Thinking of Buying a Courier Business in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

The Australian courier pick-up and delivery services industry is valued at $13.7 billion in 2025, employing over 91,200 people across 56,550 enterprises.

Profit margins average 3.8%, generating $519 million in profit.

Revenue is projected to grow at an annualised 4.7% through 2030, reaching $17.2 billion, supported by online shopping, food delivery demand, and investment in road infrastructure.

However, competition is intense, with 89% of operators being sole traders, leaving many businesses exposed to fuel price volatility and new gig economy regulations.

1. Is the Business Financially Sustainable and Profitable?

Why It Matters:

Courier businesses rely heavily on parcel and food delivery, where margins are slim and fuel, wages, and vehicle costs can erode profitability.

Efficiency, contract stability, and the ability to pass on rising costs are key to financial sustainability.

What to Check:

• Revenue mix – Review reliance on online shopping, food delivery, or business-to-business transport.

• Cost structure – Purchases and fuel are the largest costs, with terminal gate petrol prices rising 35% over five years.

• Margins – Compare profitability with the 3.8% industry average.

• Scale – Larger firms benefit from tracking technology and fleet efficiencies, while smaller operators often lack pricing power.

2. How Competitive is the Business’s Market Position?

Why It Matters:

The courier industry is highly fragmented, with DHL, FedEx, and UPS controlling less than 20% combined market share.

Smaller operators compete on price, service speed, and niche offerings but often lack bargaining strength.

What to Check:

• Client base – Assess reliance on retailers, who account for 32.2% of demand, versus professional services, wholesalers, or mining clients.

• Technology – Review use of GPS tracking, real-time notifications, and automated logistics.

• Location strength – Businesses in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland dominate due to population concentration.

• Reputation – Evaluate customer reviews, delivery reliability, and relationships with e-commerce platforms.

3. Is the Business Aligned with Industry Trends and Future Growth?

Why It Matters:

Future demand will be driven by online shopping, rising consumer expectations for same-day delivery, and electrification of delivery fleets.

Businesses that adapt to regulatory reforms, sustainability, and technology will outperform competitors.

What to Check:

• Regulatory compliance – Confirm readiness for Fair Work changes that impose minimum standards for gig-economy couriers.

• Sustainability – Check for fleet electrification plans, as DHL and FedEx aim for 60%+ EV adoption by 2030.

• Growth opportunities – Assess contracts with retailers, event logistics, and express delivery services.

• Innovation – Review investment in parcel lockers, drone trials, and app-based customer tools.

Ready to Invest in a Thriving Courier Business?

With ecommerce growth, new logistics technology, and demand for fast delivery, courier businesses are positioned for expansion.

However, maintaining profitability requires managing fuel costs, adapting to regulation, and standing out in a crowded, fragmented market.

For Buyers:
Create an account to set up alerts here.

For Sellers:
Sell Your Business here.