Royal Mail has confirmed sweeping changes to its delivery services, including a reduction in second-class letter deliveries to alternate days and a shift in bulk business mail to a three-day target. First-class mail will continue six days a week, Monday to Saturday.
What Is the P739 Code?
Royal Mail uses the code P739 to indicate a failed delivery attempt. If you receive a P739 card, you must collect the item from your local sorting office, which may mean waiting until the following day depending on when you find the card. In some cases, you can arrange a redelivery instead.
New Delivery Targets
Royal Mail now aims to deliver 90% of first-class letters the next day, down from 93%. For second-class mail, the target is 95% delivered within three days, down from 98.5%. The company estimates these changes could save between £250 million and £425 million annually.
Financial Context
Royal Mail has seen letter revenue fall from £6.9 billion in 2008 to £3.7 billion. The reforms are part of efforts to modernise the UK's postal service. Leaflets detailing the changes are being distributed to households and are expected to be rolled out across all 1,200 delivery units by the end of the year.
