As a new addition to the team at TNT Post I have had the opportunity to experience our new End-to-End delivery service. I travelled to Shepherds Bush to spend the day with our posties.

Shepherds Bush opened April 18^th and can process up to 24 000 items a day. Shepherds Bush is part of our West London group of delivery units which deliver to 250,000 households and employ over 400 postmen, 50 % of which are between 18-24 and have been employed through the governments young persons works program.

Talking to some of the postmen we discussed how valuable they found their bikes and 'on-track' digital scanners. The new digital scanners helped assist our postmen to remain on time and on route throughout their daily rounds.

I then had the opportunity to experience cycling training with Rob. All postmen have to pass cycling training before they are allowed to go out on delivery with their bikes. Rob is one of TNT Post's new trainee postmen. Rob was previously out of work for over two months before he was partnered with TNT Post through the governments work program.

Rob and I walked our 'mail star' bikes from the delivery unit to a circuit away from the road to begin Part 1 of the cycling program. Our cycling instructor Nick demonstrated ways in which we can inspect our bikes to ensure the safest cycling experience. Rob and I then had various assessments to pass, testing the bikes which we found to be maneuverable and well balanced. With our new skills and faith in our bikes Nick prepped us for part 2, joining the midday traffic of Shepherds Bush.

Part 2 of training involved safe, efficient ways for postmen to begin their rounds from side roads whilst carrying up to 28kg's mail. As the midday traffic picked up Nick also demonstrated effective ways for TNT Posties to remain safe whilst making during deliveries amongst heavy traffic. As Rob and I successfully negotiated  3 busy junctions amongst lorries and buses, we both thankfully passed part 2 of our cycling proficiency. All our postmen involved in our end-to-end trial in London, are effectively trained both inside and outside the delivery unit.

[Written by: Leo Matthews ]