Is Yodel and Hermes the Same?

Whether you are a regular online shopper or someone who sends and receives parcels frequently, you might have come across the names Yodel and Hermes. These two courier services are quite popular in the UK, and they often get mentioned in the same breath. In this article, we will delve deeper into this topic and answer the question – Is Yodel and Hermes the Same?

Overview of Yodel

Yodel is a courier service that was founded in 2010 by the merger of two companies – Home Delivery Network and DHL Express UK. It has its headquarters in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and operates across the UK. Yodel offers a range of delivery services, including standard delivery, next-day delivery, two-day delivery, etc.

Overview of Hermes

Hermes is another courier service that operates in the UK. It was founded in 1972 as a delivery service for catalogues, but it has since evolved into a full-fledged courier service. Like Yodel, Hermes offers various delivery options to its customers.

Are Yodel and Hermes the Same?

The short answer is no; Yodel and Hermes are not the same company. They are separate entities that compete with each other for customers’ business. However, there are some similarities between them that might cause confusion.

For instance, both companies offer similar services such as standard delivery, next-day delivery, two-day delivery, etc. Additionally, they both use parcel shops as drop-off/pick-up points for their customers.

Differences Between Yodel and Hermes

Despite their similarities, there are several differences between Yodel and Hermes that set them apart from each other.

Ownership: One significant difference between these two companies is their ownership structure. As mentioned earlier, Yodel was formed by merging two companies – Home Delivery Network and DHL Express UK. On the other hand, Hermes is a subsidiary of the Otto Group, a German multinational company that specializes in e-commerce and logistics.

Delivery Network: Another difference between Yodel and Hermes is their delivery network. While both companies operate across the UK, Yodel has a more extensive delivery network than Hermes. Yodel covers around 85% of UK addresses, while Hermes covers around 95% of UK addresses.

Courier Partners: Yodel and Hermes also differ in their courier partners. Yodel works with various courier partners such as CollectPlus, UPS, and Parcelforce, while Hermes has its own fleet of couriers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Yodel and Hermes are not the same company; they are separate entities that offer similar services to their customers. While they might have some similarities, there are several differences between them that set them apart from each other. As a customer, it’s essential to understand these differences to make an informed choice when choosing a courier service for your needs.