Courier Activities in the UK - Market Research Report

Delivering growth: Strong online sales continue to drive up demand for couriers' services

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

Over the five years through 2023-24, couriers' revenue is projected to mount at a compound annual rate of 5.9% to £15.8 billion. A key trend has been the decline in traditional letter and document delivery as the economy becomes ever-more digitalised amid the growing availability of electronic substitutes. In response to this changing landscape, couriers have promoted premium offerings, including express delivery options, tracking and proof-of-delivery facilities and click-and-collect points. The use of zero-hour contract workers has a dominant theme, although this quickly began to change following the government's workplace reforms in December 2018, which granted casual workers greater job security and higher wages. Companies in the Courier Activities industry pick up, sort, transport and deliver letters and parcels, bulk materials, documents and medical supplies. The industry includes both licensed and unlicensed couriers.