NZ Post launches courier app aimed at SMBs

New Zealand Post has launched its own web-based app that will allow customers to book  urgent parcel deliveries from their smartphones.

The company says the app, called At Pace, is specifically targeted at tradespeople who often need supplies delivered at short notice.

Michael Stewart, New Zealand Post general manager for At Pace, says the app was developed with small businesses In mind, and the addition to Courier Post's courier service is about saving small businesses time and money.

"Our At Pace couriers do the legwork so project managers and their teams don't have to lay down their tools and head off site every time an urgent supply issue arises," Stewart says.

"To make an order, customers key in a few basic details. This includes pick up and drop off points and their preferred speed of service, which determines the cost," he explains.

 "We know that there are around 28,000 trade businesses across the country, more than half of which employ fewer than five staff," Stewart says of New Zealand small businesses.

"These teams don't always have access to printers and personal assistants so it was about designing a service that delivers supplies urgently, without a ton of administration," he says.

At Pace was officially launched, but Stewart says New Zealand Post has been trialling the service for a month.

"We've made improvements throughout the trial and will continue to seek industry feedback in the coming months," he says. "At Pace is all about innovating, moving with the market and making sure our services are meeting the needs of our customers.

At Pace enables customers to book an express parcel pick up and delivery from their smartphone. The service is primarily targeted at tradies and service related industries but New Zealand Post says it expects the app will also be attractive to consumers.