Priority parcel services not so fast, finds survey

CONSUMERS should think twice before sending parcels this Christmas after a European survey found only half of parcels posted by expensive so-called ‘fast’ services arrived ahead of packages sent by standard mail.

The survey of mail services by 13 European Consumer Centres (ECCs) across Europe also revealed Ireland has the most expensive priority parcel rates among 13 EU member states.

The study examined the price, delivery time and quality of service by mail companies. An analysis of priority and standard parcels sent from Ireland to other EU countries showed only half of all priority parcels were delivered ahead of the standard packages, while 14% of all parcels were damaged in transit.