New Zealand Post has launched a new web-based app that lets customers book urgent parcel deliveries from their smart phones.

The app, called At Pace, is specifically targeted at tradespeople who often need supplies delivered at short notice.

NZ Post GM for At Pace, Michael Stewart, says the newest addition to Courier Post’s express courier service is about saving small businesses time and money.

“Our At Pace couriers do the legwork so project managers and their teams don’t have to lay down their tools and head off-site every time an urgent supply issue arises,” he says.

“To make an order customers key in a few basic details. This includes pick up and drop off points and their preferred speed of service, which determines the cost.”

PLS Consulting project manager, Phil Stewarts, has been using At Pace to get plans and urgent supplies to each of his sites. He says it is easy and convenient to use.

“Rather than sending one of my guys off-site I use At Pace. It means supply issues don’t have to disrupt our day, and the team is on the job, in front of the client all day,” he says.

“I’ve added all my regular suppliers to the app and they’re impressed with the speed and efficiency of the service. I’ve recommended it to other builders and my architect is on board as well.”

NZ Post also developed At Pace with small businesses in mind.

“We know that there are around 28,000 trade businesses across the country, more than half of which employ fewer than five staff,” says Stewart.

“These teams don’t always have access to printers and personal assistants so it was about designing a service that delivers supplies urgently, without a ton of administration.”

Stewart added that NZ Post has been trialling the service for a month.

“We’ve made improvements throughout the trial and will continue to seek industry feedback in the coming months. At Pace is all about innovating, moving with the market and making sure our services are meeting the needs of our customers,” Stewart concludes.