Australian e‑commerce businesses woke up this week to a major logistics shock.

As of 12 January 2025, Sendle has halted all parcel bookings effective immediately, leaving thousands of online stores scrambling to fulfil orders, communicate with customers, and secure alternative couriers — often at higher cost and lower capacity.

If your business relied on Sendle for shipping, you’re not alone. This sudden shutdown is already being described as one of the most disruptive logistics events for Australian e‑commerce in recent years.

What Happened to Sendle? (Confirmed January 2025 Update)

Sendle has officially advised customers that:

• All parcel bookings have stopped immediately

• Any pickups scheduled for 12 January 2025 or later are cancelled

• Parcels already collected may still be delivered, but only at the discretion of third‑party delivery partners

• Sendle will no longer manage active deliveries — customers must contact delivery partners directly

In Sendle’s notice to customers, they stated:

“Since Sendle started, we are proud to have helped shape the small business parcel industry for the better, including sending more than 65 million parcels across three countries and delivering more responsible, carbon‑neutral shipping for small businesses around the world.”

Despite this legacy, the impact of the shutdown is immediate and severe.

Why the Sendle Shutdown Is a Big Problem for Australian Online Stores

Sendle wasn’t just a courier — it was deeply embedded in:

• Shopify shipping workflows

• Small‑to‑medium parcel delivery

• Carbon‑neutral shipping programs

• Regional and metro cost‑effective delivery

For many Australian e‑commerce businesses, Sendle was the backbone of their fulfilment system.

The fallout includes:

• Orders unable to ship

• Broken Shopify shipping automations

• Increased shipping costs overnight

• Customer frustration and delivery uncertainty

• Pressure on already stretched courier networks

For stores shipping bulky or oversized products, the impact is even worse — alternatives are limited, slower, and more expensive.

What Australian E‑Commerce Businesses Should Do Right Now

If you’ve been affected by the Sendle shutdown, these steps are critical:

1. Audit All Open Orders Immediately

Identify:

• Orders allocated to Sendle

• Parcels with tracking numbers but no pickup

• Customers awaiting dispatch confirmation

2. Communicate Early and Honestly

Silence creates refunds, chargebacks, and bad reviews.
Clear communication protects trust.

3. Secure Alternative Couriers Fast

Most businesses are pivoting to:

• Australia Post

• StarTrack

• CouriersPlease

• Aramex

• Direct freight carriers for bulky items

Be aware: capacity is tightening and rates are rising across the board.

4. Rethink Your Shipping Strategy Long‑Term

This event highlights a growing risk in Australian e‑commerce:

Relying on a single courier is no longer viable.

Redundancy and flexibility are now essential.

How This Affects Us at Rainger Supply Co.

As an Australian outdoor and camping retailer shipping large, heavy products nationwide, we understand how disruptive this situation is.

We are actively:

• Adjusting courier networks

• Prioritising order flow

• Communicating directly with affected customers

Our commitment remains the same:

• Ship responsibly

• Communicate transparently

• Protect customer trust

If your order is impacted in any way, you’ll hear from us directly.

A Warning Sign for Australian E‑Commerce in 2025

The Sendle shutdown is a wake‑up call.

Australian e‑commerce in 2025 faces:

• Rising freight costs

• Reduced courier competition

• Increased reliance on third‑party logistics

• Thin margins under pressure

Logistics is no longer a “set and forget” part of the business — it’s a strategic risk.

Final Thoughts

Sendle moved more than 65 million parcels across three countries and played a major role in shaping small‑business shipping in Australia.

Its sudden halt is disruptive, frustrating, and costly — but it also forces the industry to adapt.

Australian businesses are resilient. We’ll adjust, reroute, and keep moving — just as we always do.

— Rainger Supply Co.