Did someone say pass the parcel? It looks like it, with the annual report from Pitney Bowes Inc. finding the global parcel volume surpassed 100 billion from 2019, reaching 103 billion.
Australians shipped 934 million parcels in 2019, an increase of 8% year over year (YoY), with an average of 37 parcels shipped per person.
Furthermore, eCommerce retail sales grew by 4% to YoY to reach USD 15.7 billion in 2019, making Australia the 10th largest ecommerce market worldwide.
“Unsurprisingly, shipping volumes and revenue continue to grow in Australia,” says vice president and country manager of Pitney Bowes Japan, Australia & New Zealand, Stephen Darracott.
“When we break down the 934 million parcels sent throughout 2019, that equates to an average of more than 2.5 million parcels each day, and more than 106 thousand per hour, or 1777 per minute, or 30 per second.”
Mr Darracott says that the popularity comes from the introduction of Buy now, Pay later (BNPL) payment options.
Additionally, he says, “In 2020, the pandemic has completely changed the way Australians live and work, and it is driving a further push towards online shopping.”
Future predictions
The report forecasts parcel volume is most likely to more than double and reach 220-262 billion parcels by 2026.
Due to increased uncertainty fuelled by the global pandemic, the forecast provides a range that shows volumes could be as low as 200 billion or as high as 316 billion parcels in six years.
EVP and vice president Sending Technology Solutions at Pitney Bowes, Jason Dies says, “While parcel volumes keep rising, carriers are racing to keep up with competition and with consumer demand, delivering innovative new customer experiences, digitalising technologies and investing in infrastructure, all while generating sustainable revenues.
“Our index has a track record of accurate forecasting, and our adjusted forecasts of parcel volume reaching 220-262 billion 2026 demonstrates the phenomenal growth expected across the industry.”
View the Pitney Bowes Shipping Index interactive map and infographic for more details.