A survey by DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, has revealed that the majority of exporters, 60 per cent, use the internet for deliveries, pick up and shipping of their goods.

The DHL Online Trade Survey asked over 250 New Zealand importers and exporters their views on eCommerce. The survey found that of those exporters who use the internet for deliveries, pick up and shipping of their goods, 57 per cent stated it was because it was more time efficient and 25 per cent claimed it was because they found booking online easy to use.

“The survey results echo what we've seen with our own DHL eCommerce tools Import Express online and Web Shipping for exporters. An average of 69 per cent of all outbound shipments are created through our eCommerce tool, “said DHL Express General Manager, Derek Anderson. “It's encouraging to see exporters readily adopting online tools for more efficient business practice, but it would be great to see that figure even higher.”

Of those companies who didn't use the internet for deliveries, pick ups and shipping their goods, only four per cent stated it was because they had fears around security. Five per cent stated it was because the process was too confusing. The majority, 68 per cent stated it was because they prefer to speak to someone in person.

“Security fears and the online process are not barriers to booking shipments via the internet. This is a positive indicator that the freight industry has got it right when it comes to online processes”, says Mr Anderson.

81 per cent of exporters have a website for sales and marketing. Of those companies 64 per cent of the queries or sales orders coming from within New Zealand. The next largest number of responses was from the U.S with 12 per cent.

Mr. Anderson commented, “Having a website can be a powerful marketing and reference tool. Although when developing off shore markets, face-to-face meetings are always going to be the strongest way to make business connections, which might explain why the majority of the queries and sales leads come from within New Zealand.”

DHL Rapid Response Survey - Key findings

• The majority of exporters (60per cent) use the internet for deliveries, pick up and shipping of their goods.

• Of those who do, 57 per cent stated it was because it was more time efficient and 25 per cent claimed it was because they find booking online easy to use.

• Of those who didn't use the internet for deliveries, pick ups and shipping their goods, only four per cent stated it was because they had fears around security. However the majority, 68 per cent stated it was because they prefer to speak to someone in person.

• 81 per cent of exporters have a website for sales and marketing. According the exporters surveyed 64 per cent of the queries or sales orders coming from within New Zealand. The next largest number of responses was from the U.S with 12 per cent.