Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Size, Share - Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends (2026-2035)

The Europe courier, express and parcel (CEP) market size was valued at USD 94.37 Billion in 2025 . The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.70% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 123.18 Billion by 2035 . The market growth is attributed to the rising demand for flexible, convenient, and contactless parcel delivery solutions, which is driving significant adoption of out-of-home (OOH) delivery infrastructure across Europe.

Key Market Trends and Insights

• France dominated the market 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period.
• By destination, the international category is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% over the forecast period.
• By end-use, the healthcare sector is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.1% over the forecast period.

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Size in 2025: USD 94.37 Billion
• Projected Market Size in 2035: USD 123.18 Billion
• CAGR from 2026 to 2035: 2.70%

The ongoing expansion of e-commerce in Europe has put enormous pressure on CEP operators to discover ways to optimize last-mile delivery while still providing customers with flexibility and convenience. With urban congestion, an increase in failed first-time deliveries, and rising cost sensitivity, CEP players are turning to out-of-home (OOH) delivery models as their primary tactic to deal with the demand. Through parcel lockers and pickup stations, carriers can consolidate deliveries and increase their route efficiency, at the same time giving customers more control over when and where they get their parcels, thus contributing to the Europe courier, express and parcel (CEP) market development.

Similarly, CEP operators have been aggressively collaborating with locker infrastructure providers to secure fast growth of the network. Exemplifying this trend, DPD Germany partnered with myflexbox in January 2025 to set up parcel drop-off and pick-up stations nationwide, thus giving customers the opportunity to collect shipments at their convenience while the carrier can simplify delivery routes and lower operational complexity. In addition to this move, in March 2025, DPD took another step forward by allowing parcel delivery at all myflexbox stations across Germany, thereby creating one of the most extensive locker networks in the country.

These developments also make delivery more reliable, reduce the cost of delivery of parcels, and enhance scalability during e-commerce peaks. With online shopping gradually gaining popularity in Europe, it is evident that the outdoor parcel solutions, being in strategically positioned locations, will play a crucial role in the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market expansion.

Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Report Summary

Description

Value

Base Year

USD Billion

2025

Historical Period

USD Billion

2019-2025

Forecast Period

USD Billion

2026-2035

Market Size 2025

USD Billion

94.37

Market Size 2035

USD Billion

123.18

CAGR 2019-2025

Percentage
%
CAGR 2026-2035

Percentage

2.70%

CAGR 2026-2035- Market by Region

France

4.8%

CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by destination

International

3.0%

CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by end-use

Healthcare

3.1%

Key Trends and Recent Developments

December 2025 - GLS Group Partnered with ePost Global for Cross-Border Expansion

GLS Group formed a strategic relationship with ePost Global to improve cross-border parcel transportation between Europe and the United States. The agreement increases delivery dependability for international e-commerce and B2B shipments by linking European last-mile networks with US gateway infrastructure, so enabling expanding transatlantic trade volumes and bolstering the Europe CEP market's international expansion.

September 2025 - Allegro and DPD Expanded Delivery Program Partnership

Allegro, a Polish e-commerce platform, expanded its delivery program through a partnership with DPD, which includes automated package machines, pickup and drop-off stations, and home delivery. This collaboration improves last-mile flexibility and customer comfort, speeding B2C parcel flows and supporting the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market growth trajectory, which is being driven by increased online retail activity.

July 2025 - Cargus Invested in New Logistics Hub in Romania

Cargus announced a EUR 0.5 million investment in a new logistics hub in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania, to enhance package processing capacity by around 60%. Such infrastructure investments boost regional sorting efficiency and delivery dependability, directly supporting greater shipment volumes and enabling scalable, long-term growth in the European CEP market.

March 2025 - KEBA and GLS Group Expanded Parcel Locker Infrastructure

Automation specialist KEBA signed a contract with GLS Group to deploy innovative parcel lockers in numerous European countries. The program boosts the out-of-home delivery infrastructure and improves last-mile efficiency. Expanding locker networks tackles urban delivery issues and consumer convenience desires, resulting in increased parcel throughput and scalable expansion across the European CEP industry.

Strategic Acquisitions to Strengthen Network Footprint

The competitive landscape of the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is heating up to such an extent that operators are now looking at strategic acquisitions as a way to expand their network and service capabilities. Acquisitions allow the carriers not only to enhance their coverage and streamline their activities but also to capture the parcel volumes efficiently, which are on the rise. Exemplifying this in July 2025, InPost acquired a Spanish delivery firm named Sending, which brought together their 24/7 door-to-door service and consequently strengthened the Iberian footprint of InPost. The cross-border efficiency aspect of these moves propelled scalable growth in both B2B and B2C segments.

