Overview
Rapid growth in e-commerce sector leads to high demand for courier companies
The e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, driven by high internet penetration and smartphone adoption, strong financial infrastructure and robust logistical facilities. In addition, with more and more e-commerce companies delivering their products directly to clients, the demand for courier companies is on the rise. Consumers now demand an online shopping experience that is efficient, accurate and responsive to their requirements, and moreover, are expecting multiple delivery options and the capability to track and trace their parcels.
The Singapore freight and logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% over the 2022-2027 period. As Singapore is a major transshipment centre and serves as a gateway to several key regions, any changes in the global shipping industry affects Singapore's logistics market, primarily the sea and air segments.
The industry is classified by function (freight transport, freight forwarding, warehousing, and value-enhanced services and other services) and end user (production and automotive, oil and gas, mining and quarrying, agriculture, fishing and forestry, building & construction, distributive trade, healthcare and pharmaceutical, and other end users).
Leading international logistics companies, such as DHL, UPS and DB Schenker, have made Singapore their regional headquarters, while multinational companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever, have located their regional supply chain management teams in Singapore.
Enterprise Singapore and different state authorities are operating within the logistics sector to add value to cold-chain operations, retail and pharmaceutical logistics. To support this, a data infrastructure foundation has been built to exchange secure data throughout the supply chain.
Key Trends
Government transforms logistics sector via technology integration
In 2019, the government began implementing significant changes within the logistics sector as part of its USD 4.5 billion Industry Transformation Maps program. The program's primary goal is to power excellence in logistics operations and ensure that the sector becomes a leader in invention, while at the same time elevating a robust centre of neighbourhood logistics talent, making Singapore attract inward investment. This scheme is called the Logistics Industry Transformation Map (ITM).
Government agencies have worked to quickly overcome disruptions in supply chain networks by providing alternatives to other parts of the network. This has placed more focus on advanced value-added logistics services such as contract logistics that deliver end-to-end results customised to business. In order to support logistics companies in their transformation journey, as per the recent Budget 2022 announcement, the Singapore government will invest an additional SGD 200 million to provide support to local enterprises and workers to boost their technical capabilities.
Most manufacturing corporations ensure that their supply chain control towers and distribution centres are based in Singapore to coordinate with their regional and global supply chains. This scenario has attracted international logistics companies, encouraging them to set up bases in the Singapore logistics industry. Changi Airport has four major carriers, namely DHL Express, FedEx Express, TNT Express and UPS. Airport Logistics Park Singapore (ALPS) is home to major global third-party logistics (3PL) companies such as Expeditors, DB Schenker and Nippon Express, with significant facilities.
Singapore reinforces status as international logistics hub amidst COVID-19 pandemic; e-commerce becomes popular amongst consumers
The pandemic has prompted homebound consumers to adopt a sedentary form of shopping. This trend is expected to continue and change consumer behaviour forever. During the pandemic, customers started making impulse purchases with quick delivery timelines, making the last-mile service an important factor for any business’ success.
Singapore has strengthened its status as a global logistics hub amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, using its competitive advantages such as the efficiency, reliability and resilience of its network. Companies have found out that to ensure greater resilience, their supply chains need to be diversified.
One of the most tremendous benefactors of this pandemic has been the e-commerce sector. With social-distancing regulations at large around the globe, companies have a robust digital presence as they have swiftly pivoted to online purchase and delivery models. Companies with fleets and their own delivery infrastructure suddenly have an advantage as they can scale to meet the growing demand for door-to-door delivery across various e-commerce categories. This prompts businesses to pivot to online models swiftly by deep rooting expertise in international e-commerce logistics.
Industry growth dependent upon digital transformation
Innovations such as computerised parcel sorting systems can provide valuable efficiencies and insights. These systems help to sort incoming parcels automatically and allow for additional data to be captured, such as weight and dimensions. This results in less room for human error, increases the team’s efficiency and allows manpower to be shifted to more skilled areas as required.
