Couriers with services available through online parcel delivery firm Parcel2Go are making their final preparations ahead of the Christmas season.

Thousands of Christmas shoppers came to rely on courier services last year when severe weather conditions around the UK made it look like many people would not be able to get their presents to friends and family members in time. This year, industry-leading firms such as UPS and FedEx are making preparations early in anticipation of a last minute rush.

Last month, courier specialist FedEx said it was expecting a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in the volume of goods handled worldwide between November 24 and Christmas Day, peaking at an estimated 17 million shipments on December 12. The rise in the number of packages being sent is said to be down to an increase in e-commerce, with more people feeling comfortable buying Christmas presents over the internet. To cope with the festive rush the company is employing an extra 20,000 seasonal staff.

International delivery firm UPS will employ an extra 55,000 seasonal staff across America. The company has predicted a late surge in demand as consumers leave it until the last minute to buy their presents over the internet. UPS believes its busiest day will be December 22, when it will handle about 26 million items worldwide.

Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, said: “It’s great news that our shipping partners are looking ahead and planning how to provide the best possible level of service to UK consumers over the Christmas period. It’s always a challenge at this time of year when shipping volumes peak, but Parcel2Go customers can rest assured that their items are in safe hands with our couriers.

“As the hard winter conditions that have hit the UK in recent years have shown us, planning ahead is always sensible. We’re calling on individuals and businesses to make sure they organise parcel deliveries as early as possible to ensure their packages arrive on time.”