Demand for ecommerce delivery services is set to grow this year, despite the cost of living crisis, but consumers are also expecting better service levels and more sustainable methods of transport.

The findings come from a recent YouGov survey carried out in partnership with logistics technology firm Stuart, which polled over 2,100 adults and 2,000 business representatives.

It found that despite the economic crises of the last year, 63% of businesses polled saw demand for delivery services increase in October, November and December 2022.

Alongside increasing demand, businesses are also facing rising expectations from their customers with consumers looking for improved levels of service in the coming year, the survey revealed.

Almost two out of five (38%) respondents said they want faster delivery times, nearly a third (30%) confirmed they would look for more precise time slot offerings with their deliveries and 1 in 4 (26%) expect advanced tracking with their delivery service.

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Consumers not only want improved service levels, the research found. Almost a third of business representatives also reported that they believe their customers want more sustainable options for deliveries.

John Gillan, general manager of Stuart UK, said: "2022 saw robust demand from retailers for delivery services, and that only looks set to grow in 2023. The challenge, however, is that businesses will have to step up to the plate to offer fast, sustainable and data-driven services, all against a backdrop of rising expectations on customer service."

Additionally, 24% of 18-24 year olds, which use delivery service more than any other demographic, said that they are intent on ordering even more products this year than they did in 2022.

If these trends continue throughout the year, it will mean sustained demand for a higher volume of quick, efficient and sustainable delivery solutions in 2023 and beyond, the report predicted.