NetDespatch delivers pioneering web system to Scarlet Couriers
04 April 2005

Scarlet Couriers has launched an innovative service that provides its customers with a fast and easy way to book and manage parcel deliveries via the web. Supplied by NetDespatch, the system also provides Scarlet’s customers with quotes, bar code label printing, and it allows each consignment to be tracked, with deliveries confirmed by e-mail.

The service is live-linked to the APC national overnight parcel network, which is run by Scarlet Couriers and other couriers around the country. The easy-to-access web service means that companies can check on shipments from anywhere, and previous shipment details are available instantly for checking back and producing management reports.

"The NetDespatch web booking service is an important innovation" says Scarlet Managing Director Jon Barber. "Anyone can simply log on to our website and book a delivery. It's much faster than hand-writing forms, especially as addresses are saved and auto-entered, which also ensures that delivery addresses are accurate. And when we come to collect the shipment, labels are already produced and work is pre-booked so the parcels go straight into the system".

"The new service is proving popular with our customers. Till now we've had just a handful of clients booking electronically, but we anticipate that most people will be booking over the web before the year is out. Sometimes new technology can take a while to get established but with this system the benefits are so significant and it is so easy to use, that it's quickly going to revolutionise our industry. And it is great to see the APC network leading the way."

Scarlet was established in 1982 to provide direct courier, overnight parcel and international express services. Now established in Slough, Bracknell and Uxbridge, the firm has grown to be one of the UK's largest independent couriers and is one of the first companies to roll-out the NetDespatch service in the UK.