04/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2024 05:05
U.S. Market Parcel Revenue Sees First Decline in Seven Years Despite Increased Parcel Volume
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 17, 2024-- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI), a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services, today released its annual U.S. Parcel Shipping Index, which revealed significant shifts in the carrier competitive landscape and consumer behaviors in 2023.
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2023 U.S. parcel volume ahead of pre-pandemic predictions (Photo: Business Wire)
Of the four largest carriers (USPS, Amazon Logistics, UPS, and FedEx), only Amazon Logistics grew volumes year-over-year, and by a staggering 15.7%. One year after passing FedEx in parcel volumes, Amazon Logistics has passed UPS and is gaining momentum on market leader USPS.
Both Amazon Logistics and USPS experienced revenue growth, while UPS and FedEx declined in both parcel volume and revenue. Meanwhile, the "others" category comprised of smaller carriers witnessed substantial growth in revenue and volume. Although Amazon Logistics nearly tripled its shipping volumes from 2019 to 2023 (from 2B to 5.9B), it remains fourth in market share by revenue ($28.6B), generating less than half of UPS ($68.9B) and FedEx ($63.2B), foreshadowing a secular shift in the economics of last mile delivery towards smaller parcels and cost-effective shipping services.
"Despite the continued aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, persistent inflation, and pessimistic economic perceptions, consumer spending remains resilient, primarily via a growing demand for affordable goods from global marketplaces. The result is an influx of smaller, less-expensive, lightweight packages which drive up volumes at a lower rate of revenue-per-piece," said Shemin Nurmohamed, EVP and President, Sending Technology Solutions at Pitney Bowes.
The four largest carriers shared more of the market with smaller competitors in 2023, as "other" carriers saw their combined volumes grow 28.5%. This was underscored by a 0.5% increase (to 21.7B) in parcel volume alongside the first parcel revenue decline in seven years (0.3% decline to $197.9B).
"The legacy players are still adapting as the delivery landscape shifts to favor natively direct-to-consumer parcel networks that are designed from the start to serve residential deliveries, such as the USPS, Amazon Logistics and specialized/localized carriers," said Vijay Ramachandran, VP of Go-to-Market Enablement and Experience at Pitney Bowes. "While parcel volume growth has shifted from double to single digits, consumers' appetites for 'real-time retail,' or affordable goods that are brought to market based on fast-moving trends, will continue to elevate parcel volumes well beyond the effects of the pandemic."
Nurmohamed added: "As shippers gain access to an array of carrier options, multi-carrier platforms with recommendation engines help them identify and select the best carriers for their network and individual shipments, meeting customer demands efficiently and cost-effectively. It's what Pitney Bowes is delivering for clients today."
Carrier Volume
While U.S. parcel volume didn't change significantly from 2022, total volume was up 0.5% from 21.5 billion in 2022 to 21.7 billion in 2023. Additionally, 2023 was the first time in the Index's history that Amazon Logistics-the only carrier that did not see a decline-surpassed UPS in parcel volume.
Market Share by Volume
Carrier Revenue
In 2023, U.S. parcel revenue declined slightly for the first time in 7 years by 0.3% from $198.4 billion in 2022 to $197.9 billion, reflecting high capacity built after the pandemic and intense competition.
Market Share by Revenue
Forecast
About the Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index
The Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index measures parcel volume and spend for business-to-business, business-to-consumer, consumer-to-business, and consumer-consigned shipments that weigh up to 70 pounds (31.5 kg). Parcels are defined as shipments that do not require special handling. The Index provides last-mile view of parcels. Carrier revenue includes the cost to ship an item from its point of origin to point of destination, and margins charged by the carrier. This does not include the price value of the item being shipped.
About Pitney Bowes
Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI) is a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services to more than 90 percent of the Fortune 500. Small business, retail, enterprise, and government clients around the world rely on Pitney Bowes to reduce the complexity of sending mail and parcels. For the latest news, corporate announcements, and financial results, visit www.pitneybowes.com/us/newsroom. For additional information, visit Pitney Bowes at www.pitneybowes.com.
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Marifer Rodriguez
Director of Communications
[email protected]
Source: Pitney Bowes Inc.