DHL Express NZ predicts an almost 40% volume surge

DHL Express New Zealand is predicting a 35% - 40% increase in parcel deliveries this festive season, over 7% higher than the same period in 2017.

To meet with growing e-commerce volume, and in anticipation of the peak in demand during this time of the year, DHL Express NZ has permanently added 35 new courier fleets across New Zealand’s major regions, effectively doubling their courier fleet since 2014. DHL Express NZ has also hired additional temporary staff, increased reception hours of Service Centers and implemented more courier cycles during the busy holiday period.

DHL Express NZ now sees the Christmas surge beginning from the first week of October, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday adding to the spike in the last weekend of November. The biggest delivery day for DHL Express NZ in December was Monday, December 17, the start of the last full working week before Christmas Day.

DHL Express NZ Country Manager, Mark Foy is confident that DHL Express NZ is prepared for the holiday surge in demand. “During this busy time of year, our courier ‘Santas’ are working hard to ensure Kiwis receive their presents on time before Christmas Day across the country,” says Foy.

The e-commerce sector has experienced significant recent growth and change in consumer patterns, according to the 2018 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer, 36% of Kiwi businesses generate up to 20% of their orders online and 16% now generate 90 – 100% of all their orders online. DHL Express NZ now see approximately 60% of shipments brought into New Zealand heading to consumers primarily at residential addresses, with major e-commerce import commodities including fashion apparel and health supplements.

Commenting on the recent trend, Mark Foy adds, “Consumers are increasingly shopping online internationally and they are looking for ways to shop quickly, conveniently, with reliable shipping options, and receive their purchases instantly.”

Foy continues, “E-commerce sites and start-up retailers who are expanding to new overseas markets need a reliable and fast worldwide door-to-door delivery service. We have seen a positive response to our flexible delivery options, particularly our On Demand Delivery and Parcel Locker services from online Kiwi shoppers.”

During this busy time, online shoppers and businesses are seizing the opportunity to use DHL Express’ On Demand Delivery service which allows receivers and shoppers globally to select from a range of flexible and convenient delivery options. DHL Express has seen an average of 56% year-on-year shipment volume increase in the ODD service.

One of the more popular On Demand Options for Kiwis has been to collect their parcels from one of the nine DHL Parcel Locker’s located around New Zealand. Packages are delivered to a locker and shipment is available for collection simply by using a code on arrival, removing delivery hour limitations and the need to sign for packages on delivery.

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