Shop Pick-Up: Again, no label required, (although you can choose to print if you prefer) – just scan that QR code 

• InPost Home Delivery: If your parcel’s heading to a home address, you’ll need to print a label. You might even spot a Royal Mail logo on it – that’s because they’re the ones delivering your package to doors. 

Wrapping it up 

Whether you’re sending, returning, or receiving parcels, InPost and our logistics partners have got you covered. And with our super simple label-less returns and QR code pick-ups, we’re making sending and receiving packages easier than ever.