In a bold move that signals a new era for sustainable logistics in South Africa, tech entrepreneur Alex Staniland has launched XPress, the country’s first fully electric courier fleet, offering next-day delivery services across Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
With a strong foundation in logistics through parent company Special Envoy, and a deep understanding of tech-driven markets thanks to his smart home business mUther, Staniland saw a clear opportunity: a premium courier experience powered by clean energy and real-time digital convenience.
“We are thrilled to announce that the newly formed XPress is now fully operational as a standalone overnight courier,” said Staniland. “The company is unique in that we run a fleet of pure EVs. A trio of BYD Dolphin vehicles are the first units in our fleet.”
Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Logistics
Staniland’s frustration with traditional courier services—after using them for his booming online smart home store—sparked the idea for XPress. Drawing on over 40 years of logistics experience at Special Envoy, which primarily serves the mining industry, he recognised that a pivot into parcel delivery was not only feasible, but ripe for reinvention.
“We’ve been in the logistics game for decades. It made perfect sense to bring that expertise into a more agile, tech-driven courier business,” he added.
Smart Deliveries, Smarter Vehicles
Fittingly, the fleet is fronted by BYD Dolphin EVs, a choice that reflects XPress’s commitment to sustainability, efficiency and brand alignment. Each vehicle has been customised for courier use, with seats removed to increase cargo space, essentially transforming them into compact, zero-emission panel vans.
The Dolphins, with a range of over 400 km, are proving more than up to the task.
“Using EVs has made us more efficient all around,” says Staniland. “They’re high-tech, eye-catching, and our drivers genuinely love being behind the wheel.”
Driver satisfaction isn’t just anecdotal—it’s strategic. XPress places strong emphasis on staff pride, professionalism, and customer service, understanding that the final mile is as much about human interaction as it is about logistics.
Innovation on the Go
True to its founder’s forward-thinking ethos, XPress has already introduced a standout feature in the South African courier market: Bring It, an instant pick-up service that allows customers to send a parcel on the spot by scanning a QR code. No paperwork, no hassle.
“All our drivers are trained on our proprietary software to accept parcels instantly. It’s fast, simple, and removes unnecessary admin,” Staniland explained.
Affordable. Reliable. Trackable.
XPress promises next-day delivery for just R99, as long as the parcel is booked before 10am. Deliveries can be tracked in real time through a dedicated portal, bringing peace of mind to customers in a region where reliable courier services are in short supply.
Looking Ahead
Despite South Africa’s relatively slow adoption of EVs, Staniland is undeterred. The initial rollout has been a success and expansion plans are already in motion, with Cape Town, Durban, and Nelspruit on the radar. The addition of BYD Seagull vehicles for intra-city runs is also under consideration.
“This is only the beginning. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and I believe South Africa is more than ready for cleaner, smarter logistics solutions,” Staniland concluded.
