Panther extends its offering with launch of Solo

Exciting New One-Man Delivery Service set to ‘Bridge the Gap’ in Home Delivery Marketplace

Specialist delivery company Panther Warehousing has added a new one-man service to its extensive offering to meet the needs of the ever increasing home delivery market of larger items.

The well-respected, white glove expert launched its new ‘Solo’ service at the Metapack Delivery Conference – further cementing its market leading position as a niche supplier in the home delivery industry.

Solo is aimed at deliveries of items that are too large to be handled by a mechanical sortation system – an area which is currently hugely underserved yet imperative for retailers who are looking to maintain the competitive edge.

It will be offered as an added value service to its existing customers as well as a much-needed resource for the wider marketplace and will take Panther to the next level, enabling the company to further dominate the marketplace.

The decision to launch the new ‘Solo’ service came after Panther identified a gap in the market as a result of increased online orders for larger items coupled with a reduction in carrier choice and services over the last two years.

In 2013, the carrier industry handled circa 360 million large items – a figure which is estimated to grow to over 507 million larger items in 2018.

And according to bosses at the Northampton-based delivery firm, a staggering 44.8% of retailers have problems in meeting customer expectations with another 44% believing ‘click and collect’ creates capacity issues in their stores – therefore a range of delivery options are key to the continued growth and success of their business.

The new one-man ‘Solo’ service offers the option of next day or choice of day delivery, delivery time notification as well as live-tracking and E-POD – an electronic proof of delivery system. Customers will also continue to receive the same level of care, professionalism and high-end service that they would receive from a two-man delivery.

Panther is already a market leader in the two-man delivery service and has proved to be a favourite with many retailers due to its flexible and reliable service which includes the ability to order goods as late as 6.30pm with delivery in England, Wales and southern Scotland from as early as 7am the next day – or within 48 hours for the rest of Scotland.

Last year, the company also launched its new Deliver and Build service which provides the end customer with an option to have their home delivery order assembled. This was followed by a new gas, electric and dual fuel installation service to ensure a customer’s goods are up and running as soon as they are delivered.

The business has also expanded into new depots in Watford and Bristol bringing the total number of sites across the UK to seven, ensuring they are well-placed to accommodate any additional volume in deliveries. And Panther has recently invested £3 million in a new fleet to cater for an increase in business.

Colin McCarthy, Managing Director of Panther said: “We have launched the new Solo service to fill a much needed gap in the market and ensure that we continue to meet the ever increasing demands and needs of our customers as well as remaining at the forefront of the industry.

“There are many items which don’t necessarily warrant a two-man delivery service, but customers still expect the same level of care, professionalism and high-end service that they receive with a two-man delivery. This is exactly what we are offering with our new Solo service.”

Over the past two years Panther has gone from strength to strength as more retailers have embraced the company’s unique offering.  Turnover levels have doubled from £13m in 2013 to £26.5m last year and the company has secured a number of major contract wins in the home furnishings and white goods sectors placing the business at the forefront of the home delivery marketplace.