Mail and Express Delivery Show: 'Parcel carriers must innovate to survive'

Parcel carriers must keep on innovating to survive in an over-subscribed courier sector, according to industry experts.

"I predict there will be more consolidation and acquisitions in the courier market from firms looking to increase their presence in the booming b2c world," says Walter Blackwood, former HDNL MD, as he opened the Mail and Express Delivery Show in London this week.

Chris Pearce-Ramwell, MD at consultancy CPR Logistics, adds: "There is a huge amount of competition from traditional mail carriers who see a decline in letters but a trend for packets and parcels. Start watching these rivals and ensure you segregate yourself as stronger."

He singles out DPD, which recently unveiled a one-hour delivery slot guarantee, as leading the way in innovation.

Meanwhile, APC Overnight MD Ivor Skinner tells roadtransport.com the company is looking at expanding its post-6pm delivery service in response to demand.