Local Messengers and Local Delivery — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 48% of local messengers and local delivery businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 13.6%.
Is Local Messengers and Local Delivery a Good Business to Start?
With a 48% five-year survival rate, local messengers and local delivery is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.
The annual exit rate of 13.6% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-0.8 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is losing jobs faster than creating them — which may indicate automation, consolidation, or declining demand. Total employment: 144,353 workers across 4,204 firms.
Want to know how much local messengers and local delivery businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Local Messengers and Local Delivery →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of local messengers and local delivery businesses fail?
- Approximately 52% of local messengers and local delivery businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 13.6%, with 559 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the local messengers and local delivery industry growing or shrinking?
- The local messengers and local delivery industry is currently shrinking with a net job creation rate of -3.5% per year. New businesses are entering at 12.8% while 13.6% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.