The last 2 years have completely changed the way we live our lives. With the pandemic bringing everything to a standstill, so many industries had to adjust and find new solutions for continuing everyday services and operations. The courier market was no exception, in fact the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on this industry.
Demand for Courier Services
Despite many industries slowing down and placing staff on furlough, the courier market actually experienced a boom in demand. Due to the nation being placed into lockdowns, the increase of online shopping led to a huge increase in demand for courier services.
For many of us to avoid leaving our homes and entering the long queues outside supermarkets and essential stores, online retailers offered the greatest solution. This meant for courier services and courier drivers up and down the country, the result was a huge rise in the number of daily deliveries. In fact, the courier market itself grew an incredible 17% during the year 2020!
Helping Small Businesses Continue Operations
As well as ensuring parcels were delivered during lockdown, providing essential items to households, the existence of courier services meant small businesses were able to continue their operations as regularly as they possibly could. Stepping up to the plate to offer their services, those within the courier market could help small businesses reach their customers while regular in-store experiences were put on hold.
Many of which were offering reduced fees, same day, on demand and overnight courier services to support local businesses during this difficult time.
Supporting the Medical Sector
To add to the support the courier industry was offering the nation during the initial lockdown of 2020, they were also on hand to aid the medical sector. During such a challenging and complicated time, courier drivers were able to offer their services to ensure the necessary medical products were handled, stored and delivered safely and securely. Many courier service providers were able to add an additional service to their businesses providing medical courier services during our NHS’ time in need. Proving, once again, the importance of these services for day-to-day operations within the UK.
Adjustments Made Within the Industry
Although the industry was able to offer incredible support and truly stepped up to the challenge, many adjustments were made to ensure courier services were COVID safe.
This resulted in deliveries becoming contactless. Which is a term used to describe a socially distanced delivery service. This meant drivers had to adhere to new rules, including wearing face coverings while working and leaving parcels in a secure place before leaving the premises to ensure no direct contact was made with the receiver or sender.
To Summarise…
Despite the devastating outcomes the COVID-19 pandemic has had on a number of industries across the country and the world, the courier market was able to continue to offer services and saw fantastic growth during this period. Offering their support to a wide number of businesses, organisations and households in need as well as maintaining regular deliveries. As demand continues to grow for courier services, the market is set to continue to see continued growth over the coming years.
