CEP study 2018: increasing efficiency through digitisation

Bonn, 10 August 2018. The recent analysis by the Bundesverband Paket und Expresslogistik e.V. (BIEK) reveals that the German CEP sector continued on its growth trajectory in the previous year. Around 3.35 billion shipments were transported, representing an increase of 6.1 per cent on the previous year. This saw revenue for the entire CEP market grow by 4.9 per cent in 2017, up to 19.4 billion euros.

The biggest driver of growth, with about 9.7 per cent, was once again B2C business; though B2B business also remained on a growth trajectory. With 1.3 per cent, the increase in the volume of shipments was almost double that of the previous year.

Logistics chain: more digital, more efficient

CEP providers are meeting the growing demand ever faster and in a more individualised manner. They are developing digital innovations, automising processes and, consequently, improving their efficiency. Optimised itinerary planning, automatic scanning and distribution and quicker sorting facilities benefit not only service providers but also business. Swift returns processing, fewer delivery attempts and quicker store deliveries are just a few of the results of the new business models.

According to Dr Florian Gerster, chairperson of the BIEK board, the CEP industry is setting the necessary digital course for the future – by 2022, more than 4.3 billion shipments are expected to be transported annually.

The importance of CEP service providers will continue to grow in the future, which will also lead to a rise in the number of employees in the CEP sector. Compared to the previous year, the number of employment contracts in the CEP industry increased again, by about 10,000 to a total of around 229,600.

For the current year, a shipping-volume increase of about 5.5 per cent is expected.

GO! Express & Logistics is a long-standing member of BIEK and supports the association’s work with its know-how.

You can download the study here.