Digitalisation needs to exist beyond the warehouse floor. Logistics organisations may also want to examine software application programming interface (API) integration to provide their e-commerce dealers a continuing process, from initiating orders to fulfilment to last-mile delivery. This can be done by integrating with major e-commerce marketplaces and structures like Shopify and WooCommerce. Courier companies need to enhance the packing process by relying on last-mile delivery software. Such software can provide a sustainable shipping plan to ensure safe and on-time delivery of packages. Advanced fleet management systems are also set to be the next technology trend.
Logistics companies have already begun to adopt environmentally friendly practices to reduce carbon emissions and make a contribution to sustainability. Small steps, which include recycling used warehouse resources and materials, and leveraging modern software programs to calculate and decrease their carbon footprint, could make a significant difference in the long run.
Key Statistics
- In 2019, the Singaporean courier, express and parcel (CEP) market was valued at USD 2.34 billion, and it is expected to reach USD 3.65 billion by 2025, with a growth rate of 7.72% during the forecast period (2019-2025).
- In 2020, there were a total of 12,721 companies operating in the transport and logistics industry; out of these, courier business represented 5.5%, totaling 699 businesses.
- In 2020, the courier and post segment generated operating revenues of SGD 2,957 million.
- As at December 2021, Asia-Pacific was the largest regional parcel market by value, accounting for around 40% of the global market. Additionally, the CEP market is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 6% between 2021 and 2026.
- As of October 2019, Southeast Asia’s population was expected to rise from 640 million to 710 million by 2030.
Top Singapore MNCs in Courier Services
S. F. Express (Singapore) Private Limited
SF Express is part of SF International, a logistics-based business company. SF Singapore was established in 2011 and offers international services that include standard express, economy express, e-parcel, and the trans-shipment platform, SFBUY. Its domestic services include courier and COD service, and value-added services such as delivered duty paid, pickup authorisation service, international oversize and overweight shipping, and package service. SF Express provides shipping, track and trace, customs clearance and more. Its solutions include Key to China, a cross-border e-commerce integrated solution.
DTDC Global Express Pte. Ltd.
DTDC Global Express Singapore is part of DTDC Express Limited India, which has over 20 years of experience. With access across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and North America, its services include e-commerce, international courier service for B2C and B2B cross-border transactions, a domestic package of services for door-to-door, and e-fulfilment solutions for domestic and international deliveries. DTDC offers premium, express and economy services, as well as pickups, customs clearance, offshore warehousing, last-mile delivery, COD services, consolidation, line haul, DDU, importer on record, marketplace listing services, e-fulfilment services, RTO management and more.
United Parcel Service Singapore Pte Ltd
Repeated as per client
DHL Express (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
Royale Logistics Pte Ltd
Royale Logistics is an integrated logistics solutions company that provides business-to-business services. Part of Royale International, Hong Kong, Royale Logistics was established in Singapore in 1999. The Hong Kong-based company has offices in over 20 countries. Catering to a range of businesses from SMEs to Fortune 500 enterprises, Royale International offers services such as international courier, express freight, warehousing, mail and fulfilment, e-commerce, time-critical services, and life sciences. Royale has serviced clients such as Zalora, Delta Global, Ted Baker and Haymarket Media Group.
GOGOVan Singapore Pte. Ltd.
GOGOVan Singapore, established in 2014 and part of GOGOX Holdings of Hong Kong, is the first app-based logistics service in Asia. GOGOX functions in over 340 cities across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides door-to-door delivery for individuals, and a hassle-free logistics solution for businesses to help track and manage bulk orders. GOGOX provides motorcycles, cars, vans and lorries of various capacities, to assist with the transportation of documents and small parcels, large and bulky goods, home and office relocation, outdoor activities, e-commerce delivery, and events and roadshow setup. The company offers transparent pricing, reliability and 7-day customer service.
