NHSBT drivers and FedEx couriers - receiving the same great service

Editorial note, 9 September: the third paragraph should read:

Please bear in mind that unlike our drivers, couriers have limited access to convenient parking and drop-off points, so it is helpful if you let your security staff know that we use couriers as well as our own drivers and ask them to allow access.

FedEx provide us with flexibility to supplement our delivery fleet. This helps us ensure your deliveries are made on time whilst keeping our costs down for the NHS.

We expect you to receive the same service from FedEx as you do from our drivers. Couriers making your routine deliveries use the same timings and routes to the same department in your hospital. For routines, we book the couriers both ways, so they collect your samples, any empty transport containers (please point these out) and return to us. With your ad-hoc deliveries, couriers are only booked one-way, to you: they don't return to us. 

Please bear in mind that unlike our drivers, couriers have limited access to convenient parking and drop-off points, so it is helpful if you let your security staff know before a delivery is due and ask them to allow access.

FedEx are contracted to collect from us and deliver to you, on time, for at least 99% of deliveries. We work closely with them to ensure their drivers follow training material created by us and undergo yearly refresher training.

If you have any comments about the service you receive, it is important you speak to your Customer Service Manager.

Paul Taylor - Assistant Director for Logistics