Introduction
CEP and logistics services look back on a long tradition, but only in recent years have they been recognised, observed and identified as worldwide markets. It is often difficult to make a clear definition of services, partners and business fields in
these new markets: Even worldwide operators tend to be active in several business fields and – more importantly – many
terms have not been defined for legal purposes and are used to describe different phenomena in different countries.
In order to facilitate comprehension of the complex contents of this Reference Guide, definitions of key terms pertaining to
CEP and logistics services are listed below, including clarification of how certain terms are used in different countries.
Courier services are a well-known feature in cities, offering direct transport and specialised services per bike, motorbike
or car. In addition to city operators, there are also nationally and internationally active direct couriers. Their common denomi-
nator is the fact that the consignment is accompanied by a courier all the way from sender to addressee. This market is
dominated by small and medium-sized firms. In some countries, the term courier is also used to describe firms which would
be considered to originate in the express segment.
Express services include parcel services and express freight services. Unlike courier services, express consignments are always handled via a transhipment centre. The easiest way to define the different service types is by their transmission
and delivery times. A typical express service will guarantee delivery within a specified period of time. Consignments delivered
by 6 a.m. the next day represent an in-night service, while over-night services involve next-day delivery by 12 noon. Deferred services stand for guaranteed next-day delivery without a specified time.
Parcel services are distinguishable from express services by the fact that there is no guaranteed delivery within a specific
period of time but reference is made to a standard transmission time only.
Express consignments are usually subject to limitations in size and weight. Parcel services are subject to much stricter limita-
tions. In order to provide rapid and affordable transmission, parcel services are highly standardised. This applies to size,
weight as well as girth and length circumference. Typical maximum weight limits are 20, 31.5 and 70 kg.
So-called express freight services stand for guaranteed delivery of heavy consignments within a specified period of time.
The maximum weight limit is determined by the service provider's capacities. Many service providers in this segment operate
as carriers at the same time.
Traditionally, the most familiar term is post. It tends to be widely used and often includes all activities performed by a post company. In addition to handling letters, the post also transports parcels, provides payment and banking services and, in
some cases, offers passenger transport ("Post Bus"). However, the term post is used in a variety of ways in different
countries but is usually defined for legal purposes in national legislation.
This Reference Guide defines post as that part of the transport market which handles written consignments of various
kinds. These include:
- Letters and postcards, i.e. addressed and individual written communication.
- Addressed advertising mail. This refers to consignments with the same content sent out to many addressees
(addressed direct mail). - Newspapers, periodicals, books.
- Unaddressed advertising mail. This also refers to advertising consignments with the same content which are not
sent to specific individuals or organisations but to whole areas (e.g. city districts). - Packages. Small parcels weighing up to a total of 2 kg.
The term logistics has rapidly gained popularity in the past decades. Following a worldwide trend, more and more companies involved in goods transportation have begun to call themselves logistics operators. These companies have mostly developed
from forwarding businesses, having extended their service range with value-added services, now often referred to as
supply chain management (SCM).
- Forwarding. All companies which deal with the organisation and performance of transports for a third party count
among this sector. There are forwarding companies for ground, sea and air transport as well as specialised operators
which handle e.g. hazardous goods, removals and textiles. There are fluent overlaps between areas of activity; some forwarding companies are also active in the express sector or offer their customers logistical value-added services in addition to the organisation and performance of transports. - Supply Chain Management. Various value-added services, i.e. all activities concerned with the overall planning, control
and implementation of complex supply chains between manufacturer, supplier, retailer and customer.
Unlike simple transport supply chain management involves the planning, control and optimisation from various aspects of a
whole chain of processes, from the sourcing of raw materials via a series of manufacturing steps to delivery of an end
product to the customer. One example is the complete distribution of consumer goods in the retail sector and to end cus-
tomers, another is the delivery of outsourced components to the automotive industry at the exact time of manufacturing.
Outsourcing of company processes and structures to third parties is seen as one of the main driving forces behind the
strong growth in the logistics markets. Outsourcing is a particular form of external supply which was previously performed
within the company. The nature and duration of this supply is regulated by contract.