Linehaul Express Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Linehaul Express (LINEX) is the appointed wholesale courier general sales agent for Cathay Pacific Cargo, and general sales agent for Cathay Dragon and China Airlines. Its network has over 18 hubs and connects with nearly 40 countries. Linex provides e-commerce solutions, express services and gateway logistics, as well as Hub-ez – an e-service that includes label printing, order tracking, order management, payments and platform integration. International express services offered are airport-to-airport, airport-to-door and door-to-door. Gateway logistics include customs clearance for imports and exports, premium services, sequenced supply and delivery management, and domestic delivery and collections.
Pickupp Pte. Ltd.
Pickupp, which was established in Singapore in 2017, is a logistics provider and part of the Hong Kong-based global network. Its services include last-mile delivery; international delivery; warehousing and fulfilment that requires no minimum quantity; offers chilled or frozen storage; ensures delivery, pick up and drop off at any time; offers e-commerce support with Shop on Pickupp; and Pick-Up & Drop-Off from Pickupp service points. Pickupp also provides an all-in-one logistics platform, real-time tracking, and the flexibility to accommodate peak season delivery demand. The company services sectors such as food and beverage, e-commerce, retail and luxury, logistics and professional services, and those on Shop on Pickupp.
Federal Express (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Federal Express Singapore, part of FedEx, was established in Singapore in 1984. FedEx provides e-commerce solutions, international priority express with more delivery times available, and connectivity from Asia to the US with an extensive network and services. It offers FedEx Rewards where more deliveries mean more rewards, and the FedEx app allows customers to keep track of shipments and deliveries with real-time alerts, create shipments and obtain rates. Services included in FedEx’s International Priority Express are customs clearance, money-back guarantee, FedEx International Broker Select, delivery signature options and pick up option at FedEx locations.
EasyVan (Sg) Pte. Ltd.
Lalamove EasyVan is a logistics service provider that offers its services through the app or website. The Hong Kong-based firm established an office in Singapore in 2014. It assists businesses of all sizes with last-mile delivery solutions and personal courier services. The company offers employment opportunities to drivers to work as a partner on their own time. Lalamove is affordable with no hidden costs and payable via the app or cash, offers convenience with a range of vehicles to choose from, and safe with real-time tracking. Vehicles range from motorbikes to cars, MPVs, and two sizes of vans and lorries.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Courier Services
DPEX Worldwide Express (S) Pte. Ltd.
DPEX Worldwide is an established express and e-commerce service provider that offers courier services in Singapore and around Asia. The company deals with express, freight, and e-commerce delivery service requirements. Its services include express and import express service, domestic services and dangerous goods service. Print distribution with mailroom management and distribution, fulfilment service that handles shipment orders from beginning to end, time-critical service, and returns management service are also part of the company’s service offering. DPEX enables track and trace of shipments, and offers online tools such as cubic volumetric converter and online quotes for shipments.
Transnational Company Pte Ltd
Transnational Group began as a courier service company in 1999, and has evolved since then by expanding its services. The company now offers supply chain management, mailroom management, cash management, distribution management and records management. Its solutions also include ATM replenishment, cash in transit, dedicated distribution services, general distribution services and technology solutions. Security products such as tamper evident bags and seals, and intelligent security containers are offered by the company. Transnational Group uses technology, with its system Logi-Q, to eliminate human error when it comes to the safe delivery of parcels.
Singapore Post Limited
Repeated as per client
UrbanFox Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
Ninja Logistics Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
Qxpress Pte. Ltd.
Qxpress is an e-commerce logistics solutions provider which was founded in Singapore in 2011. It offers domestic and overseas delivery, as well as smart cargo, and sea or air freight for transporting cargo. Qxpress operates a shipping agent, and has fulfilment services through which it warehouses e-commerce products and receives shipping orders. It provides tracking of orders, real-time stock management, door-ro-door system, packing and warehousing, and reliable logistics solutions with a global network. Qxpress has established offices in the United States, India, and across the Asia-Pacific region in Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia and Malaysia.
