EOFY Courier Care News Unwrapped
- Courier Care Australia
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 27
With the end of the financial year fast approaching, take a look at our summary of the year so far.
📉 Rising Insolvencies and Business Closures
The Australian road freight industry has experienced a significant uptick in insolvencies. According to ASIC data, insolvencies in the transport, postal, and warehousing sector rose from 196 in 2021–22 to 495 in 2023–24—a 153% increase over two years. As of April 2025, 535 insolvencies have already been recorded, marking a 173% increase compared to 2021-22.
Notably, Don Watson Transport, a prominent refrigerated logistics company with 300 employees and operations in Sydney and Melbourne, announced its closure in June 2025 after 77 years in business. The company cited financial challenges, including a modest profit of $95,355 on $99.9 million in revenue in 2023, following a $1.2 million loss the previous year.
👷♂️ Driver Shortage Crisis
The industry faces a severe shortage of qualified truck drivers, with over 26,000 positions unfilled. The aging workforce exacerbates the issue, as many experienced drivers approach retirement age. Efforts to attract younger workers through apprenticeships, training programs, and improved working conditions are underway.
Courier & Parcel Delivery
📈 Market Growth Driven by E-Commerce
Australia's Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market continues to grow, fueled by the e-commerce boom. The market was valued at USD 19.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach AUD 27.3 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2025 to 2033.
The expansion of mobile commerce and increasing demand for fast, reliable deliveries contribute to this growth. Retailers are investing in logistics operations to meet consumer expectations for speed and convenience.
🧠 Menulog's Shift in Courier Employment Strategy
In June 2025, food delivery platform Menulog withdrew its four-year bid to reclassify couriers from independent contractors to employees. The company cited operational challenges and couriers' preference for flexibility and higher earnings potential as key reasons. Menulog now supports new legislation that allows the Fair Work Commission to set minimum standards for gig economy workers.
Thats the news unwrapped so far! Check our site in the future for more updates and information, tailored for couriers and transport operators. See the footnote below for references. 👇
References
"Major Aussie trucking company goes under," news.com.au,
June 9, 2025.news.com.au
"Insolvencies rise in Australian transport and logistics sector,"
Fully Loaded, May 2, 2025.fullyloaded.com.au
"National approach needed to solve trucking’s urgent economic crisis,"
NatRoad, November 2024.natroad.com.au
"Australia Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market," IMARC Group,
"Australia $18.17 Bn E-Commerce Logistics Market Outlook to 2029,"
GlobeNewswire, May 29, 2025.globenewswire.com
"Menulog abandons courier award bid,"
The Australian, June 8, 2025.
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