Demand for delivery surges in Bellarine

A SURGE in parcel volumes has seen two Bellarine Peninsula couriers open the door to new opportunities in order to meet the delivery demand.

The Aramex Geelong Courier Franchise partners have decided to split their territories as a result of the COVID-19 online shopping boom.

Craig Roberts owns and operates the North Bellarine territory, and Amanda and Colin, who preferred not to share their surname, run the Ocean Grove territory.

Amanda said the business had doubled in size since she bought it two years ago and was thankful to be on the frontline of an industry that had enjoyed huge growth this year.

“Not many people would be positive about starting a business during COVID-19, but our industry is one that has been lucky.

“Last year I was delivering 50-60 parcels three days a week, while Colin was doing 70-80 daily. It’s now doubled in less than 12 months. We’ve had three years’ worth of growth in 12 months due to COVID-19.”

Amanda is now delivering nearly 100 parcels a day and anticipates parcel volumes will continue to grow in the area.

“The government push for home-based businesses means there’s a huge opportunity for us. There are home-based businesses on the Bellarine looking to ship almost anything. Most of our deliveries were clothing, originally, now we do everything from food, to vitamins and automotive parts.”

Amanda uses Blu Couriers to help manage the workload to consistently deliver parcels to the Ocean Grove area.

Mr Roberts is also looking to split his territory, such is the demand.

He is now handling 200 parcels per day and also uses Blu Couriers to deliver another 200. His parcel volumes have grown by more than 150 per cent in two years.