UK parcel deliveries are set to reach a record high during the peak season of 2024, exceeding all other European markets.
- Data predicts 1.29 billion shipments across the UK between October and December 2024.
- This surge marks a 10.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
- The rise is largely attributed to the expanding e-commerce sector.
- Germany and France follow as the second and third busiest parcel markets in Europe.
The UK’s parcel delivery industry is set to experience unprecedented activity during the peak season of 2024, with shipments reaching a staggering 1.29 billion. This represents a notable increase from 2023’s figures of 1.17 billion, as reported by a comprehensive study conducted by FedEx. The study identifies the UK as the top market in Europe for parcel deliveries during this period, accounting for 21% of all parcels, equivalent to 12 parcels for every person in the UK and Europe collectively. Such momentum highlights the UK’s significant role in the European delivery landscape.
This growth is closely linked to the ongoing rise in e-commerce, which now accounts for nearly 70% of shipments directed to consumers within the European market. The burgeoning online shopping trend continues to redefine consumer behaviour, prompting logistics and transportation sectors to adapt. Consequently, the industry observes a shift towards deferred services, echoing cost-consciousness among consumers and businesses alike.
Germany and France trail behind the UK in parcel delivery volumes during the peak season, with Germany managing 1.1 billion parcels, representing 17% of the market, and France handling 524 million, or 8.4% of the total European parcels. The combined parcel volume across Europe for this period is anticipated to reach 6.2 billion, underscoring a 9% rise from the previous year. This substantial growth signals a transformative phase for both logistics and consumer markets in the region.
FedEx’s strategic measures to handle increased demands include scaling its transport networks, optimising air and road transportation, and leveraging predictive technologies to address potential disruptions. Alun Cornish, Vice President of FedEx Network Operations, notes that the ‘golden quarter’ is crucial for UK businesses, requiring robust logistics support to fulfil consumer expectations. The company’s strategies are poised to ensure seamless parcel delivery during this critical period.
The study, executed by Effigy Consulting, involved leveraging a vast CEP database comprising 500,000 data points from over 300 carriers across 41 countries. This rigorous analysis provides a deep insight into the parcel delivery patterns and trends emerging across Europe, setting a benchmark for the logistics industry. With UK growth only surpassed by Portugal, Poland, and nations like Turkey, Croatia, and Bulgaria, this boom reflects both a regional and global shift towards e-commerce-driven logistics.
The peak season of 2024 establishes the UK as the leader in European parcel deliveries, fuelled by e-commerce expansion.
