Parcel Delivery Companies in Europe/EU: A Guide to Reliable Partners for Your Ecommerce Business

When expanding an ecommerce business internationally, choosing the right parcel delivery companies is essential. In Europe, cart abandonment rates have been notably high when shoppers’ preferred couriers were unavailable. Therefore, using the services of reputable and popular parcel companies in Europe is crucial. It ensures timely product delivery, builds customer trust, enhances brand reputation, and optimises logistical operations.

Are you planning to expand to the EU? Do you want to learn more about the local preferences for delivery companies in the EU? Then this article is just right for you. It explores the courier landscape of five key countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and France.

Four Key Factors to Consider For Choosing the Right Delivery Company

There are multiple factors you should take into account when choosing the most suitable shipping company, but here we list three important ones for the European market.

1. Pricing and Cost Structure

When selecting a delivery company, understanding the pricing and cost structure is essential. Competitive shipping rates can significantly impact your overall operational costs and influence your pricing strategy. It’s crucial to compare rates across different carriers and understand any additional fees for services like expedited shipping, package size, or destination. Opting for a delivery partner with transparent pricing can help you manage your budget effectively while ensuring you can offer attractive shipping options to your customers.

2. Adapting to Local Delivery Preferences

Tailoring different delivery methods to local market needs is crucial for creating a positive brand image. It demonstrates that your online business is attentive to local preferences and adaptable, enhancing your reputation and competitiveness. For instance, while home delivery is broadly preferred in Europe, specific preferences can vary: in France, many shoppers favour parcel pick-up from lockers, whereas in the Netherlands, customers often seek flexibility in choosing delivery times and locations. Adapting to these preferences not only meets customer expectations but also sets your business apart in a competitive market.

3. Traditional vs. International Carriers: What’s Best for Your Ecommerce Company?

Although many of Europe’s leading parcel delivery companies have been in operation in one form or another for over 200 years, the market has become more competitive with the entry of new and international players. Today, parcel shipping companies are not only competing on delivery speed and reliability but also on technological innovation, customer service, and sustainability. This heightened competition is driving improvements across the industry, offering consumers better services and, in some cases, more affordable options.

Whether you choose to work with a long-established company or a newer, international player like UPS, the key is to identify which tools and services they offer and how well they align with your specific business needs. The right choice will depend on what helps you meet customer expectations and streamline your operations effectively.

4. Sustainability Drives Consumer Loyalty

Did you know that over 60% of European consumers prefer brands with strong environmental commitments? Partnering with eco-friendly parcel companies is not only good for the planet, but it’s also good for online business. Working with a carbon-neutral delivery partner or one with green initiatives can enhance your brand’s reputation and foster loyalty among eco-conscious consumers.

Leading Parcel Delivery Companies in Europe: A Country-by-Country Breakdown

Here’s a look at the most popular parcel delivery companies in five key EU countries, along with insights into local market preferences. 

Germany: The Largest Parcel Delivery Market in Europe

Germany, with its robust logistics infrastructure, has the largest parcel delivery market in Europe. By 2025, this market is expected to exceed €32 billion and despite having over 12,000 companies in the CEP market, three major players dominate due to their high-quality services. This dominance is reflected in the fact that 83% of German customers prefer and value receiving their parcels from companies with which they have had positive experiences. Following, you’ll find some of the most popular delivery companies in Germany:

• DHL stands as the leading parcel company in Germany and generated over €81.8 billion in revenue in 2023. As part of the Deutsche Post group, DHL provides a comprehensive range of delivery services, both domestic and international, with an extensive network across Europe. It is the most used parcel company in the country and in 2022, Deutsche Post DHL transported approximately 1.67 billion parcels. Additionally, the number of parcel lockers increased from 7,000 in 2021 to 15,000 in 2023.

• Hermes successfully completed over 250 million deliveries in 2022. In Europe, it handles around 817 million shipments annually, with up to 1.5 million home deliveries per day. This success is driven by its network of over 17,000 parcel shops across Germany, which represents Europe’s largest collection point. Also, more than 99% of deliveries reach recipients on time and safely; and this was achieved thanks to the customer-oriented features offered such as a three-hour delivery window, SMS notifications, Saturday deliveries and many more.

• DPD Group provides flexible services paired with advanced real-time tracking technology. The company supports shipping to destinations outside the EU, including the United States. In 2023, DPD reached a significant milestone by delivering over 2 billion parcels worldwide. Its extensive network includes over 7,000 parcel shops across Europe, enhancing logistics efficiency throughout the continent.

The Netherlands: Innovation and Flexibility

Known for innovation, the Dutch parcel market invests in technologies such as real-time tracking, automated parcel lockers and advanced sorting systems to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. For 82% of online shoppers, home delivery is the preferred method and, impressively, 99% of deliveries are successful. This success is largely due to the fact that Dutch consumers can pre-select the time and date of delivery. Partnering with parcel companies that conform to these standards is therefore crucial to success in the Dutch market.

• PostNL has been a prominent player in the Netherlands for over 225 years and is the country’s leading parcel delivery company. In 2023, during the peak season, PostNL successfully delivered 51 million parcels within two days. According to their report, a significant factor in this achievement was their close collaboration with e-tailers and customers to coordinate pickup and delivery days. Additionally, their efficiency is enhanced by digital tracking from the letterbox, which means customers receive notifications from the moment the package leaves the delivery centre until it is dropped off at the desired location.

• DHL, as described before, is a German company but it is a major player in the Dutch market too. It is a trusted option for both domestic and international shipments. It manages 4,000 DHL ServicePoints throughout the Netherlands, ensuring convenient access for customers.

• UPS, an American company that entered the Dutch market in 1985, is renowned for its fast international delivery services. In 2023, UPS handled an impressive 22.3 million packages per day globally. With 1,450 access points throughout the Netherlands, it stands as a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient global shipping solutions.

