Country sheet: France – Main developments in the postal sector (2006-2008)
Country sheet: France – Main developments in the postal sector (2006-2008)
Read MoreTag: Chronopost
Strong growth of express cargo volumes at Marseille airport (France)
Express cargo volumes at Marseille airport grew strongly by 14.3 pct to 18,000 tonnes in the first six months of the year due to extended operations by express carriers.
Marseille is France’s leading airport after Paris for express cargo with TNT, Chronopost, DHL, TAT Express and Europe Airpost located at the site and FedEx and Ciblex also operating there. The positive development in express cargo volumes at Marseille airport is due to the carriers’ extended operations at the airport.
Overall, Marseille airport handled nearly 12,700 tonnes of freight during the first half of 2008, which is an increase of 7.9 pct compared to the first half of last year. Traditional freight decreased by 15 pct to 3,700 tonnes compared to the first half of 2007.
Read MoreChronopost extends geographical coverage of delivery service (FRA)
Chronopost has extended the geographical coverage of its next-day delivery service “Chrono 10” providing next-day delivery before 10 a.m now covering all important cities and regions in France.
More than 1000 new French “communes” will be accessible with this service offered to contract customers and customers of the Chronopost online shop.
“Chrono 10” delivers parcels to all destinations nationwide from Monday to Saturday and covers 6000 communes from a total of 36000 French communes representing the last subdivision of 100 départments and 26 regions in France. The new cities covered by the extended service include Le Havre, Perpignan, Nancy, Monaco, Angers and Lorient.
“The optimisation of the coverage will strengthen our next-morning delivery service. Thus we are responding to our customers’ demands for parcel delivery in the service and industry sectors. For certain types of shipments, it is essential that the parcel arrives in the beginning of the working day”, said Chronopost CEO Christian Emery.
Founded in 1985, Chronopost is specialized in express delivery of parcels up to 30 kg to companies and private customers worldwide. In 2007, the company generated revenues of EUR 587 million. It has a nationwide network of 76 operational sites including 6 hubs and employs 3500 people.
Read MoreChronopost unveils new three-year plan and opens EUR 53m hub
Chronopost has announced a three-year plan named “Essentiel 2010” at the occasion of the opening of its new EUR 53 million, 13,000 sqm national hub at Chilly-Mazarin, south of Paris.
The new 2008-2010 plan, presented by Christian Emery, president of Chronopost, is designed to give the company a new strategic orientation while reinforcing its position within the industry as well as internationally. As part of the plan the company is aiming for annual growth of at least 6pct, while the market is expected to grow at a lower rate. The company’s profitability is expected to be in line with the market.
Chronopost aims to become France’s leading provider of morning express delivery services. The company is planning to refocus its activities on the domestic market, concentrating on morning deliveries and its online service. Since February 2008 the company has provided next-day delivery before 13:00 within France, including packaging and transportation. This product will be extended to international destinations by end 2008.
In order to expand its market share, Chronopost will strengthen its activities in certain industrial sectors, such as new technology and health, while it also intends to expand abroad, where it already achieves 25pct of its turnover. The company is going to sign the ADEME charter for CO2 emissions and continue the environmental ISO 14001 certification program. All Chronopost drivers will be trained for eco-friendly driving by 2009. The company also said it will focus on staff training and take on 500 additional workers by 2010.
Read MoreChronopost launches new next-day express service and eBay partnership
Chronopost has launched a new express shipping solution “Prêt-à-Expédier” (“Ready to ship”) and improved the shipping service of express parcels on eBay France to better respond to customer needs.
The new shipping solution “Prêt-à-Expédier”, offered in post offices, provides next-day delivery before 13:00 within France, including packaging and transportation. It will be extended to international destinations by end-2008.
Chronopost said the new service targets small- and medium-sized enterprises. A survey last November found that 63 pct of SMEs used next morning express delivery services. In future, its “Chrono 18”, with delivery by the end of the next working day, will be reserved for contract customers.
The new “Prêt-à-Expédier” product range offers five packaging sizes (for weights up to 500g, 1kg, 2kg, 3kg and 6kg) and includes insurance, track-and-trace and POD. The minimum price is EUR 17.56.
Meanwhile, Chronopost has signed a partnership with eBay in France to enable customers to buy and to prepay online their express shipments saving time and ensuring traceability. Customers also receive a 7 pct discount off the delivery price.
EBay users can select transportation by Chronopost and are redirected to the express company’s website. There they can enter their shipment details and print off an airway bill to affix to the shipment. This can then be taken to a post office, Chronopost agency or Chrono Relais service points for pick-up and delivery.
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