DHL, FEDEX, TNT and UPS continue to lead in the express and small parcel market, but competition is picking up, says a new study entitled "Global Express and Small Parcels 2014" from the UK's Transport Intelligence.
Challengers are coming from regional providers and post offices within domestic markets as time requirements, technology enhancements as e-commerce changes the face of the industry, the study says.
"Added to this changing scenario are improving economies and the rising needs of emerging markets. For 2013, the global express and small parcel market grew 6.8 per cent from 2012," the Ti statement said.
"This growth, not surprisingly, was led by emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, South America and the Middle East. At the same time, improving economic conditions in the US also resulted in improving demand," Ti said.
"For Europe, innovative delivery solutions such as lockers and other alternative parcel pick up points have created an interesting market as well," said the report.
Changes within domestic markets are occurring but international express services are still dominated by the integrators, led by German's DHL.
The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8 per cent through 2017, with Asia-Pacific, Africa and North America leading, the study said.
