Courier Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Report

Market Overview:

The global courier, express and parcel (CEP) market size reached US$ 439.8 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 623.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% during 2024-2032. The bolstering growth of the e-commerce sector, globalization of trade, the rising popularity of on-demand delivery, rapid urbanization, sustainability goals, and digital transformation are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Courier, express, and parcel (CEP) services encompass a range of transportation and logistics solutions designed for the efficient and rapid delivery of packages and documents. These services are characterized by their speed, reliability, and trackability. Typically, CEP companies employ advanced technologies and networks to ensure timely delivery, often within the same day or next day. They cater to both business and individual customers, offering a variety of delivery options, including international shipping. CEP services play a pivotal role in the global supply chain, supporting e-commerce, manufacturing, and distribution industries by facilitating the swift movement of goods and information.

The global courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is experiencing robust growth driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce. In line with this, the increasing demand for CEP services, as consumers increasingly prefer online shopping, leading to a surge in parcel shipments represents one of the key factors fueling the market growth. Moreover, the ongoing globalization of trade has intensified the need for efficient cross-border shipping solutions, where CEP companies excel in providing timely and reliable international delivery services, creating a favorable outlook for market expansion. Additionally, the rise of same-day and on-demand delivery expectations among consumers and businesses has further fueled CEP market growth, prompting companies to innovate and optimize their logistics networks. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and route optimization has enhanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, thereby strengthening the market’s growth. Apart from this, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation and e-commerce adoption, further boosting the CEP market's expansion, as it became a lifeline for essential goods and services during lockdowns and social distancing measures.

Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Trends/Drivers:

E-commerce expansion

The exponential growth of e-commerce stands as the foremost driver of the CEP market. As consumers increasingly opt for online shopping due to its convenience and variety, there has been a surge in parcel shipments. Retailers, both large and small, are compelled to partner with CEP companies to fulfill orders promptly, aiding in market expansion. In addition to this, e-commerce giants, such as Amazon, have set high standards for rapid deliveries, pushing CEP providers to innovate and optimize their delivery networks. This trend has only been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a substantial increase in online shopping as lockdowns and social distancing measures limited physical shopping. The ongoing expansion of the e-commerce sector is expected to sustain the demand for CEP services in the coming years.

Globalization of trade

Another pivotal factor driving the CEP market is the globalization of trade. In an increasingly interconnected world, businesses of all sizes are engaging in international commerce. CEP companies play a crucial role in providing efficient cross-border shipping solutions. They offer businesses the ability to reach customers in foreign markets quickly and reliably. Concurrent with this, the growth of international e-commerce platforms has further accelerated the demand for CEP services, presenting remunerative opportunities for market expansion. Customers now expect to receive goods from overseas with the same level of speed and reliability as domestic shipments, necessitating CEP companies to maintain extensive global networks and partnerships, thus bolstering the market’s growth.

On-demand and same-day delivery

The rising consumer and business expectations for swift deliveries have propelled the CEP market. The expanding demand for on-demand and same-day delivery services, driven by the desire for immediate gratification and convenience prompting CEP companies to deploy cutting-edge technology solutions is contributing to the market’s growth. Furthermore, the growing incorporation of automation, route optimization algorithms, and advanced tracking systems in operations to enhance operational efficiency, reduce delivery times, and ensure transparency in the delivery process is aiding in market expansion. Additionally, numerous businesses in the food delivery sector, and logistics providers partnering with retailers for instant deliveries, have set new standards for fast delivery services. This trend is reshaping consumer expectations and fueling growth in the CEP market as providers continually adapt to meet these evolving demands.

Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global courier, express and parcel (CEP) market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on service type, destination, type and end-use sector.

Breakup by Service Type:

• B2B (Business-to-Business)
• B2C (Business-to-Consumer)
• C2C (Customer-to-Customer)
   

B2B (business-to-business) dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the service type. This includes B2B (business-to-business), B2C (business-to-consumer), and C2C (customer-to-customer). According to the report, B2B (business-to-business) represented the largest segment.

The demand for Business-to-Business (B2B) Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) services is primarily being propelled by the evolving dynamics of the modern business landscape. B2B transactions increasingly rely on just-in-time inventory management and streamlined supply chains to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. As a result, there is a surging need for CEP services that can seamlessly integrate into their operations, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries of essential components and products. Furthermore, the globalization of businesses has led to an uptick in cross-border B2B trade, necessitating international CEP solutions that cater to the specific needs of businesses. The pursuit of sustainability goals by corporations also drives demand, with CEP providers offering eco-friendly logistics options to align with B2B customers' environmental objectives, thus becoming a critical enabler for sustainable supply chain management.

Breakup by Destination:

• Domestic
• International
   

Domestic holds the largest share of the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the destination has also been provided in the report. This includes domestic and international. According to the report, domestic accounted for the largest market share.

