DHL predicts bumper Christmas delivery volumes

Logistics company DHL has predicted that delivery volumes in Australia over the 2017 Christmas season will be up 20 per cent from the 2016 season, with peak volumes of overseas parcels expected on 18 December, as a final wave of last minute international orders are placed over the preceding weekend.
“Consumers are gradually turning to overseas online retailers for their Christmas purchases,” said Gary Edstein, CEO and Senior Vice President, DHL Express Oceania. “Online shopping enables them to buy products from around the world that may not be available in domestic brick and mortar stores. And with online retailers now offering a wide range of convenient delivery options to consumers, it’s now easier than ever to fill the Christmas stocking.
“At DHL Express, we are experiencing the direct effect of the move to online shopping, and in response to this, we have put in place a peak Christmas season strategy to cater to this tremendous volume growth.”
DHL’s couriers will be working extended delivery hours six days a week on the run-up to Christmas, adding additional weekend and evening delivery routes and more than 300 additional drivers working in the lead-up to Christmas Eve.
“The teams are the very heart of our delivery operations; our courier drivers, our warehouse staff and the pilots flying our planes all work tirelessly to ensure every parcel is delivered within our transit time targets,” said Edstein. “It is incredibly positive to witness such strong industry growth year-on-year.”