Fastway Couriers has launched Parcel Connect, a new service enabling customers to send, collect, and return parcels from a nearby business that trade extended hours.

Established in six Sydney locations, Parcel Connect aims to eliminate the need to visit a post office.

When customers aren’t at home to receive a parcels, it will now be  automatically redirected to the local Parcel Connect agent at a nearby convenience store or service station. Customers will be able to pick up parcels at a time suitable for them, rather than going through the normal process to arrange a re-delivery.

Customers can also use the Parcel Connect instore kiosk to send parcels anywhere in Australia, including parcel returns.

Richard Thame, CEO of Fastway, said the growth of online shopping has driven the development of the service.

Wwe realise that people often aren’t at home to receive their deliveries. It’s important for us to offer secure alternatives. Parcel Connect provides customers with the convenience and flexibility of collecting parcels at a nearby location and at a time that suits them,” he said.

Parcel Connect is available at Bondi Beach, Coogee, North Balgowlah, Hurstville, Glen Alpine, and Turramurra, all in Sydney, with a view to rolling out the service to 1000 locations nationwide by the end of 2014.