Myhermes using a third party company,what's that all about !!

The tracking on a parcel I sent with Hermes said it was out for delivery two days ago & then nothing,so I contacted them to ask what's going on,it seems they are using another company for rural areas.I've never come across this before & I'm rather annoyed as how am I supposed to know whose going to deliver it when I book it online,Hermes or someone else & then you're waiting god knows how long for it to be delivered!

I've not had too many problems with them before but their Facebook page of late is far worse than I've ever seen it regarding complaints & now this,it's putting me right off them.

Here's their reply below telling me in essence, god knows when the item will arrive!