GrabTaxi Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
Top Singapore SMEs in Courier Services
Overseas Courier Service (Singapore) Pte. Limited
Repeated as per client
Roadbull Logistics Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
MXHL Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
Network Express Courier Services Pte Ltd
Network Courier is a courier service provider which was established in 1990. The company has a network of local and global contacts, and caters to individuals and corporates. It offers services such as Bike Courier, where the rider covers any route around the island; van delivery for all large parcel requirements; and international services with Frequent Flyer and Value Flyer deals. Additionally, Bike Courier services include Power Pac and Eco Pac deals, and van delivery users are offered the choice of Bundle Pac or Lite Pac. The technology-driven system enables the user to book a service in two minutes and track their package.
IXpress Logistics LLP
iXpress Logistics is a 24/7 courier service that was established in 2016. With an easy-to-use app that enables quick booking, tracking and more, iXpress Logistics' standout feature is Smart Bidding, with rates starting at $7 and never going above the original capped price, enabling savings on deliveries that wouldn't be possible if the service was dependent on the size or weight of the package, or distance of delivery. The company offers premium membership plans, chat support, and services such as Fast Day Delivery, vans, door-to-door, parcel and document courier, and corporate distribution and delivery service.
EZI-E Pte. Ltd.
EZIE Logistics, which was launched in 2021, works with a number of online businesses to address their needs and help automate day-to-day operations by offering multiple solutions. Catering to e-commerce entities such as Shopify, Shopee, Lazada and Woo Commerce, EZIE provides solutions for the financials, marketing, customer service, insurance and shipping sectors. Logistics solutions include local delivery, overseas courier services, same and next-day delivery, e-commerce courier, bulky delivery services, grocery delivery and express deliveries. EZIE partners with J&T Express, Aramex, Grab Express, Panda Go, and others to ensure quality logistic services. Its clients include MillionParcel, Racepack and SingaLife Magazine.
XDel Singapore Pte Ltd
XDel is a courier service provider that was established in 1993. Its services include express courier and delivery services, international and cross border service, e-commerce and last-mile fulfilment solutions, mailroom and logistics solutions, and setting up of bespoke solutions for logistics requirements. The company offers extensive island-wide coverage, digital scans for proof of delivery, parcel and document courier service – either regular or express, and bulk distribution in addition to standard runs. XDel provides tools such as Tracking Couriers; XDel Top Up which enables topping up a prepaid system to pay for deliveries; and a live chat platform to communicate with customer service officers.
The Bluebhell Couriers
The Bluebhell Couriers is a courier service provider which was established in 1995. The company offers same day delivery services, delivery of documents within eight hours, courier services, and express parcel delivery with various modes of transport. With 25 years of experience in the industry, The Bluebhell Couriers has been ranked among the Top 10 Couriers in Yelp Directory, and was featured in Recommended By Best in Singapore. The company covers all areas in terms of delivery – including airports, industrial areas, business parks and central business districts – and offers door-to-door parcel delivery services.
POPVAN.Sg LP
POPVAN is a logistics services company that was established in Singapore in 2017. It offers logistics support, point-to-point delivery, and door-to-door services. For businesses that have a minimal logistics requirement, POPVAN provides support right when it is needed. The company’s ethos is made clear – that parcels are a commitment and a trust which POPVAN takes seriously, and ensures they get to their destination on time, every time. Some of POPVAN's regular clients include Beat'A Box, Artify, Popbar, Edible Garden City, Olla Specialty Coffee, PS Group and UglyGood.
GetVan Pte. Ltd.
