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Over the past couple of months, we’ve faced some challenges in freighting plants across the country, but I want to take you behind the scenes and share the exciting changes we’re making to improve the process.
First, let me say how much I appreciate the incredible patience many of you have shown while we worked through these issues. Moving live plants is no small feat, and when things go wrong, it can be frustrating for everyone involved – you, me, and the plants!
The main challenge has been with our current freight provider. Unfortunately, they’ve recently taken on a large international online business and shifted their priorities, leaving perishable items like our precious plants sitting in depots for unacceptable periods. In some cases, plants have even been returned to us after long delays, requiring replacements to be sent out – an experience that’s been frustrating for both myself and my customers.
We’ve also faced delays caused by ferry disruptions across the Cook Strait, which has added another layer of complexity to getting plants to their new homes on time.
“Post Haste” our new courier for 2025!
But here’s the exciting news: we’re partnering with Post Haste for 2025!
This change is a game-changer for RhodoDirect. Post Haste will integrate automated freight directly into our website for online sales, which means:
- All deliveries will arrive within three days maximum, with most arriving overnight.
- Track and trace will automatically activate as soon as your parcel leaves our nursery.
- Reliable, efficient service that ensures your plants arrive safely and in perfect condition.
I truly believe this move will provide a faster, more reliable experience for everyone.
If you’ve ever been surprised by the freight cost when placing an order, don’t hesitate to give me a call. Sometimes, there are alternative options that can save you money. For example:
- For Example, if you have a rural delivery address, see if you can drop your plants off at a friend’s house in your local town, as each rural delivery charge adds approx. $10 per box.
- Getting friends together and grouping orders is another efficient way to save on the freight.
- For orders of eight or more plants heading north from Christchurch, Rockeater, a specialised plant transporter, can be a cost-effective choice.
- I also have great contacts for deliveries heading south from Christchurch, so let’s chat about what might work best for you.
Rockeater here to pick up plants to take up to the North Island!
To keep freight costs as low as possible, I don’t charge for packing. While it might not be the most glamorous solution, banana boxes have proven to be the strongest option for securely holding the weight of plants during transit. Coupled with egg cartons and recycled cardboard, this method keeps plants snug and safe. (And no, I don’t eat boxes of bananas or have shares in the cellotape and staples industries – although it feels like I should, given how much I use!)
New Freight Days for 2025
Our freight dispatch days will now be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This schedule allows us to ensure plants are packed fresh and dispatched promptly, avoiding any unnecessary weekend delays in transit.
Once again, I want to thank all my wonderful customers for sticking with us during the challenges of the past two months. Your patience and understanding have meant the world to me. I’m thrilled to start this new chapter with Post Haste and can’t wait to provide you with a fast, reliable, and stress-free service this year!
Here’s to smooth deliveries and happy gardens in 2025! 🌱