Germany’s courier, express and parcel (CEP) market is expected to see solid volume and salesincreases over the next five years, but at a lower pace than last year, according to a study by the
German International Express Association (BIEK).The study forecasts average annual growth in shipping volumes of 3.2% among German CEP companiesto around 2.9 billion shipments in 2016, with around 2.6 billion shipments estimated in 2012.Shipment volumes for Germany’s CEP market increased by 6% in 2011, to 2.5 billion shipments. Thetotal revenues of the CEP market rose 6.3% to €14.98 billion.
Last year, 188,000 people were directly employed by CEP operators in Germany, representing anincrease of 2,800 employees compared to the previous year.
Gunnar Uldall, BIEK president, said: “Our industry continues to be a decisive factor for theGerman economy. The very positive results of the companies and forecasts for future years show anexcellent development. CEP market growth means economic growth in general.” The CEP industry is anearly indicator for the development of the German economy. Since 1995, the German CEP market hasbeen growing twice as fast as the overall economy of the country, with average GDP growth of 1% peryear and CEP revenues growing 2.1% on average annually.
“Only a rigorous sustainable transport and economic policy can keep the growth driver CEPrunning at full speed,” added Uldall. “This is especially true for a well-functioning transportinfrastructure − both for aviation and road traffic. Only if it is guaranteed that the goods can betransported within a very short period of time, can the CEP industry meet its responsibility forthe German economy to the full extent.”
In its CEP study 2012, BIEK analysed the overall CEP market in Germany, as every year, incooperation with the scientific institute KE-Consult Economy and Transport Advisory Cologne.
Founded in 1982, BIEK comprises the leading providers for courier, express and parcel servicesin Germany. The association’s members, including UPS, TNT, DPD, Hermes and FedEx, represent about50% of the overall German CEP sector. Currently, BIEK members employ about 65,000 people, eitherdirectly or on a freelance basis. DHL is not a member of the association.
