Spanish parcels carrier SEUR grew solidly last year thanks to big increases in B2C and international volumes and plans to double its parcel shop network this year to drive further growth.
The company, owned by Paris-based DPDgroup, increased turnover by 4.5% to €690 million while volumes were up by 2.5% at 115 million packages.
Once again, B2C deliveries and international shipments were the main business drivers. Revenues from e-commerce shipments increased by 7% to €229 million, thus representing one third of turnover. International business grew strongly by 18% to €198 million and now accounts for a high 29% of sales.
CEO Alberto Navarro said the company maintained its growth in a highly competitive environment, marked by high seasonality and greater pressure on operating costs, "thanks to a strategy focused on higher profitability businesses and a price increase forced by the economic environment".
He emphasised: "Our goal is to continue developing the most profitable segments such as B2B, international flows and premium B2C services."
The growth in B2C volumes might be lower this year due to slower consumption but cross-border business could accelerate, Navarro continued. "In 2019 we expect more moderate growth in the domestic business and higher in the international, which will exceed the 2018 figures," he said.
One priority for SEUR in 2019 will be to double the size of its last-mile retail network Pickup, with 1,400 convenience collection points at present, by integrating parcel lockers that offer 24/7 access.
Navarro explained: "In Europe, 10% of buyers use this option regularly in their online purchases, while in Spain it is only 4%. This is a preference that has been growing in recent years, so we are sure that this type of delivery is a trend that we must bet on and offer our customers."
At the same time, SEUR is expanding its urban micro-hubs for urgent final-mile deliveries by environmentally-friendly means, such as cargo bikes. The 11th such depot went into service in the Eixample district of Barcelona in January, while others are located in Madrid, Bilbao, Sevilla, Segovia, Valencia and Zaragoza as well as other cities.
Overall, the company plans to invest more than €10 million this year in its network and vehicle fleet. "This year, in addition to the facilities in Illescas and Miranda de Ebro, we will open another warehouse in the latter location to manage international business with the UK," said Navarro.
