When we arrived at the DU, we were given a tour and shown the day-to-day process that the posties work to, including the route planning that they use to deliver mail to the South West area of London.  We were also shown the electronic scanners which the posties must carry with them on every route.  Using the scanner to read the bar code printed on the front of a piece of mail, our posties must scan each item before they post it.  This new technology is unique to TNT Post and enables us to increase delivery efficiency. 

Following our tour we were introduced to our postie for the day; Lorelle Shirley, who took us on her routes for the morning.  Watching Lorelle load up her TNT Post trolley, she talked us through the process; ensuring that the bags were level on either side and checking that the security locks were in good working order.  Although it was a wet day in London, when we walked out of the DU, Lorelle was friendly and cheerful as we tagged along.  Lorelle explained to us about how she became a postie and that although she works at the Victoria unit in South West London, she actually lives in North London and commutes over every day by train and tube.  Lorelle has been offered work at the DU closer to her home, but enjoys her routes in South West London and the people she meets so has opted to stay at Victoria DU.

The Grosvenor Hotel was the first stop for Lorelle where she greeted the doorman with a warm good morning and he responded with a smile and a nod.  It’s a similar greeting to all of those that she engages with on her route; receptionists, security guards, shop owners and home owners, and most respond in a similar manner.  As Lorelle continued to deliver post, we could see the enjoyment she gets from her job.  With a sporting background, she explains that one of the bonuses of being a postie for her is that it keeps her fit and that she can be out in the fresh air, whether it be in sunshine, rain, wind or snow.  

From the interaction we saw that Lorelle has at each delivery point, it is clear that she has built up great relationships.  She expressed to us that meeting people is also a great part of her job.  Lorelle is also often asked for directions by members of the public where her job as a postie is invaluable for local knowledge, all of them thankful for her help.  Lorelle always goes that ‘extra mile’ as a postie brand ambassador.  

After we got back to the DU after completing two rounds, it was a shock to realise that we had been walking round Victoria delivering post for 2.5 hours.  Despite the weather, the time seemed to have flown by.  We felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that our customers, that have used our E2E delivery service, have received their post in a prompt and professional manner.  The day out with Lorelle had been really inspiring and provided us with a fantastic insight into the world of a TNT Post Postie and how our E2E service works.  A big thank you to Lorelle and to everyone at the Victoria DU in London who made us feel so welcome.