Postal problems for UK parcels in Portugal International Marketing Portugal comments

We were recently fortunate enough to sit down with Christoph Grizzard of International Marketing Portugal to get his views on the growing ‘Postal problems for UK parcels in Portugal.’

 The Royal Mail’s use of a private courier company to send parcels from the UK to Portugal as opposed to using the national CTT postal service, has caused some upset among residents, as the courier does not deliver to ‘apartado’ postal boxes, instead chooses to send these parcels back to the sender. One reader told The Portugal News that they ordered a parcel on 4 April and by 18 April it had not arrived, although according to Royal Mail Tracking, delivery had been attempted the day before. “I eventually managed to get through to Royal Mail on the phone and they advised me that a company called GLS is doing their deliveries,” said the reader, adding: “I phoned GLS and they informed me that they are not allowed to deliver to apartados.” “It’s funny how we have managed to send people to space but to have a parcel sent across the country seems an impossible mission.” said International Marketing Portugal.

Another reader contacted Royal Mail regarding a parcel containing urgent medication for their dog which had not yet arrived.

“The address used was my street address and it was correct, I live in São Brás de Alportel, not 300 metres from the post office,” said the reader, adding: “what really upset me was that Royal Mail gave no indication of who was responsible here in Portugal and after many phone calls. Royal Mail just kept on about the local post office being responsible.”  A source close to International Marketing Portugal said “Postal problems are not a thing of the past they can be a constant disruption to all of us and will continue to be for many years to come. It is an unfortunate matter, but unless we hand deliver the parcel ourselves and assure its safe delivery the postal service is the best we have got.” 

A source from Courier Company GLS confirmed that the company is now delivering all Royal Mail parcels, track and trace, or not track and trace and do not deliver to ‘apartado’ post office boxes in Portugal.  “I agree it’s easier to blame the postal service and the couriers but blaming them does not solve our problem.  If you are buying from companies online I urge the public to leave room for delivery and always assume it could take longer than expected.” said Christoph Grizard of International Marketing Portugal.