Driving Forces

Altered customer behaviour

A structural transformation is underway on the postal and logistics markets. For several years the logistics industry has been characterized by growing consolidation in which major global operators have become increasingly dominant. Due to changes in customer behavior the postal market has become part of a communications market where it faces competition from both digital communication and from other operators. These trends have dramatically altered conditions for running postal services and continued restructuring can be expected.

Liberalisation or re-regulation

Most of the liberalization of the European postal markets should have been implemented by the end of 2010. Eleven countries were granted derogation until the end of 2012, and it is not known how the countries will incorporate the EU's Postal Directive. Full-scale liberalization is meant to open markets to competition and level the playing field for all participants, though this is not likely to be the case. Expect instead a readjusted market with major variations between countries. The large, often state-owned operators risk being subject to new restrictions that impede and limit competitiveness and profitability.

Internationalisation and regionalisation

The need for cross-border communication and logistics solutions is growing and developing as companies expand into new countries and regions. Operators on the communication and logistics market must both control a certain region and have international reach. This is usually accomplished through a combination of own capacity and the establishment of partnerships with various international networks.

Environmental and climate considerations 

Developing businesses to be less dependent on fossil energy sources is an increasingly important business strategy issue. Businesses that are able to limit their environmental and climate impact will have a competitive advantage. This is driven by the fact that international agreements and national environmental targets will entail heightened requirements and increased demand for climate-efficient solutions. 

Increase in e-commerce

E-commerce is a growth area. For merchants, this involves being able to manage messaging and logistics flows for businesses as well as meeting buyers’ demands for reliability and ease in receiving their ordered items and, where necessary, offering a simple, secure return process. The result is a growing market for partners in communications and logistics.