If you are expecting a delivery from Fastway Couriers over the coming days, brace yourself: delays are almost certain. Yesterday evening, Fastway’s parent company Novio confirmed that it has gone into receivership, putting around 300 direct jobs and more than 600 indirect jobs across Ireland at risk.
Novio also owns Parcel Connect, the drop-off and returns network used by retailers and couriers nationwide. With both operations now under receivership, thousands of parcels and returns are currently in limbo.
Fastway says that approximately 50,000 parcels are still in its system. Receivers are reportedly working with a third-party delivery company to get these parcels moving again, but this process will take some time.
What to Expect Over the Next Few Days
If your parcel was due this week or next, the key message is to expect delays. Deliveries are still being processed, but the transition between Fastway and any third-party couriers will take several days.
Fastway and the receivers have emphasised that there is no need to panic, although patience will be required. Deliveries should resume shortly, but tracking information may not update consistently during this period.
If you were planning to send or return items through Parcel Connect, it is best to pause for now. Some retailers may temporarily disable the option until the receivership situation becomes clearer.
What You Should Do If You Are Waiting on a Parcel
The most important step is to contact the retailer, not Fastway.
Fastway is not in a position to handle customer queries while in receivership, and your contract as a buyer is always with the retailer, not the courier.
If you are waiting on a delivery:
- Allow a few days for potential movement.
- If your order still has not arrived, contact the retailer’s customer service for an update or replacement.
- Keep your order confirmation and tracking details to hand, as the retailer may need them to follow up with the receivers.
If you need to return an item:
- Do not drop it at a Parcel Connect location for now.
- Contact the retailer for an alternative return method. Many will provide prepaid labels for another courier such as DPD, An Post, or UPS.
Retailers using platforms like Shopify, eBay, or Amazon typically have systems in place for handling delayed or lost parcels, making them your most reliable point of contact.
The Wider Impact
This receivership marks one of the most significant disruptions to Ireland’s parcel delivery sector in recent years. Fastway handled millions of deliveries annually, working with both small independent sellers and large e-commerce brands.
The announcement is particularly difficult for Fastway’s staff and franchise operators, many of whom are self-employed couriers. Beyond the 300 direct employees of Novio, an estimated 600 additional workers nationwide are affected.
For consumers, the situation highlights the vulnerability of delivery networks, particularly in a market dominated by a small number of major logistics providers.
What Happens Next
The receivers are currently assessing Fastway’s assets and operations to determine whether parts of the business can be sold or restructured. Deliveries should gradually resume as the third-party logistics arrangement stabilises.
In the meantime:
- Be patient but proactive.
- Contact your retailer if a delivery delay extends beyond a few days.
- Avoid using Parcel Connect for returns until official confirmation that it is back in service.
If your business relies on Fastway for deliveries, now is the time to consider alternatives such as DPD, An Post Click & Post, or UPS, in case further disruption occurs.
