CouriersPlease (CP) has confirmed that deliveries across its network grew by 80% nationally between March and October compared to the prior corresponding period with Victoria experiencing the strongest growth, up 150% during the same period.

In response to the growth, CP increased its franchisee network by more than 40%, their staff by 30% and hired hundreds of additional drivers. They opened six new facilities in NSW, QLD, WA, and ACT to improve processing capabilities, and improved its technologies to minimise potential delays and enhance the delivery experience.

The recent expansion has prepared its operations to cope with demand during the peak period. CP has worked closely with its customers and forecast a 35 to 50% growth in deliveries in the lead up to Christmas on top of existing volume growth.

CP has rolled out a new driver app, CPGo to provide optimum route planning and prioritisation and gives consumers visibility and control of the delivery experience.

In response to the challenge of reverse logistics, CP launched its self-service returns platform, Boomerang, which enables retailers and consumers the choice to return unwanted or faulty items via a contactless pick-up from home or by dropping items off at one of 1,700+ drop points, through its partner Hubbed.

CP CEO, Mark McGinley said the courier service has been extremely fortunate and privileged to continue operating as an essential service during the pandemic to help Australians access goods online while the retail sector was constrained by the pandemic.

“We were quick to implement improvements across the business when we experienced the first spike in volumes and forecasted that the growth would continue. We are an agile and responsive logistics partner working closely with our customers to provide them the products and service levels that they require to grow their business during these uncertain times. As a result, we feel we are in the best position we have ever been to respond to the expected exponential demand this quarter.

“Due to the passion and commitment of our staff and franchisees we have handled the extremely high volumes of work with great efficiency and have maintained our high service levels.”

Image: CouriersPlease CEO Mark McGinley in the Rosehill depot