On-line shopping drives up courier volumes

70-80% of people ordering on-line actively track the movement of their consignment either themselves or through their courier service’s tracking systems. KEVIN MAYHEW RAPID GROWTH in the courier sector – driven largely by on-line shopping – is having a major impact on the industry which is being called on to provide much faster service and accurate tracking systems to millions of individual clients. Arnold Garber, chief executive officer of clearing software provider Compu-Clearing, says that the trend has also put pressure on customs officials to improve service and they have risen to the task. “Whereas before people would go and purchase a book at Juta, they will now search for it on-line, order it and probably need it within a few days. The result is that about 70-80% of people ordering on-line actively track the movement of their consignment either themselves or through their courier service’s tracking systems. This compares with about 20% that took such an interest just five years ago,” he said. For the suppliers and back-up service providers of software, this has meant providing solutions and service that reduce any downtime. “The reaction is instantaneous if there is any reason for information not being available about a consignment and we have to respond urgently,” he explained. He said people were also now using courier services for more types of products – which is also a trend partly driven by on-line trading. This applies to high value lighter items such as exclusive shoes or other accessories. Referring specifically to developments within the company, Garber said that its electronic tariff book was now available free of charge. It can be downloaded from www.compu-clearing.com