Sendle merges with two US parcel and logistics firms to form FAST Group

Sydney-based parcel delivery industry disruptor Sendle will merge with two US companies to form the new California-headquartered FAST Group, with teams across five countries and expertise that covers the full breadth of logistics for e-commerce shipping.

Sendle, which was founded in 2014 and now services small businesses across the US, Australia and Canada, joins forces with FirstMile and ACI Logistix in a merger backed by investment from Sydney's Federation Asset Management.

All carriers will continue to operate under their established brands, all while functioning as a single, integrated and expanded logistics group.

"We created Sendle to make shipping simple, reliable and affordable for small businesses, and this merger represents a significant leap forward for all our customers," says Sendle president and co-founder James Chin Moody.

"With access to the expanded infrastructure of ACI Logistix and FirstMile, this merger dramatically increases our reach and truly levels up our offering.

"Small businesses all across the United States can now access enterprise-grade logistics power at a price point that makes sense for them."

ACI Logistix CEO Keith Somers will oversee the FAST Group as CEO, while the board will be made up of representatives from all three companies, which will each operate under the same leadership teams while "exploring cross-company initiatives".

"Each of these three companies have a proud history of cultivating distinct strengths and deep insights into their respective customer needs," says Somers.

"By combining our capabilities under FAST Group, we’re creating a complete and powerful logistics ecosystem that can support customers through their entire growth path, as they adapt and compete in an ever-evolving ecommerce landscape."

Somers claims the merger presents exciting opportunities for partners, including other carriers and technology providers.

"This strategic merger, backed by Federation Asset Management, will bring added benefits for customers across all segments - SMB, mid-market and enterprise - through improved first mile pick ups, faster and complete national distribution and integrated customer support," he says.