The Future of B2C Parcel Delivery

The global B2C eCommerce market is still growing exponentially as both retailers and consumers embrace the medium. The effect on parcels distribution has been significant although further development of the market will have to cope with a number of obstacles. New competitors and innovations are presenting a dynamic environment in which parcel carriers have to adapt their strategy.



Report Highlights
Demand for home deliveries has become one of the main growth drivers in the express and parcels market over recent years and continues to transform markets and competitive dynamics in many countries around the world. Trends within eCommerce, internet penetration, new supply chain models, social demographics, innovations and new service providers are creating a dynamic environment in which parcel and express companies will have to adapt their strategies in order to gain a competitive advantage.


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Overview 1
Catalyst 1
Summary 1
Executive Summary 2
Market size and growth forecasts 2
Trends and drivers 2
Competitive Overview 2
Regional comparison 2
Opportunities and challenges 2
Size and growth of the B2C delivery parcels market 5
European B2C parcels market outpaces B2B market 5
European market still showing healthy growth prospects 9
Trends and drivers of the B2C parcels market 11
eCommerce main growth driver of B2C parcels markets 11
eCommerce grows at expense of traditional mail order 11
Competitive overview 13
C2C and International segments showing fastest growth 13
B2C - C2C 13
Domestic - International 13
Premium - Economy 13
Market becoming more competitive as new entrants focus on increasing their market share 14
Postal operators still hold almost half of the B2C market 14
Selection criteria evolve beyond price as B2C market develops and B2B carriers try to leverage their international and premium service capabilities 16
Future market leaders will be those that develop innovations challenging current delivery methods 17
Expanding service portfolio with broader range of delivery options 17
New tracking technologies such as RFID and GPS are changing the way parcels are monitored 19
Collaboration between the retailers and the B2C parcel carriers drives delivery success 19
New supply chain models are changing ways of delivering parcels 20
Regional comparison 21
European B2C market shows no sign of maturity whilst Asia records fastest growth 21
Physical and non-physical eCommerce influences B2C volume growth 21
Political instability and security concerns about payment methods deterring growth 21
Regulatory laws and poor infrastructure can hold back development of the B2C market 22
Americas 24
Asia-Pacific 25
Opportunities and challenges 26
Opportunities in B2C for parcel carriers exist in 2 man, international and new delivery methods 26
Product range attractive for home delivery is widening 26
B2C/C2C cross border volumes can be exploited further 27
Cultural awareness 27
Central warehouses and direct distribution 27
Co-operation between retailers and carriers key to improved customer service 27
Expansion of delivery options and alternative methods can radically alter B2C parcel delivery market 27
Additional delivery slots 27
Alternative pick-up and drop off points 28
Challenges in regulatory and logistical areas are dampening B2C's growth potential 28
Cross border trade offers potential if it can overcome regulatory obstacles 28
Custom duties and regulatory barriers holding back B2C parcel volumes 29
VAT exemption distorts competition 29
Non recognition of foreign brands and language barriers slowing down international B2C demand 29
Digitization of products reduces physical transport requirement 30
Delivery Failure main obstacle to efficient delivery and profitable carrier operations 30
Final mile delivery problems 30
Improper information flow to the fulfilment centre 30
Need for alternative payment solutions 30
Conclusion 32
APPENDIX 33
Definitions 33
B2C 33
Methodology 33
Further reading 33
Ask the analyst 33
Datamonitor consulting 33
Disclaimer 33

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Figure 1: The European* B2C parcels market will form more than a quarter of total value by 2012 5
Figure 2: The European* B2C market to reach nearly E12.5bn by 2012 6
Figure 3: EU-12 B2C market by country share (2007) 7
Figure 4: B2B versus B2C value by country (2007) 8
Figure 5: B2B versus B2C growth rates (2007-2012) 9
Figure 6: European B2C market size and growth forecast 10
Figure 7: Post office market share of B2C market value (%) in 2007 14
Figure 8: Postal operators dominate the B2C market across Europe 15
Figure 9: B2C parcel delivery market size forecasts by region (2007-2012) 22
Figure 10: Global Comparison of B2C market size and potential 23
Figure 11: Top 10 global B2C markets 24


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