Knutsford Express, a key player in Jamaica’s transportation and logistics industry, has announced that it will discontinue its international shipping and e-commerce service effective October 7, 2024.

The decision means that any packages arriving at the company’s US mailing addresses in Doral and Lauderdale Lakes on or after this date will be returned to the sender, the company said.

Knutsford Express emphasised that the decision to cease the service was not made lightly and assured customers of “a smooth and orderly transition from this service”. For those with packages already en route from the US, Knutsford Express confirmed that its customer support team is available to provide assistance.

“If you have any questions regarding a package you already have on the way from the US, our customer support team is readily available to assist you,” the company said.

The move comes after the company’s significant pivot to expand its courier services during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, leveraging its extensive transportation network and bus terminals as pickup and drop-off points for local package deliveries. This strategy helped the company meet the rising demand for efficient courier services while capitalising on its existing infrastructure.

By August 2021, package volumes had surged nearly 200 per cent during the pandemic contributing significantly to earnings. The increased demand for courier services provided a much-needed boost to the company’s earnings during a time when passenger travel, a core component of its business, was severely impacted by the pandemic.

However, in recent times, the courier business has trended downward. The company reported a 10 per cent decline in revenue from its overseas courier services for the financial year ending May 31, 2024, with earnings dropping from $5.79 million in FY 2023 to $5.233 million in FY 2024.

Efforts to reach CEO Oliver Townsend for further comment on the discontinuation of the international service were unsuccessful up to press time. Nonetheless, the announcement signals a strategic shift for Knutsford Express as it evaluates its offerings in a post-pandemic environment.

While courier services have provided a significant revenue stream for the company, it represents only one aspect of Knutsford’s broader income portfolio. In addition to courier services, Knutsford Express generates revenue from transportation and property rental services. The company operates three wholly owned subsidiaries — KE Connect Limited, Knutsford Express Investments Limited, and MVL Greenvale Limited — each with distinct roles in diversifying the business.

KE Connect Limited offers transportation services connecting customers to Jamaica’s international airports, while Knutsford Express Investments Limited is involved in property development and investment initiatives. MVL Greenvale Limited is also focused on investment activities. All subsidiaries are registered and domiciled in Jamaica, with headquarters at 1222 Providence Drive, Montego Bay, St James.

Before its entry into international shipping, Knutsford Express operated a local courier service, which remains an essential part of its business. The local service offers same-day delivery in major cities and towns and operates seven days a week.