Long-Term Service Partnerships with E-Commerce Platforms

The booming e-commerce sector of the country is driving parcel demand in the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market, and, accordingly, CEP carriers are entering into long-term agreements with online marketplaces to get hold of constant volumes and, at the same time, extend their service coverage. These partnerships contribute to the carriers' capability to transform their internal operations and boost their reliability as well as improve the overall customer experience. For instance, in April 2025, InPost signed a multi-year contract with Vinted to oversee the deliveries in eight European countries until 2027. These types of partnerships are very instrumental in the provision and scaling of cross-border CEP services.

Consolidation Through Cross-Border Joint Ventures

As operators across the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market are focused on taking their businesses cross-border. Consolidation and joint ventures are the most effective approaches to attain operational scale and efficiency. Through partnerships, carriers can share resources and even integrate their logistics networks, which contributes to the market development. In May 2025, DHL acquired a minority stake in United Kingdom-based carrier Evri, merging its United Kingdom e-commerce.

Expansion of Integrated Air-Enabled Cross-Border CEP Solutions

Operators are increasing air-integrated, end-to-end delivery systems to accommodate time-critical B2B and B2C shipments, which is driving the Europe CEP market. Emirates Courier Express will begin operations in Germany in November 2025, with Frankfurt serving as a gateway and leveraging high-frequency Dubai-Frankfurt flights to provide countrywide delivery times of 3-5 days. This improves cross-border connectivity, shortens transit times, and promotes scalable growth in manufacturing-led and e-commerce parcel flows throughout Europe.

Adoption of Autonomous and AI-Enabled Last-Mile Delivery Solutions

Despite labor shortages, environmental standards, and rising urban congestion, the adoption of autonomous delivery technology has emerged to be a notable trend in the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market. Exemplifying this, in January 2026, Neolix and Luxmea announced a partnership to develop an AI-powered, self-driving urban logistics ecosystem in Europe, with operations beginning in Germany. By integrating L4 autonomous cars into Lumia's highly developed e-cargo bike network, the alliance enables more scalable, low-emission last-mile delivery efficiency to support long-term CEP industry growth.

Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Destination

• Domestic
• International

Key Insight: The Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is divided into domestic and international deliveries, two destination categories that influence network strategies and investment profiles. Local services concentrate on dense local e-commerce, quick B2C deliveries, and parcel locker networks such as InPost, DHL, and DPD delivery, which helps to have last-mile coverage faster from the first mile. The demand for international is increasing with the cross-border online retail, thus FedEx and UPS as integrators are upgrading transit hubs and time-definite services. For instance, in 2024, FedEx estimated 6.2 billion parcel deliveries in Europe over the Christmas season, thus showing a robust domestic and international e-commerce growth.

Market Breakup by Business Model

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

Key Insight: The B2B model accounts for a significant share of the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market, owing to a rising number of contracts with industrial producers and merchants for freight consumption and logistics bundled services from UPS, DHL, and GLS. Since B2C models are massive and widely dispersed, the booming online retail sector has led to a spike in same-day and next-day delivery lockers such as those offered by InPost APMs. C2C volumes increase due to platforms like Vinted and Allegro, forcing carriers to offer services such as dynamic pricing and small parcel delivery. The collaboration between InPost and Vinted to execute deliveries in eight European countries is one major example demonstrating this change.

Market Breakup by Mode of Transport

• Roadways
• Railways
• Waterways
• Airways

Key Insight: In terms of transport, roads are still the main source for last-mile services and local communication, boosting the growth of the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market. DPD/Geopost and Hermes/Evri networks have the features of urban traffic and locker accessibility. Meanwhile, the use of air transport is dispensable for the premium express and time-critical shipments of international goods, since DHL Express and FedEx Express have time-definite global routes. Railways and waterways are cheaper medium-distance transport through EU corridors and are supported for heavy goods transport. Integrators increasingly integrate these modes with AI and sustainability upgrades to boost reliability and reduce emissions.

Market Breakup by End-Use

• Wholesale and Retail Trade
• Fashion
• Healthcare
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Others

Key Insight: Based on end-use, the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market caters to retail trade, which is the volume driver that benefits parcel consolidation and return logistics, where DHL, UPS, and GLS lend their assistance. Fast delivery and return options are the main requirements of the fashion industry, which are met by locker networks and express promises. The healthcare sector necessitates temperature-controlled logistics and cold chain services from DHL's health logistics portfolio. Industrial manufacturing depends on scheduled logistics and tailor-made freight solutions, whereas other sectors, such as electronics, consumer goods, and FMCG, are proficient in omni-channel networks, contributing to the rising demand in the market.

