MARKET CONSOLIDATION: New national operator vows to "take on the big guys" in express courier market
October 1, 2009
The express courier market is set for a shake-up, with a new national operator made up of six companies vowing “to take on the big guys”.
ParcelDirect, a joint venture between New Zealand Post and DHL, has begun operating intrastate and interstate services in a bid to unseat the likes of Toll, TNT and Star Track Express, which dominate the market.
The new express service brings together Parcel Overnight Direct, Hills Transport, Northern Kope Parcel Express, Vicfast Couriers, PEP Transport and Couriers Please under the one umbrella.
Following a year spent acquiring and then consolidating the different companies, ParcelDirect now boasts a national network of 800 vehicles and 1500 employees, contractors and drivers across 56 branches.
“Our arrival to the market provides an exciting new nationwide alternative for customers requiring express distribution services,” ParcleDirect Chief Executive Harlis Malkic says.
Despite the new branding, however, Malkic says the six reputable operators will maintain their name with the addition of the red and yellow-themed vehicles and contractor uniforms which will also display ParcelDirect.
“Individually, the acquired businesses offer a uniquely personalised service in their state of origin and this is only enhanced in the new business structure,” Malkic says.
As reported by ATN last year, New Zealand Post was close to acquiring Hills in July to add to its purchases of Couriers Please Parcel Overnight Direct.
Hills Transport was established in 1981 and has grown to become one of the largest independent transport companies in New South Wales, employing 350 staff. The company has depots across NSW, and in Canberra and Brisbane.