International shipments help boost DPD CZ volumes 15%

La Poste’s DPD Group said its Czech subsidiary is now one of the three leading parcel delivery companies in the Czech Republic. Overall shipment volumes increased 15% last year, compared to the year before, with the business-to-consumer market the main driver for that growth at DPD CZ, the company said.

Business was particularly helped by a 35% increase in international shipment volumes in 2011 compared to 2010.

The growth in home delivery overcame a stagnation in the business-to-business market that actually had a negative impact on overall trading figures. DPD said its Czech unit had been particularly struggling in the IT equipment and accessories sector, with a decline in the number of consignments.

A slight dip in domestic demand for goods also had a negative impact on the parcel services market in the Republic.

Daniel Mareš, managing director at DPD CZ, said particular growth was seen in international shipments thanks to a series of internal changes in coordinating shipments to neighbouring countries, particularly to Slovakia.

“The company’s high standing on the international markets is primarily down to DPD’s strong position throughout Europe, where we are now the clear market-leader. This means that our customers in the Czech Republic benefit from the services offered by probably Europe’s best land-based parcel carrier.”

Mareš said last year innovations including automatic reports by text message and email alerts to recipients stating expected delivery times had also helped keep DPD “well ahead of the market” in the Czech Republic.

DPD CZ was founded in 1994, becoming part of the DPD network a year later. The company has a central hub in Prague and a network of 12 regional depots across the country.

The company handles more than 7m parcels a year with a fleet of 400 vehicles and staff of more than 230.