Market Insights Mobility Transportation & Logistics

Postal Services - United States

United States

Revenue in the Postal Services market is projected to reach €73.47bn in 2024.
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 1.03%, resulting in a projected market volume of €77.35bn by 2029.

Definition

Postal services refer to the collection, sorting, and delivery of mail and parcels. This submarket encompasses both national and international postal operators, as well as courier companies, responsible for handling a wide range of mail types, including letters, packages, and bulk shipments. These services cater to both individual and business needs, offering various delivery options such as standard, expedited, and express services. The market primarily focuses on the delivery of mail (letters, postcards, printed papers) and parcels (weighing up to 20 kilograms) and does not typically extend to comprehensive supply chain management. It includes the operations of national and international postal and courier companies, whose core activities revolve around the efficient collection, sorting, and delivery of mail and parcels.

Although the postal services market and the CEP (Courier, Express, and Parcel) market share similarities, they differ in scope and service specialization. The postal service market traditionally emphasizes the regular, widespread delivery of mail and parcels, often with a national infrastructure supported by government entities. In contrast, the CEP market focuses on faster, time-sensitive deliveries, often with a higher degree of customization, tracking, and value-added services like same-day or next-day delivery, catering more to business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) needs.

Additional Information

The Postal Services market and the Third-Party Logistics (3PL) market serve distinct roles within the logistics and transportation industry. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers offer comprehensive logistics management solutions, including warehousing, inventory management, and distribution of a wide range of goods. They integrate multiple modes of transportation and deliver tailored supply chain solutions, primarily catering to business-to-business (B2B) needs. Postal Services, on the other hand, specialize in the collection, sorting, and delivery of mail and parcels. This sector is managed through national and international postal networks and courier companies, focusing on delivering mail and packages to both individuals and businesses. While 3PL services cover broader supply chain functions, postal services are dedicated to mail and parcel handling, with no overlap into comprehensive logistics management.

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Analyst Opinion

The postal services market remains a fundamental component of global communication and commerce, facilitating the delivery of letters, parcels, and packages across both domestic and international boundaries. Despite the digital transformation of communication channels, postal services continue to play a vital role in the logistics ecosystem, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and the need for reliable last-mile delivery solutions. Postal operators are evolving to meet changing consumer expectations, expanding their services beyond traditional mail to include parcel delivery, logistics, and digital services.

The surge in e-commerce has significantly impacted the postal services market, driving growth in parcel volumes as consumers increasingly shop online. This trend has prompted postal operators to adapt by enhancing their parcel delivery capabilities, investing in infrastructure, and optimizing delivery networks to meet the demand for fast, reliable, and cost-effective shipping. Many postal services have expanded their offerings to include express delivery options, real-time tracking, and convenient pick-up and drop-off points to cater to the needs of e-commerce businesses and consumers.

Postal services are also embracing digital transformation to improve efficiency and customer experience. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as automated sorting systems, digital payment solutions, and mobile applications for tracking and customer service, has enabled postal operators to streamline their operations and offer greater transparency. These innovations help reduce operational costs, improve delivery accuracy, and enhance customer satisfaction by providing more flexible and convenient service options.

Another key area of focus for the postal services market is sustainability. With increasing awareness of environmental issues, many postal operators are implementing green initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes transitioning to electric delivery vehicles, optimizing delivery routes to minimize fuel consumption, and using sustainable packaging materials. These efforts align with broader industry trends and regulatory requirements aimed at promoting environmentally friendly practices in logistics and transportation.

The postal services market also faces challenges, including the decline in traditional mail volumes due to digital communication alternatives and the need to modernize aging infrastructure. To address these challenges, many postal operators are diversifying their revenue streams by expanding into adjacent markets such as financial services, insurance, and retail logistics. Partnerships and collaborations with e-commerce platforms, third-party logistics providers, and technology companies are also becoming more common, enabling postal operators to enhance their service offerings and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Overall, the postal services market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behavior, and the growth of e-commerce. By adapting to these changes and investing in innovative solutions, postal operators can continue to provide essential services and play a vital role in the global logistics and communication landscape.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2B and B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the activities of the Postal Services market.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, national statistical offices, international institutions, and the experience of our analysts.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting transportation activity due to the non-linear growth of this market

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.