Five billion parcels were generated in the United Kingdom last year, up 33 per cent from 3.8 billion 2019.

According to the latest Parcel Shipping Index from global tech business Pitney Bowes, in 2020 the UK had the highest parcels per capita at 74, an increase from 56 in the previous year.

The Index, published by global tech business Pitney Bowes, features data from 13 major markets from around the world.

The UK also saw the highest increase in carrier revenue out of all the countries in the Index, up 37 percent to $22.2 billion (£17 billion.)

160 parcels were generated every second, or around 14 million each day.

The research shows that UK parcel volume is likely to rise to 5.4 - 6 billion in 2021 – 10-14 percent year-over-year growth – and is expected to reach 7.5-8.5 billion in 2026.

Worldwide parcel volume was up by 27 per cent year-on-year in 2020. The figures show that parcel volume exceed 131 billion, equating to 4160 parcels shipped every second.

Looking ahead, the Index estimates global parcel volume could reach 232 billion or as high as 303 billion by 2026.

“Ecommerce has become fundamental to our lives, and the staggering parcel volume revealed in the latest Index reflects this,” said Jason Dies, EVP and president, sending technology solutions, Pitney Bowes. “For the world’s carriers, as essential service providers 2020 was a transformative year which tested their investments in people, infrastructure and digital capabilities to the limit.

“The Parcel Shipping Index accurately tracks and compares their performance during one of the hardest years they’ve ever faced. The Index has never been more widely anticipated or more relevant.”

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