After years of navigating economic uncertainty, Canterbury-based courier company iDeliver has officially closed its doors, leaving businesses across the region without a key freight provider.
Speaking to Chris Lynch Media, owner Stephen Carr said the closure was the result of financial and logistical challenges that had accumulated over the past few years.
“There wasn’t one thing that caused this decision—it was the accumulation of many small factors, especially following Covid,” Carr said.
The closure has affected 22 staff members, including 15 full-time and 7 part-time or casual workers. Employees were spread across Canterbury, with staff in Hurunui, Waimakariri, Ashburton, and Christchurch.
iDeliver had purchased competitor Rangiora Couriers just weeks before New Zealand went into lockdown, forcing them into survival mode at a time when freight demand was high but income was not meeting expectations.
“We were run off our feet, but revenue wasn’t where we had planned, which put us on the back foot,” Carr said.
When the New Zealand economy began slowing further in late 2023 and early 2024, the company made efforts to downsize, consolidate routes, and adjust pricing, but these changes were not enough to offset the losses.
“The economy and freight volumes dropped more than our savings,” Carr said. “I personally see things getting worse before they get better—maybe 18 months before it starts to come right.”
They ultimately felt they no longer had the energy to keep pushing through.
“Both Paul and I didn’t have the fight left to do another 12 to 18 months. 2024 was absolutely physically and mentally draining.”
Stephen Carr acknowledged that the closure would also have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those that relied on iDeliver’s frequent service timetables.
“We are gutted for our clients who have been incredibly loyal to our service. We had a large and diverse customer base spanning Timaru, Ashburton, Selwyn, Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Hurunui, and our regular schedules were a lifeline for many businesses.”
Speaking with Chris Lynch Media, Oxford Couriers Owner Lisa Jane said the closure of iDeliver has impacted a lot of people.
“We have had quite a lot of our customers caught out, calling us and opening new accounts. We will manage to fit them into our already busy schedule, we cover all the same areas, except Waipara and Timaru.
“We have had to adapt a few things. However we have alliances with other Courier company’s that will help us cope with the sudden demand. We are looking forward to the increase in work!”
iDeliver’s Paul Love and Stephen Carr expressed gratitude for their loyal customers, staff, and industry partners over the past decade.
“It’s been an incredibly tough decision, but we are grateful for the support we’ve had over the years.”
