The Polish courier sector continues to expand, fuelled by rising e-commerce demand and changing consumer habits. According to the latest data from the Register of Debtors BIG InfoMonitor and the BIK database, however, this growth is not without financial strain. Despite handling more than 1.2 billion parcels annually and generating nearly PLN 13.7 billion in revenue in 2024, over 10% of courier companies are now listed as unreliable payers, with overdue liabilities surpassing PLN 106 million. Figures show a slowdown in the rate of debt accumulation compared to previous years, but the total value of arrears still rose by 3.3% year-on-year as of May 2025, and by nearly 42% over the past five years. Much of the financial pressure stems from rising operational costs, such as fuel and infrastructure investment, alongside stagnant income. The average net revenue per parcel has remained around PLN 11 for years, while consumer expectations for free shipping continue to mount. Although Poland’s courier industry is dominated by a few major operators accounting for over 99% of total revenues, thousands of small subcontractors operate under these brands. For these smaller firms, the average outstanding debt of PLN 58,456 can significantly impact liquidity and long-term viability. Waldemar Rogowski, Chief Analyst at BIG InfoMonitor, notes that even minor payment delays can trigger broader cash flow disruptions across the KEP (courier, express, and parcel) sector. A notable portion of industry debt also originates from unpaid invoices owed by clients. Rogowski emphasizes the importance of proactive risk assessment, including the use of business information services to vet partners and respond early to warning signs. Looking ahead, the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) projects courier volumes will exceed 1.65 billion shipments by 2027, driven primarily by continued growth in e-commerce. While volume growth may put pressure on margins, operators that actively manage liquidity and mitigate payment risks are well positioned to benefit from the sector’s overall expansion. Source: BIG InfoMonitor