Australian parcel delivery service, Sendle has seen shipping volumes increase by more than 20% across Australia since the COVID-19 crisis escalated with an uptick in pet products, clothing, health supplements and homemade masks.

There has also been an increase in new customers sending a parcel with Sendle for the first time. In light of this, the delivery service is helping businesses transition to online trading and ensuring retailers can continue delivering parcels to customers.

Sendle is encouraging the use of its free door-to-door pick up courier service, enabling the ‘Authority to Leave’ feature for all parcels, introducing strict hygiene measurers for delivery drivers and providing affordable shipping rates.

Speaking exclusively to Retailbiz, Sendle CEO and co-founder, James Chin-Moody said the delivery service is committed to helping small businesses across Australia stay open and operate during these challenging times.

“Keeping our team and customers safe is our number one priority so we have quickly pivoted our operations in line with the COVID-19 measures implemented by both the federal and state governments,” he said.

“Our free door-to-door pick up courier service means parcel deliveries don’t need to stop when post offices close or consumers are locked down at home and it is especially valuable to retailers who are restricted by a lack of transport.

“Our pick-up and delivery service is completely contactless, ensuring customers and drivers can keep safe and continue practicing social distancing, while our ‘Authority to Leave’ feature further eliminates contact.

“A flat rate per parcel cost ensures delivery spend is not subject to fluctuations, minimums or hidden costs because we know how important it is for small businesses to keep costs down right now.”