Spain: A Growing Parcel Market Driven by Ecommerce

Spain’s diverse geography and growing demand for both domestic and international shipping have made its parcel market increasingly competitive and dynamic. Projections suggest the market will reach €4.2 billion by 2024. According to a report from the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC), this growth is largely driven by the rise of ecommerce. Correos has emerged as the most widely used parcel delivery company in the country. However, other Spanish parcel carriers such as SEUR, MRW, DHL, and GLS also hold significant market share and remain popular choices.

• Correos, Spain’s state-owned postal service, is a leading choice for domestic shipments, known for its vast logistics network that extends to even the most remote areas. The company operates 2,389 pickup and drop-off offices in Spain, along with 58 additional centres through Correos Express in Portugal. It also offers personalised delivery options to international destinations like Andorra, Portugal, and Gibraltar. In 2022, Correos generated €1.96 billion in revenue. With 8,285 service points and 2,594 parcel lockers across Spain, the company efficiently handled an impressive 5.5 million daily deliveries that same year.

• SEUR, a leader in express delivery since 1942, is renowned for its 24-hour delivery service in Spain. Their range of delivery options includes traditional home delivery and parcel shop pick-up, offering customers flexibility with over 4,500 service points, including convenience stores and lockers. In terms of environmental commitment, SEUR has invested in a fleet of electric and sustainable vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions. As part of their goal, they aim to have 30% of their fleet composed of low or zero-emission vehicles by 2025. 

• MRW is renowned for its reliability and fast delivery times, particularly for its 24-hour service within Spain. Specialising in express deliveries, MRW boasts a vast network of over 1,300 pickup and drop-off locations across Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. Recently, MRW expanded its network to over 5,000 delivery points, including convenience stores and lockers. MRW’s strong focus on urgent deliveries makes it a preferred choice for both businesses and consumers.

Italy: A Competitive and Fragmented Market

With the growing demand for fast and efficient deliveries, the parcel sector in Italy has become highly competitive. Italian consumers increasingly seek greater flexibility in receiving their packages, leading to a rise in the use of parcel pick-up points and automated lockers. In 2022, a total of 1.5 billion parcels were delivered in Italy. Bartolini (BRT) holds the leading position, with 45.4% of the market share as the preferred parcel service. Meanwhile, other Italian parcel delivery companies like GLS, DHL, and Poste Italiane, while holding smaller shares, play crucial roles in contributing to the market’s dynamism and fragmentation.

• BRT (Bartolini) is one of the largest parcel companies in Italy, known for its emphasis on precision and speed, making it a top choice for e-commerce businesses. In 2020, the company was fully integrated into the DPDgroup, expanding its network to 28 European countries with over 110,000 delivery points. Today, BRT operates an extensive network of more than 8,700 collection points across Italy, including newsstands, tobacconists, stationery shops, and other local businesses, providing enhanced convenience for its customers.

• Poste Italiane, with origins dating back more than 160 years, is considered the most traditional parcel delivery solution in Italy. It remains the leading option for domestic shipments, offering efficient service and nationwide coverage. In 2023, the company achieved record revenue, reaching €12 billion, driven in part by the expansion of its network. Poste Italiane now operates 12,800 post offices in both small and large towns, along with 350 parcel lockers, enhancing its accessibility and service reach.

• UPS entered the Italian market in 1987 through the acquisition of Alimondo and expanded further in 2011 with the acquisition of Pieffe Group. Today, UPS operates over 3,000 access points across Italy and continues to work toward its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

France: The Pick-Up-and-Go Center

For French customers, two key factors influence their choice of parcel delivery service: delivery speed and delivery method. These aspects are crucial, as they can significantly impact cart abandonment rates. While home delivery remains the most common option, France stands out as a leader in Europe for pick-up-and-go locations, with 71% of buyers preferring this method. Understanding the specific needs of the market you wish to enter, as demonstrated in France, is essential for success.

• La Poste, through its subsidiary Colissimo, is the most popular and widely used parcel delivery service in France. In 2022, the La Poste Group reported a revenue of more than €35 billion and delivered a total of 6.7 billion mail and parcels. With an extensive network of pick-up stations across the country, the company holds the top position in parcel distribution, serving an impressive 1.3 million customers daily.

• Chronopost, a DPD subsidiary, is a leader in express parcel delivery in France, handling shipments up to 30 kg for both businesses and individuals. In 2022, the company delivered over 230 million parcels and offered 19,500 pickup points throughout France. Additionally, Chronopost operates in nearly 230 countries, highlighting its vast global reach and processing capabilities.

• DPD France, established in 1999 as part of DPDgroup, is renowned for its reliable, fast, and eco-friendly parcel delivery services. It boasts a comprehensive network of more than 10,000 parcel shops across the country. The company is committed to sustainability, evidenced by its use of electric delivery vehicles in urban areas to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, since 2012, all deliveries by DPD in Europe have been carbon-neutral, at no extra cost to customers.

Choose the Right Parcel Partner for Your Expansion

Choosing the right delivery partner is critical to your success in the European market. Here are three points to take into account:

1. Understand local preferences: Research your target market’s delivery expectations and partner with a courier that aligns with these preferences.
2. Prioritise cross-border expertise: Work with companies that have extensive experience in handling customs and cross-border logistics, particularly post-Brexit.
3. Opt for sustainability: European consumers value eco-friendly businesses. Choosing a delivery partner with strong sustainability credentials can boost your brand’s appeal.

At byrd, we collaborate with leading parcel companies across Europe to provide tailored fulfilment solutions. If you’re ready to expand into the EU, partnering with us can help you navigate the logistics landscape and ensure a smooth customer experience for every delivery.