Postal & Courier Activities: Insights into a Dynamic Industry's Market Landscape

What are the main services in the postal and courier industry?

The postal and courier industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing mail and parcel delivery services, often consisting of express delivery and logistics services. These range from national postal services, maintaining a network covering the entire geography of a country, to private courier companies, offering tailored, often express, services to businesses and private customers.

What trends are shaping the industry?

Emerging trends within this sector include digitization, rise in e-commerce, and increasingly stringent emission regulations. The digitization wave is compelling industry players to introduce digital platforms for order booking, parcel tracking, and payment, improving customer convenience, and efficiency. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce globally is providing a vital catalyst for the industry. With increased volumes of online shopping, there is a surge in parcel deliveries, necessitating more robust, efficient delivery systems. Meanwhile, green initiatives led by global concerns about environmental sustainability are pressuring industry players to adopt eco-friendly delivery methods and vehicles.

How is the competitive landscape within the industry?

The industry sees high competition due to relatively low barriers to entry and a large number of similar service providers. While large postal and courier service providers benefit from economies of scale and established brand recognition, smaller players can compete by offering specialized or localized services. Further, continuous advancements in technology demand industry players to constantly evolve and innovate to stay ahead in the competition. Moreover, the industry is subject to changes in regulations and trade agreements, which also impact competition and profitability.