The courier industry has had its' share of challenges over the last 4 years since the economic collapse. Before 2008, thousands of businesses had couriers apart of their daily operation and the industry was flooded with demand. Now in 2012, the industry still has signs of growth and success. IBISWorld, the largest provider of industry information in the US, released their research report of the Global Courier and Delivery Services Industry.

The research giant reported the courier industry is steady growing. From the IBISWorld findings the growth is slow at 0.1%, but it is projected to be steady for the next 5 years reaching $188.5 billion. The industry was weakened in 2009 after the economic collapse and has yet to achieve that level of business volume since.

One reason for the slow growth is the cost of gas, which in turn causes courier prices to increase. At the same time, e-commerce is increasing as well and more customers appear to want what they buy faster. The report also stated the demand for high-end, time sensitive goods will increase within the coming years. More companies will also begin to utilize air transportation to assure timely, same-day deliveries. Therefore, the courier market will continue to be sought after.

Companies, home-based businesses, and even individuals want same-day delivery of their products. Large global couriers like Fedex and UPS provide courier services, however, same-day deliveries is not their cost-effective nitch. As transportation evolves, delivery options will need to be more than just next-day with a hefty price tag. The courier and delivery services industry will have to grow for more growth.

It will be up to the couriers themselves to seek how they can cause their industry to obtain faster growth. With so much delivery service innovation, from Target store pickup by AQuickDelivery, to part distribution services by courier services such as A-1 Express, the industry can integrate their services into today's business trends and models.