APC Overnight saw record 30% increase in year-on-year volumes over the Christmas peak, the parcel network said.

To keep up with demand, the network increased trunk levels by 35% compared to 2011’s peak figures and fleet numbers increased by 20% across its network of 115 depots.

Chief executive Syed Ziaullah said it began holding regional meetings in September to plan for the peak and sent out delivery predictions to each depot to help them plan for the volume uplift. Staffing levels increased by 18% across the network to handle the demand.

Ziaullah said: “Christmas is the busiest time for the industry but owing to the huge surge in demand for our services over the past two years, it was important that we put systems in place to cope.”

APC Overnight plans to move into its £15m hub in Cannock, Staffordshire in the Spring, after experiencing longer than expected ground works last summer, delaying its opening.

Ziaullah added: “I predict a huge year for us. With the move to our new hub just a few short months away and following the record-breaking Christmas, we are set to meet ambitious growth targets in a stronger position than ever.”

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