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Year in Review
2024 has brought many challenges for the supply chain industry, with events such as the temporary closure of Holyhead Port in North Wales raising concerns about supply shortages and increased costs. The industry has also faced pressures and delays from regulators, slowing progress on green upgrades across new logistics hubs such as those of the Peel Ports Group.
Despite these challenges, the UK freight and logistics sector has experienced notable growth in 2024. The market generated revenue of USD 162.9 billion and is projected to reach USD 251.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% (source: Grand View Research). This expansion has been driven by increased demand for transportation services and a significant rise in warehousing and distribution services, the latter being the fastest-growing segment during this period.
For Pro Carrier, 2024 has been a year of growth. With the installation of a new sorting machine in Tilbury, we were able to fulfil a record-breaking number of orders this peak season, delivering for major brands such as JD Sports, Oh Polly, and Zara. The influx of deliveries during this peak season has been driven by a rise in eCommerce sales. In October and December alone, parcel carriers were expected to handle 1.29 billion shipments across the UK, marking a 10.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023 (source: FedEx Newsroom). This surge is largely attributed to the growth of eCommerce, which now accounts for nearly 70% of shipments directed to consumers across Europe.
Alongside our peak season, we have delivered more than just parcels. At the beginning of the year, we shipped critical landing gear for Boeing via our air freight service. More recently, we had the privilege of supporting Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a key player in the development of the British Army's new Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank.
One of our biggest milestones this year has been our office relocations. In response to increasing demand and the need for enhanced operational efficiency, Pro Carrier has relocated its Essex freight and parcel operations to a state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Tilbury, Thurrock. This new facility is over seven times larger than the previous warehouse and is equipped with advanced technology and logistics systems designed to streamline parcel handling and significantly boost processing capacity per hour.
The expansion addresses the limitations of our previous facility, which had been outgrown due to high demand. The upgraded machinery is capable of operating continuously for extended periods, enabling faster and more accurate handling of high volumes, thereby ensuring a seamless and reliable service for our freight customers. A dedicated team of 27 colleagues has transitioned from the previous warehouse to support operations at the new site. The advanced equipment reduces parcel touchpoints, transforming the processing centre into a more efficient hub for Pro Carrier.
This strategic move underscores Pro Carrier's commitment to providing faster delivery times and an enhanced customer experience, positioning the company to better meet the evolving demands of the freight and parcel delivery market.
We would like to thank all our clients and partners for helping us grow from strength to strength in 2024. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all our staff—your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in shaping Pro Carrier into the company it is today.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!