Market Breakup by Country

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Others

Key Insight: The Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market witnesses significant demand across the United Kingdom. Leading firms like DHLEvri, Royal Mail/Parcelforce, and InPost competitors launched OOH services, which has led to a great customer choice and thus to increased competition. In Germany, companies like DHL, DPD/Geopost, UPS, and Hermes are major players in the parcel delivery integrator networks, focusing on the sustainability of their deliveries. France and Italy are the countries that are home to powerful domestic postal and private carriers that are enhancing the cross-border logistics. Other countries such as Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands are the emerging markets where the growth is very high, and investments are being made in hubs and lockers. For instance, Allegro announced plans to add 2,500 parcel lockers in Poland, hence underlining the localized CEP infrastructure expansion.

Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Share

By destination, the domestic category amasses substantial revenue

The domestic destination category accounts for a notable share of the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market with the rising e-commerce volume and ongoing investments by carriers in enhanced delivery infrastructure to serve local markets efficiently. CEP operators are opening more out-of-home (OOH) delivery options, such as parcel lockers, to provide more convenience and cut last-mile costs. To cite an instance, in April 2024, through a partnership with iBoxen, DHL increased the number of their parcel lockers in Sweden by approximately 1,000 units in the metropolitan areas, thereby strengthening local delivery possibilities and the availability of services to domestic shippers and consumers.

On the other hand, cross-border demand contributes significantly to the growth of international CEP in Europe as carriers expand their networks and densify their alliances to collectively reduce transit times and increase service reliability. Through strategic agreements, carriers can better connect national corridors, thus simplifying customs operations and leading to increased e-commerce growth. Citing an instance, in December 2024, DHL e-commerce and CTT Expresso entered a strategic partnership to combine their parcel networks in Spain and Portugal. This move helped the companies to establish a comprehensive delivery infrastructure and facilitate international parcel flow within the Iberian Peninsula.

By business model, B2B businesses contribute significantly to the market growth

The Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market witnesses significant growth through B2B business models as carriers collaborate to strengthen logistics capacity and meet business customers' needs for reliable shipments and regional distribution. Network partnerships not only increase service flexibility across national borders but also help in handling bulk parcel volumes for commercial clients. Citing an instance, in October 2024, DPD and GLS teamed up to extend their parcel shop and open locker network in Germany with the goal of offering one of the densest out-of-home networks and becoming large-scale B2B users of efficient pickup and delivery points.

The C2C model, on its part, benefits from courier platforms that are strengthening their integrations with digital resale platforms and peer-to-peer commerce ecosystems to support the rapidly increasing individual-to-individual parcel flows. These integrations bring about better shipment visibility, pricing transparency, and delivery flexibility for private sellers. PostNL broadened its partnership with Marktplaats, the leading C2C marketplace in the Netherlands, by embedding parcel label generation and drop-off services straight into the platform. This move made seller-to-buyer shipments easier, brought more parcels from the second-hand trade, and established C2C logistics as a major growth lever within the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market.

By mode of transport, railways record notable growth

CEP carriers are using railway mode to supplement the last-mile road transport and to make delivery frameworks out of home more efficient across borders. The integration of rail and road transport improves transit resilience and increases regional cargo capacity. For instance, in June 2024, Geopost reinforced its cross-border out-of-home delivery services by connecting 28 European countries through its wide network of collection points, which also include railroad-coordinated movements among parcel shops and lockers.

Airways are still very important for the delivery of urgent express items and the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market’s cross-continental logistics. Integrators are increasing their air infrastructure to support next-day international shipments and premium services. To cite an instance, in the beginning of 2024, UPS extended its supply chain operations at Frankfurt Airport by increasing the warehouse space at its main European air gateway by nearly 25% to accommodate more parcels and to enhance the efficiency of flight-integrated logistics.

By end‑use, the fashion sector shows robust growth

The fashion sector drives significant demand in the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market as consumers are increasingly expecting more flexible options for the pickup and return of online orders. In June 2025, Royal Mail and Co-op announced their collaboration to introduce parcel lockers at 100 Co-op convenience stores throughout the United Kingdom, allowing the drop-off and collection of parcels and returns 24/7. This rollout helps to accommodate increasing e-commerce delivery volumes, provides last-mile convenience to shoppers returning fashion items, and strengthens diversified delivery infrastructure that assists CEP operators in capturing rising demand from this segment.

CEP carriers are further developing specialized solutions for the healthcare segment, which requires highly accurate logistics of medical and temperature-sensitive products. To illustrate, UPS Healthcare has extended its European reverse logistics and UPS Premier services, thereby providing healthcare shipments across Europe with improved control and service quality to satisfy the increasing needs of the sector.

Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Regional Analysis

By country, France leads the market growth

France contributes substantially to the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market revenue as CEP operators are fortifying the OOH delivery networks to meet the growing demand of consumers and cross-border logistics. InPost, for instance, invested in Bloq.it and started putting up battery-operated parcel lockers in the main European markets, including France, in 2025. Such moves are increasing last-mile flexibility and service density for domestic and international parcel flows, thereby propelling market growth.

Italy's CEP market shows robust growth from stronger integration initiatives that improve local efficiency and cross-border connectivity within Europe. For example, Poste Italiane, through its SDA Express Courier network, renewed and extended its logistics partnership with Amazon which enhanced its last-mile parcel delivery and returns across Italy. This collaboration allows for better service coverage, sorting efficiency, and delivery reliability while facilitating the growth of e-commerce parcel flows. Such partnership dealings help position Italy as the hub of wider European CEP networks by providing scalable cross-border logistics capabilities and improved service interoperability across Europe's courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market landscape.

Competitive Landscape

Various Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market players are actively working on strengthening their competitiveness through network expansions, digitization, and service diversification. Top freight companies are installing automated sorting lines, equipping their fleets with the latest locating devices, and using data to optimize transport routes to make deliveries faster and more reliable. Besides, the signing of strategic agreements with online shopping platforms and local carriers is also pushing the last-mile delivery capabilities to meet higher shipment volumes and maintain the market growth.

At the same time, courier, express, and parcel (CEP) companies in Europe are making sustainability and cross-border proficiency their main strategic levers. They depict their operations corresponding to new requirements of authorities and consumers by turning to electric delivery vehicles, using carbon-neutral ways of shipping, and constructing energy-saving warehouses. Moreover, entering new markets and improving international freight solutions are allowing players to drive the increase in global trade, thereby expanding the scope of the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market.

DHL Group

Established in 1969, DHL Group has been a world leader in logistics, express delivery, and supply chain solutions, with its headquarters in Bonn, Germany. They provide a wide range of products, such as international express, e-commerce fulfillment, freight transportation, and specialized logistics services, which are a great help to businesses and consumers all over the world.

FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp., a popular provider of courier, express, and parcel services, was established in 1971 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The company provides a wide range of shipping services, including overnight shipping, freight, e-commerce solutions, and supply chain management. It serves both the B2B and B2C markets in various regions.

Geodis S.A.

Geodis S.A., a leading European logistics and supply chain management company, was established in 1904 and is based in Levallois-Perret, France. They offer a variety of services, such as freight forwarding, contract logistics, express parcel delivery, and e-commerce solutions, and have a strong presence in the Europe courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market.

La Poste Group

La Poste Group, the well-known postal and courier service provider in Europe, was established in 1576 and is based in Paris, France. Its product portfolio includes parcel delivery, express services, logistics solutions, and digital services that aim to meet the needs of both individual and corporate clients throughout the continent.

Other players in the market include Logista Integral SA, Otto GmbH & Co. KGaA, Koninklijke PostNL, and Poste Italiane SpA, among others.

Key Highlights of the Europe Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) Market Report

• Historical Performance and Accurate Forecasts: The report includes detailed analyses of market trends in detail from 2019 to 2025 and provides precise market projections up to 2035.
• Insights into Product Innovations: The report gives an overview of the key innovations in the CEP industry, such as new parcel locker solutions, express delivery services, digital tracking technology, and specialized logistics for healthcare, fashion, and industrial sectors. It elaborates on how companies differentiate their products to gain the lead in the market.
• In-depth Competitive Landscape: The international and local leading CEP providers such as DHL, FedEx, DPD, InPost, and GLS have been heavily examined in the report. The paper evaluates firm strategies, product offerings, network expansions, collaborations, and mergers to provide readers with useful information about the competitive landscape.
• Regional Analysis Identifying Emerging Markets: The research analyzes major European countries' markets, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, among others, and points out the places where growth, infrastructure, and strategic initiatives that CSP have are changing the dynamics of the regional market.
• Investment, focused Outlook Supported by Data: The report offers a well, grounded viewpoint on investments in vehicle fleet, last, mile delivery infrastructures, technology upgrades, and collaboration. At the same time, it guides stakeholders who are willing to seek opportunities for accelerating output and refine their service delivery

Why Choose Expert Market Research?

• Trusted insights backed by comprehensive primary research: Information based on a reliable and accurate primary and secondary research.
• Actionable data for strategic decision-making: Data is presented in a comprehensible format, assisting you in preparing a company plan, developing a market entry strategy, and making investment decisions.
• Analysis by region and product: Stakeholders gain a thorough awareness of market trends by area, distribution mode, business model, and end-use, allowing them to make informed strategic decisions.

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