An Post Declines Support for Customers Impacted by Fastway Couriers Shutdown
Fastway Couriers has entered receivership, causing significant disruptions for numerous small businesses and online retailers in Ireland. An Post, the national postal service, expressed its dismay at the situation but has stated it cannot fully support customers affected by this crisis.
An Post’s Response to Fastway Couriers Shutdown
An Post has communicated its sorrow regarding the challenges faced by Fastway and its employees. Despite this, the postal operator has clarified that it may struggle to accommodate new customers during this peak period.
Impact on Christmas Operations
The company prepared extensively for the holiday season, allocating resources to meet increased e-commerce demands. It has shifted its focus to current small business clients, suggesting they either resume service or utilize Advantage Card labels via their post office network.
Parcel Volume and Updated Deadlines
Current parcel volumes are high, prompting An Post to advance the final posting date for Christmas deliveries in Ireland and the UK to December 16. The company indicated that it is exploring additional temporary solutions for affected businesses, though no specific details were provided.
Concerns Raised by the Irish SME Association
The Irish SME Association (ISME) has voiced concerns over the ongoing situation, noting that many parcels are trapped in Fastway depots. They urged the appointed receivers to act swiftly to release these goods to prevent further financial losses for small businesses, especially during this crucial trading period.
- ISME CEO Neil McDonnell highlighted that goods in transit do not count as Fastway’s assets.
- He emphasized the urgency of resolving the matter to protect small businesses from financial distress.
Receivership Details
Fastway Couriers, a prominent player in Ireland’s courier industry, was placed into receivership last week. The situation has created a ripple effect, impacting thousands of businesses reliant on Fastway for their delivery needs.
Joint receivers, Mark Degnan and Brendan O’Reilly from Interpath, acknowledged the significant disruption caused by the receivership. They are working to manage what they termed a “highly complex situation” diligently and equitably.
The ongoing uncertainty has left many small businesses anxious about their operations and the future of their deliveries. As this situation unfolds, both An Post and the receivers are under pressure to provide clarity and solutions for those affected.
