The German courier, express and parcels (CEP) industry declined in 2009 due to the financialcrisis with falling volumes and revenues. But this year, companies expect moderate growth,
according to the latest annual study from the national association of international express andparcel operators (BIEK).The study results presented today in Berlin revealed that the total revenues of the GermanCEP market fell 4.2% to €13.3 billion in 2009. But they are expected to rise again to €13.8 billionthis year. Shipping volumes dropped 2.5% to 2.18 billion shipments last year. However, BIEKforecasts a better result of 2.3 billion shipments for 2010.
“The crisis has also left its mark in the CEP industry. But the companies prove once againthat they are the economic motor for the German economy,” said BIEK president Gunnar Uldall. “It isindeed unlikely that we will reach the strong growth of the pre-crisis years. But the trend isconsistently going up.” In addition, it was possible to maintain employment on a nearly stablelevel despite the negative economic environment, Uldall added.
Looking ahead, the companies expect a 31% volume growth and a 22% revenue increase by 2014.
“In order to exploit the potential of the growth motor CEP, a sustainable transport andeconomic policy is essential,” Uldall claimed. “Moreover, we need fair competitive conditions onthe market.”
The Federal transport minister Peter Ramsauer assured his support for the German logisticsindustry and CEP industry in particular and underlined the importance of traffic optimisation. “Despite the expected strong traffic growth in the next few years, we can’t afford any traffichindrance. On the contrary, our department will cater for general conditions that will make itpossible to implement intelligent and effective concepts in the transportation industry.”
Along with the promotion of alternative engines, an important component will be the fieldtrial with long trucks next year, Ramsauer added.
In 2009, 348,500 persons were directly or indirectly employed at CEP companies, the CEP studyshowed. On the environmental level, the CO2 emissions per shipment have been reduced by around 22%in the time period between 2000 and 2009.
Every year, BIEK provides an overview of the total CEP market in Germany.
Launched in 1982, BIEK comprises leading CEP providers in Germany. The member companies havea market share of about 50% and about 18,000 parcel shops. Currently, around 65,000 people areemployed with BIEK members in the country. Overall, the German CEP sector already employs around179,000 staff.
