The express transport market in France

Express transport is a service that delivers goods quickly and efficiently from one point to another, faster than traditional delivery services. This service is particularly popular with businesses, especially those in sectors such as online sales, logistics, healthcare and finance.

There are three categories of courier, depending on delivery times:

traditional couriers, who commit to delivering parcels within 24 to 72 hours;

fast courier services, which pick up parcels before 6 p.m. for delivery on D+1 before 6 p.m;

express freight with shorter lead times: delivery is generally before 12 noon for collection the evening before. It guarantees on-time delivery, real-time tracking of your shipment's progress, and full handling of administrative and customs formalities.

The difference between express courier and express transport is still very slight, however, so much so that express courier is sometimes included in express freight.

The global express market is experiencing sustained growth. In 2024, its size was estimated at $324.79 billion, rising to $351.43 billion by 2025. This momentum is set to continue, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4% until 2029. This growth is due to increased demand for fast deliveries, supported by the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer expectations in terms of parcel delivery times.

In France, the express delivery market has also seen strong growth. Between 2015 and 2024, sales rose by 37.91%, although this growth was marked by fluctuations. From 2015 to 2022, the sector's revenues grew steadily, before declining slightly from 2023 onwards.

Many French people use delivery services, although their habits vary. Around 20% use them frequently, while 24% use them more occasionally. Speed of delivery is an essential criterion for many consumers, to the extent that express delivery is the mode for which they are most inclined to pay extra. Faced with a diversified offer, French consumers show a marked preference for national companies. Colissimo, Mondial Relay and Chronopost are among the most popular groups.

In parallel with this growing demand, the number of courier and express companies in France is declining. Between 2014 and 2023, it fell by around 14.2%. This trend can be explained by market concentration in favor of the big players, as well as by the economic and logistical challenges facing smaller companies.