Nothing to change for the bulk mailers

Guernsey Post, Moonpig, Funky Pigeon, and other bulk mailers, have all been in conversation about the planned changes to the island’s out-going mail services.

From July all standard mail will leave the island by boat – adding around 24-hours to delivery times.

The post already comes in by boat, after the dedicated mail-plane service was scrapped a year ago.

A system put in place – partly to protect the bulk mailers who send thousands of cards to the UK and elsewhere each day – meant our post kept flying off-island most nights.

Guernsey Post CEO Steve Sheridan said rising costs means that now has to stop as well.

“Our priority is to provide a reliable, well-managed and financially sustainable postal service for the island,” he said. 

“Transitioning standard mail to sea allows for that whilst also protecting essential services for those who depend on them.”

Urgent post will still leave the island by plane, said Guernsey Post, with the utility explaining that will involve working with the existing air links we have.

“We continue to explore options for securing space on commercial flights for genuinely urgent items,” explained a spokesperson. “In this context, ‘urgent items’ refers to time‑critical mail such as Special Delivery, where customers require a next‑day guaranteed service.”

Guernsey Post said talks around logistics for dealing with urgent mail, changing staff hours, and other matters have included conversations with both Moonpig and Funky Pigeon who between them employ hundreds of people in the island.

“Our bulk mail partners remain fully committed to operating from the island, and we’ve been working closely with them for some time to make sure the revised sea‑based model continues to meet their commercial needs,” said a spokesperson for Guernsey Post in response to questions from Express.

“They understand the reasons for the change and have been constructive in helping us shape a viable solution that works for all parties.”

Moonpig told Express that it is aware of Guernsey Post’s confirmed plans to withdraw the dedicated weekday plane to the UK, but the online card retailer said it intends to continue operating from its site on Braye Road.

A spokesperson for Funky Pigeon said its Guernsey base, on Guelles Road, is a “key” part of its business.

“We are working closely with Guernsey Post on future arrangements and remain committed to our fulfilment centre in Guernsey, which plays a key role in serving our customers.”

Staff at both bases are currently working on producing and packing tens of thousands of cards to be sent to customers ahead of Mothering Sunday this weekend.

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