Hermes now operates Europe's largest delivery network shipping parcels to private households in both B2C and C2C channels. Covering 28 European countries, the network provides the highest standards of service in 2C business for both commercial and private clients. Pivotal to the Hermes network are the e-commerce markets in Germany, Austria, the UK, France and Italy which the company serves directly through its own country companies. In other countries, Hermes has focused on strategic alliances with national carriers with a proven track record in 2C shipments. International clients can clearly benefit from flexible shipping options that include access to 36,000 ParcelShops and pan-European returns and tracking solutions.
"In global competition, it is the best logistics that counts. Retailers pursuing a strategy of international growth need the support of a logistics partner that can manage distribution operations across Europe," explains Hanjo Schneider, Member of the Executive Board at the Otto Group with responsibility for services and CEO of Hermes Europe GmbH. "Today, by creating the largest 2C network in Europe, we are providing clients and customers alike with the best possible conditions to participate in the ongoing boom in e-commerce. Accelerated internationalisation - such as the €300 million expansion of the German logistics infrastructure - is just a part of our service offensive 2014 which will strengthen our market position both at home and abroad.
Hermes has been operating its own logistics consumer delivery systems in Europe's top markets since 2007 and already covers over 85 percent of the European parcel market. By establishing strategic alliances with leading national parcel services in other European countries, Hermes has taken huge strides towards building up its continental presence. Parallel to the expansion of the network, Hermes has introduced its new Hermes EuroParcel service which greatly simplifies cross-border shipments. Best practice service standards that have received multiple industry awards such as the use of Hermes ParcelShops for DOPU (drop-off, pick-up) deliveries, and unique tailored return options now apply across the whole of Europe. Throughout Europe, returns can either be picked up directly from home or dropped off at one of the 36,000 ParcelShops depending on the destination country.
These minimum standards are supplemented by a range of national delivery variations. A particular highlight is the uniform tracking system that provides clients and customers with the latest details of the shipment at any time. By 2015, the Hermes Network will be expanded beyond its current focus on EU countries to comprise a total of 35 countries, including Russia.
The German market is profiting directly from this international roll-out. In line with this, the EU consumer rights directive came into force, which will stimulate retail trade still further. "Parcel services create a solid base to enable online business to prosper. This also applies to Hermes. Ultimately, we are striving to boost the volumes of cross-border shipments," says Frank Iden, CEO of Hermes Logistik Gruppe Deutschland (HLGD). "When we work towards building up our 2C network, we are looking primarily at service. Thanks to Hermes EuroParcel, international shipments are now significantly more efficient, speedier and much more convenient."
According to a current study* commissioned on behalf of Hermes, more than a quarter of distance-sellers questioned are already shipping abroad. However, volumes are limited. Nonetheless, 40% of these retailers are planning to expand cross-border business in future.
*Survey for the Hermes Logistik Gruppe Deutschland, June 2014; 104 distance sellers were surveyed in Germany