Shelvie Fernan, the CEO and co-founder of Fly and Fetch, an emerging Edmonton-based startup, is offering up to $1,400 to passengers opting for carry-on luggage instead of checked baggage on their flights. This unique business model aims to revolutionize the air mail industry by utilizing travelers to transport packages internationally, bypassing the conventional air cargo system. By leveraging unused checked luggage space, Fernan can provide more affordable overseas shipping services compared to traditional couriers, catering particularly to Filipino Canadians seeking cost-effective shipping solutions to and from the Philippines.
Fly and Fetch’s approach involves pairing travelers with parcels to be carried in their checked baggage, enabling them to offer competitive shipping rates. This innovative concept has gained traction among customers like Precious Simpao, a restaurant supervisor from Red Deer, Alberta, who has utilized the service multiple times to send various items, including jewelry, cosmetics, dresses, and even delicacies like crab paste, from Manila to Canada. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of this model are evident, with one customer successfully shipping a smartphone to the Philippines for only $37 in three days, a significantly lower cost compared to traditional courier services.
The traditional high costs associated with international shipping, attributed to extensive overhead expenses such as storage facilities, transportation fleets, and aircraft maintenance, pose challenges for conventional courier companies. However, crowdshipping platforms like Fly and Fetch streamline the process by eliminating many fixed costs, making it a more cost-effective alternative for customers. This model allows for a personalized and efficient shipping experience, with senders dropping off parcels at designated hubs for travelers to pick up, reducing the need for physical storefronts and warehouses.
Despite the potential benefits of crowdshipping, regulatory considerations must be taken into account. While Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency do not explicitly prohibit passengers from carrying items in their checked luggage for others, travelers must adhere to customs requirements and restrictions. Additionally, travelers should be cautious about inadvertently transporting prohibited or restricted items, as non-compliance could result in penalties or delays in customs clearance. Fly and Fetch maintains strict guidelines to ensure compliance, refraining from shipping prohibited items and limiting the value of transported goods to avoid regulatory issues.
As Fly and Fetch expands its drop-off locations and service offerings in Canada, it aims to capitalize on the growing demand for air cargo services. Despite the potential of crowdshipping to disrupt traditional shipping methods, industry experts like Dejan Markovic from Deloitte remain skeptical about its ability to replace established shipping giants like FedEx and Purolator. However, Fernan emphasizes the unique community-oriented approach of Fly and Fetch, fostering connections beyond mere transactions, particularly within the Filipino community. This personalized touch sets Fly and Fetch apart from larger competitors, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and trust with customers.