Packfleet is a UK-based, carbon-neutral parcel courier founded to provide an alternative to traditional services like DPD and Evri. By integrating an all-electric delivery fleet with a custom-built technology platform, Packfleet aims to redefine the parcel delivery experience.
The company was founded in 2021 by three early Monzo employees, Tristan Thomas, Hugo Cornejo and Josh Garnham.
SME Business Review reached out to Mr. Thomas, CEO of Packfleet, for an interview, and here’s what he had to say.
Interview Excerpts
Packfleet has experienced impressive growth since its inception. Could you tell us about the company's journey and what motivated you to start it?
When we founded Packfleet, we saw a significant gap in the logistics market. E-commerce was booming, and businesses were struggling to find a delivery service that was fast, reliable, and eco-friendly. We wanted to create a solution that would simplify logistics for e-commerce businesses while focusing on sustainability. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re just getting started. Our core mission has always been about delivering reliability, speed, and environmental responsibility, which continues to guide our growth.
What makes Packfleet different from other logistics providers in the industry?
One key aspect that sets us apart is our approach to understanding the specific needs of e-commerce businesses. We provide a tailored service, ensuring that each client gets the right solution for their needs. We’re also committed to sustainability, which we believe is crucial in today's market. We use electric vehicles for deliveries and work with our clients to reduce excess packaging, which has been well received. It’s not just about moving products from point A to point B; it’s about doing it in a way that makes sense for our clients and the environment.
You’ve mentioned sustainability as a core value for Packfleet. How does the company integrate this into its operations?
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in how we operate. From the vehicles we use to the routes we take, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint at every step. We’ve integrated electric vehicles into our fleet, and we’re constantly optimizing our delivery routes to minimize emissions. On the packaging side, we’ve worked closely with clients to reduce waste and switch to more sustainable materials. It's all part of our broader goal to offer a greener alternative to traditional shipping methods, which not only benefits the planet but also resonates with our environmentally-conscious clients.
With technology playing a significant role in modern logistics, how does Packfleet leverage tech to improve its services?
We’ve built a robust platform that integrates seamlessly with our clients’ e-commerce systems. The dashboard is user-friendly and provides businesses with real-time tracking, analytics, and shipping management capabilities. It’s designed to be scalable, so as businesses grow, our system grows with them. Technology also plays a big part in how we optimize our operations. We use advanced data to improve delivery times, reduce costs, and ensure that customers get the best possible service.
What role does customer service play in Packfleet’s success?
Customer service is absolutely essential to our success. We see every relationship with a client as a partnership, and we’re always ready to go the extra mile to help them. Whether it’s customizing a delivery solution or offering responsive support, we make sure businesses are always taken care of. We understand that e-commerce businesses need reliability, and that’s why we work hard to maintain long-term partnerships. By putting customer satisfaction at the forefront, we’ve built trust with our clients, which has been key to our growth.
How has the e-commerce industry influenced Packfleet’s development, and what trends do you see shaping the future of logistics?
The growth of e-commerce has been a major driving force for us. As businesses have moved online, the demand for fast and efficient delivery solutions has increased. At Packfleet, we’ve had to stay nimble and responsive to these changes. The rise of same-day and next-day deliveries, along with the increasing demand for sustainability, will continue to shape the logistics industry. I see technology continuing to play a significant role in improving efficiencies, and companies like ours will need to keep innovating to meet the evolving needs of e-commerce businesses and consumers.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while building Packfleet, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been scaling while maintaining the high level of service we’re known for. As we’ve grown, it’s been crucial to ensure that our processes and systems could handle the increased demand without compromising on quality. To overcome this, we’ve invested in technology and hired a team of passionate individuals who share our vision. Another challenge has been managing the complexities of running an eco-friendly logistics company, but we’ve embraced the challenge by focusing on smart solutions and working closely with clients to reduce waste.
Packfleet has a strong focus on flexibility. How do you ensure that your services remain adaptable as businesses grow or change?
Flexibility is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that e-commerce businesses face constant change and that logistics needs evolve over time. Whether it’s offering same-day delivery or creating a custom packaging solution, we ensure that our services are adaptable to those changes. Our platform is designed with scalability in mind, so as businesses grow, we grow with them. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and make our services more flexible to meet our clients’ needs, no matter how those needs change over time.
Tristan Thomas, Co-Founder & CEO, Packfleet
