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17. November 2021 | Press release

GeoPost/DPDgroup has geared up to tackle the 2021 peak period

 

  • The Group expects to handle up to 13.6 million parcels worldwide on peak days, including 13 million Europe-wide, an increase of close to 75% compared to current daily volumes

  • More than 370 million parcels are anticipated to be delivered worldwide, (including 350 million Europe-wide) over the whole peak period, an increase of 8.6% compared to 2020

  • GeoPost/DPDgroup is well-prepared to handle this surge in delivery volume, including through the addition of 12,000 drivers, 5,000 in-facility operators, and 9,000 additional first and last mile delivery vehicles

 

Strong volumes in 2021 driven by lasting impact of pandemic and busy end of year

Following an exceptional year in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic (+40% vs 2019), GeoPost/DPDgroup is now processing and delivering a significantly greater number of parcels on a daily basis. The health crisis has boosted e-commerce worldwide, changing consumers expectations and habits on the long term.

Over the first half of 2021, GeoPost/DPDgroup continued to experience a strong increase in volumes, up by 23.6% compared to the first semester of 2020, and handled more than 1 billion parcels worldwide. Since July, GeoPost/DPDgroup observed a slower growth (compared to 2020).

In line with previous years, the Group expects online sales to exceed the preceding year’s record, starting in China with “Singles’ Day” (11 November), followed by “Black Friday” (26 November), “Cyber Monday” (29 November) and finally the week before Christmas. This busy season will continue into the first half of January, driven by online gift reselling and returns.

As for the whole peak period, running from mid-November to mid-January, GeoPost/DPDgroup anticipates handling 351 million parcels Europe-wide. This represents an estimated increase of 8.6% along with a slated, record-breaking 13 million parcels on peak days such as Cyber Monday and the week before Christmas.

 

Meeting customer expectations in a record-breaking peak season

 “Customer satisfaction is GeoPost/DPDgroup’s top priority for this year’s peak period. With volumes that have already increased by well over 20% over the first half of 2021, we are working hand in hand and around the clock with our customers to meet their changing needs in what remains an uncertain environment. Despite these challenges, we are as committed as ever to be the partner of choice, a reference in sustainable delivery and a leading enabler of the e-commerce acceleration”,

explains Bas Janssen, European Operations Director at DPDgroup.

In this context, GeoPost/DPDgroup is adapting its operations to best manage this peak period:

  • Continued contactless delivery, masks and social distancing, protecting staff and customers.

  • 60 additional depots and extended opening hours or shifted times throughout the 1,200 hubs and depots.

  • 5,000 additional in-facility operators.

  • Additional routes and further 12,000 drivers within the pick-up and delivery organisation.

  • Up to 400 additional international linehauls, and up to 9,000 additional first and last mile delivery vehicles.

  • Earlier pick-ups in close communication with customers.

 

 

About DPDgroup

DPDgroup is the largest parcel delivery network in Europe.

We combine innovative technology and local knowledge to provide a flexible and user-friendly service for both shippers and shoppers. With our industry-leading Predict service, we are setting a new standard for convenience by keeping our customers in close contact with their delivery.

With 97,000 delivery experts and a network of more than 58,000 Pickup points, we deliver 7.5 million parcels each day – 1.9 billion parcels per year – through the brands DPD, Chronopost, SEUR and BRT.

At DPDgroup we aim to be a reference in sustainable delivery and become a leading enabler of e-commerce acceleration.

DPDgroup is the parcel delivery network of GeoPost, which posted sales of €11 billion in 2020. GeoPost is a holding company owned by Le Groupe La Poste.

For more information, please contact

La Poste Groupe Press Department

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