How does the FAST Group collapse affect Australian retailers right now?

Retailers face delayed orders, cancelled pickups, and the need to rebook with new carriers. That often brings higher short-term shipping costs and manual relabeling. The best near-term moves are to activate backup carriers, split shipments across networks, and prioritise transparency with customers on revised delivery windows to reduce support tickets and refunds.

Could Sendle gain market share from this disruption?

Yes, if it offers fast onboarding, reliable pickups, and clear pricing for SMBs. Consistent tracking and proactive issue handling will matter more than headline rates. Winning displaced parcels is useful, but keeping them requires stable service levels during peak periods and dependable regional coverage beyond the major metro corridors.

What should investors monitor across last-mile delivery Australia?

Focus on carrier funding health, capacity utilisation, on-time performance, and customer retention metrics. Signals of consolidation or selective M&A can emerge as stronger operators add lanes and accounts. Also watch communications on service guarantees, fuel surcharges, and any changes to claim policies, as these reveal the balance of power in pricing.

How can small merchants reduce shipping risk after the FAST Group collapse?

Adopt multi-carrier shipping software, keep at least two active accounts, and test service lanes monthly. Share real-time ETAs with customers, and set clear cut-off times to protect dispatch windows. Track delivery exceptions daily and escalate quickly. Negotiate flexible volume commitments rather than strict minimums while networks rebalance.

Global Market Insights

January 12: Sendle in Focus as FAST Group Collapse Rattles Deliveries

ByDanny Kontos January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

Sendle sits in the spotlight after the FAST Group collapse halted deliveries and stranded parcels for retailers across Australia. We explain what this disruption means for last-mile delivery and how volume could shift toward incumbents and independents. For investors, the shake-up highlights operational risk in e-commerce fulfillment and the value of reliable networks. We cover immediate impacts, possible winners, pricing trends, and what signals to watch as the market resets in the weeks ahead.