GetVan is a logistics services company that was established in 2020. Its services include GetVan Send, an on-demand courier service where the customer selects their preferred vehicle or parcel size, depending on their requirement. GetVan Goods is a van rental service to assist with moving; GetVan Business is a customisable last-mile delivery solution that allows businesses to fulfil their logistical requirements without owning a vehicle; and GetVan Ride is a passenger van-hire service for group travel needs, available either on-demand or by pre-booking, charged by the hour or by distance. GetVan was featured on Singapore's Finest and Best In Singapore.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Courier Services
Roadbull Logistics Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
EasyVan (Sg) Pte. Ltd.
Lalamove EasyVan is a logistics service provider that offers its services through the app or website. The Hong Kong-based firm established an office in Singapore in 2014. It assists businesses of all sizes with last-mile delivery solutions and personal courier services. The company offers employment opportunities to drivers to work as a partner on their own time. Lalamove is affordable with no hidden costs and payable via the app or cash, offers convenience with a range of vehicles to choose from, and safe with real-time tracking. Vehicles range from motorbikes to cars, MPVs, and two sizes of vans and lorries.
Ninja Logistics Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
Pickupp Pte. Ltd.
Pickupp, which was established in Singapore in 2017, is a logistics provider and part of the Hong Kong-based global network. Its services include last-mile delivery; international delivery; warehousing and fulfilment that requires no minimum quantity; offers chilled or frozen storage; ensures delivery, pick up and drop off at any time; offers e-commerce support with Shop on Pickupp; and Pick-Up & Drop-Off from Pickupp service points. Pickupp also provides an all-in-one logistics platform, real-time tracking, and the flexibility to accommodate peak season delivery demand. The company services sectors such as food and beverage, e-commerce, retail and luxury, logistics and professional services, and those on Shop on Pickupp.
UrbanFox Pte. Ltd.
Repeated as per client
DPEX Worldwide Express (S) Pte. Ltd.
DPEX Worldwide is an established express and e-commerce service provider that offers courier services in Singapore and around Asia. The company deals with express, freight, and e-commerce delivery service requirements. Its services include express and import express service, domestic services and dangerous goods service. Print distribution with mailroom management and distribution, fulfilment service that handles shipment orders from beginning to end, time-critical service, and returns management service are also part of the company’s service offering. DPEX enables track and trace of shipments, and offers online tools such as cubic volumetric converter and online quotes for shipments.
GOGOVan Singapore Pte. Ltd.
GOGOVan Singapore, established in 2014 and part of GOGOX Holdings of Hong Kong, is the first app-based logistics service in Asia. GOGOX functions in over 340 cities across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides door-to-door delivery for individuals, and a hassle-free logistics solution for businesses to help track and manage bulk orders. GOGOX provides motorcycles, cars, vans and lorries of various capacities, to assist with the transportation of documents and small parcels, large and bulky goods, home and office relocation, outdoor activities, e-commerce delivery, and events and roadshow setup. The company offers transparent pricing, reliability and 7-day customer service.
United Parcel Service Singapore Pte Ltd
Repeated as per client
Federal Express (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Federal Express Singapore, part of FedEx, was established in Singapore in 1984. FedEx provides e-commerce solutions, international priority express with more delivery times available, and connectivity from Asia to the US with an extensive network and services. It offers FedEx Rewards where more deliveries mean more rewards, and the FedEx app allows customers to keep track of shipments and deliveries with real-time alerts, create shipments and obtain rates. Services included in FedEx’s International Priority Express are customs clearance, money-back guarantee, FedEx International Broker Select, delivery signature options and pick up option at FedEx locations.
Qxpress Pte. Ltd.
Qxpress is an e-commerce logistics solutions provider which was founded in Singapore in 2011. It offers domestic and overseas delivery, as well as smart cargo, and sea or air freight for transporting cargo. Qxpress operates a shipping agent, and has fulfilment services through which it warehouses e-commerce products and receives shipping orders. It provides tracking of orders, real-time stock management, door-ro-door system, packing and warehousing, and reliable logistics solutions with a global network. Qxpress has established offices in the United States, India, and across the Asia-Pacific region in Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia and Malaysia.