With Christmas on the way, the volume of packages being sent to households across the UK will rise dramatically. It is no surprise to see Royal Mail taking early action to help manage this effectively and mitigate complaints with the launch of a new app designed to help customers keep tabs on parcels in real time.

Available for both Android and iOS, the app is not just about delivery tracking, but also provides a wealth of other relevant information that will be useful for consumers who want to order some or all of their festive gifts this year via safe shopping online.

In addition to being able to find local Royal Mail depots and collection points in the event of a missed delivery, the app will let users know about the types of postal services that are available in their area.

Most importantly of all, it will provide customers with the ability to make alterations to the delivery arrangements for their package after the order has been placed via safe shopping online.

This means that if there is a sudden need to change the plan, they can arrange to have the parcel dropped off with a neighbour or sent straight to the nearest post office for added convenience.

A Royal Mail representative said that the app would put customers in charge of their package more directly, while also keeping them informed with easy access to important details on the fly.

Further down the line, there are plans to add more features to the free app so that its functionality and value improve. This is good news for those who regularly shop online, whether during the weeks leading up to Christmas or throughout the rest of the year when the market is a little quieter.