The rising demand for domestic CEP services can be attributed to the rapid urbanization and population growth in many regions, resulting in increased demand for fast and efficient parcel deliveries, particularly for last-mile distribution. Additionally, the rapid adoption of online grocery shopping and food delivery services is fostering the need for CEP providers to facilitate swift and reliable delivery of perishable goods and meals. Furthermore, the expansion of online marketplaces beyond major cities and into suburban and rural areas fuels the demand for comprehensive domestic CEP networks capable of serving a wide geographical reach. As customers continue to prioritize convenience and timely deliveries, the domestic CEP market is set to experience sustained growth.

Breakup by Type:

• Air
• Ship
• Subway
• Road
   

Road dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes air, ship, subway, and road. According to the report, road represented the largest segment.

One significant factor fueling the demand for CEP services is the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Road transportation is often seen as an eco-friendlier option compared to air or long-haul shipping, aligning with the growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and emissions in logistics operations. Besides this, the expansion of urban areas and the rise of e-commerce have led to congestion and traffic challenges in cities, making road CEP services a practical choice for navigating complex urban environments efficiently. Moreover, road CEP services provide the flexibility to reach both urban and remote areas, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of customers, including those in rural regions. This adaptability, combined with its environmentally conscious appeal, positions road-based CEP as a vital and growing segment within the industry.

Breakup by End-Use Sector:

• Services (BFSI- Banking, Financial Services and Insurance)
• Wholesale and Retail Trade (E-commerce)
• Manufacturing, Construction and Utilities
• Others
   

Services (BFSI- banking, financial services, and insurance) holds the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end-use sector has also been provided in the report. This includes services (BFSI- banking, financial services, and insurance), wholesale and retail trade (e-commerce), manufacturing, construction and utilities, and others. According to the report, services (BFSI- banking, financial services, and insurance) accounted for the largest market share.

The banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector’s ongoing digital transformation is impelling the adoption of CEP services within the industry. As BFSI institutions increasingly adopt online and mobile banking services, the need for secure and rapid document and parcel deliveries has surged. In addition to this, CEP providers play a vital role in ensuring the swift and confidential transfer of sensitive financial documents, contracts, and even physical payment cards, influencing the market’s growth. Furthermore, the rise of fintech startups and the demand for seamless customer experiences necessitate agile logistics solutions for the prompt delivery of financial products and services. These factors, coupled with regulatory requirements for secure document handling, have elevated the importance of CEP services within the BFSI sector, making them integral to the industry's evolving landscape.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia-Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest courier, express and parcel (CEP) market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

The Asia Pacific region's rapid economic development and urbanization are leading to a burgeoning middle class with increased purchasing power. This demographic shift fuels e-commerce growth, as more consumers turn to online shopping for convenience and variety. Consequently, CEP services are in high demand to facilitate the efficient delivery of goods to a geographically diverse and expanding customer base. Moreover, the vast and diverse geography of the Asia Pacific region presents a unique challenge for logistics. CEP providers play a pivotal role in overcoming this challenge by offering extensive networks and solutions for last-mile deliveries. This is particularly vital in densely populated urban areas, where congestion and traffic complexities require agile and localized delivery strategies. Furthermore, the region's dynamic business landscape, characterized by thriving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the rapid expansion of international trade, amplifies the demand for cross-border CEP services. With businesses increasingly seeking global market opportunities, reliable international shipping and logistics support are indispensable.

Competitive Landscape:

The global CEP market boasts a highly competitive landscape, characterized by a diverse range of players spanning both multinational giants and regional providers. Major international companies dominate the market, leveraging their extensive global networks, cutting-edge technology, and longstanding brand recognition. These industry giants serve as key influencers, often setting service standards and pricing benchmarks. Simultaneously, regional players thrive by offering specialized expertise and tailored services within specific geographic areas. They excel in understanding local customer needs, regulations, and infrastructure intricacies, providing agile solutions that cater to niche markets. The competitive landscape is also influenced by customer demands for sustainability, driving providers to adopt eco-friendly practices and differentiate their offerings.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Aramex PJSC
• Deutsche Post AG
• FedEx Corporation
• La Poste SA
• Pos Malaysia Berhad
• Poste Italiane SpA.
• PostNL NV
• Qantas Courier Limited
• Royal Mail Group Plc
• SF Express Co. Ltd.
• SG Holdings Co. Ltd.
• Singapore Post Ltd.
• United Parcel Service Inc.
• Yamato Transport Co.

Recent Developments:

• In July 2023, DHL Group (Deutsche Post AG) announced the acquisition of Turkish parcel delivery provider, MNG Kargo, to enhance the former’s European eCommerce parcel network.
• In June 2023, La Poste group and the CMA CGM group signed an agreement to cooperate in last-mile deliveries, logistics, and decarbonized transportation in Europe.
• In May 2023, Aramex announced that it had signed a Joint Venture (“JV”) Agreement with AD Ports Group, to develop and operate a new Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (“NVOCC”) enterprise.

Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the courier, express and parcel (CEP) market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global courier, express and parcel (CEP) market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the courier, express and parcel (CEP) industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.