Pitney Bowes: carriers are racing to keep up with competition and with consumer demand
Pitney Bowes Inc. has released the latest Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index which found that global parcel volume surpassed 100 billion in 2019, and predicts that Global parcel volume is likely to more than double by 2026.
More than three of every five parcels shipped in the world’s major markets are generated by China. Over 3000 parcels were shipped every second in 2019 in the world’s 13 major markets.
The report forecasts parcel volume is most likely to more than double and reach 220-262 billion parcels by 2026, with a 14.8 % CAGR for 2020-2024. Due to increased uncertainty fueled 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.
The Index also highlights the advance of Amazon Logistics as a major market player, delivering 1.9 billion packages in the US alone through its in-house delivery network, showing 155% parcel volume growth in 2019 year-over-year and forecasting its CAGR at 30 % from 2020-2024.
Amazon Logistics has been rapidly increasing their delivery capacity in the US and expects to compete for external business with traditional carriers. This effort has been stalled somewhat in 2020 driven by COVID-19 and the significant increase in Amazon’s own shopping volume. Amazon’s overall US parcel volume (including Amazon Logistics Network and parcels given to USPS and other carriers) increased by 22% year-over-year.
The Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index measures volume and spend for business-to-business, business-to-consumer, consumer-to-business and consumer-consigned shipments with weight up to 31.5 kg (70 lbs.) in 13 major markets, representing 3.8 billion people in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, China, Japan, Australia and India. Based on proprietary and published data, the Index has become a valued industry benchmark and a reliable source of accurate forecasting since the inaugural report in 2015.
Index reveals 17.7 %vgrowth in parcel volume in 2019 with 3,248 parcels shipped every second
The latest report reveals growth of 17.7 % in 2019, in line with the 17-28 % growth projection range given in previous Parcel Shipping Index reports. On average, 3,248 parcels were shipped every second in 2019 in the world’s 13 major markets, equating to an average of 27 parcels shipped per person. China remains the strongest influence on the market with 63.5 billion parcels shipped in 2019 and an increase of 26 % in parcel volume year-over-year. Excluding China, parcel volume increased by 6.7 % , from 37 billion in 2018 (including Amazon Logistics volume in the US) to 39 billion in 2019. Global parcel revenue increased by 9 % year-over-year from $323 billion in 2018 to $351 billion in 2019, at a CAGR of 11 % during 2013-19.
While all countries except Japan saw steady growth in parcel volume, the impact of emerging and maturing e-commerce markets is reflected in the figures. Norway’s percentage increase in parcel volume is second only to China’s, with the European country shipping 80 million parcels compared to the previous year’s 60 million – an increase of 24 % .
India has the third highest percentage increase after China and Norway, experiencing growth of 19 % in parcel volume, shipping 2.8 billion parcels and reaching a CAGR of 22 % since 2013.
All markets reported an increase in carrier revenue growth year-over-year, with the exception of Germany which saw a slight decline of -0.2 % , largely driven by currency exchange rates as carrier revenue growth in Euros in Germany was positive at 5.2%.
As parcel volumes rise, carriers continue to find innovative ways to expand their networks and improve the customer experience in increasingly competitive markets.
Key findings from the latest Pitney Bowes Shipping Index include:
- China extended its global lead in parcel volume, with 63 billion parcels and growth of 26 % year-over-year, although this growth has declined from the 48-61 % growth seen from 2012-16. A CAGR of 38 % was reached from 2013-2019. China’s parcel volume is more than four times that of the United States, its nearest country in terms of volume.
- United States ranks highest in the Index for parcel shipping revenue at $130 billion. Amazon Logistics is growing in influence and market share, emerging as a major player in the logistics market in the US, reflecting its influence in countries such as the UK.
- Norway sees the second highest year-over-year growth rate in the Index with a 24 % increase in parcel volume from 2018, with parcel volume of 80 million, driven largely by the maturing of the e-commerce market.
- Italy had the fourth highest year-over-year parcel volume growth with a 14.8 % increase in parcel volume from 2018 and reaching nearly 1 billion parcels.
- Brazil sees a 15 % increase in year-over-year parcel volume from 2018-19.
- India is experiencing a CAGR of 22 % in parcel volume 2013-19 and year-over-year growth of 19 % .
- Japan was the only country to show a decline in parcel volume at -3 % , in line with last year’s decline of -2.7 % YoY, although carriers are seeing a slight increase in revenue.
- The UK saw 57 parcels per capita compared with 48 in 2017, the highest per capita increase over the past two years.
“Since its inception, the Shipping Index has become a highly anticipated, reliable industry benchmark. As we mark Pitney Bowes’ 100th anniversary, this year’s milestone of global parcel volume surpassing 100 billion parcels seems particularly serendipitous,” said Jason Dies, EVP and Vice President Sending Technology Solutions.
“While parcel volumes keep rising, carriers are racing to keep up with competition and with consumer demand, delivering innovative new customer experiences, digitalizing technologies and investing in infrastructure, all while generating sustainable revenues. Although we won’t document the full impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the industry until next year’s report, in April alone the USPS noted a 60 % rise in parcel volume across the US. Our Index has a track record of accurate forecasting, and our adjusted forecasts of parcel volume reaching 220-262 billion by 2026 demonstrate the phenomenal growth expected across the industry”.
