Postal and parcel operators need a diverse range of partnerships as well as technologies such as AI to help them simplify cross-border logistics and improve operational efficiency, according to senior managers at the Leaders in Logistics Summit in Berlin last week.
At present, CEP industry players all have to cope with rapid changes in international trade, including new tariffs and changes of de minimis regulations. Some see opportunities but others see threats as they try to adjust their operations in response.
“Freedom, not barriers”
Christelle Defaye-Geneste, La Poste’s Director of EU Affairs and Customs Affairs and also Chair of the UPU’s Customs Group, explained in a panel discussion that new legislation could make trade and cross-border logistics more complex, yet customers wanted more efficiency. “So the question is how to reconcile demand with political regulations. We need laws that facilitate and offer freedom of choice, not barriers,” she stressed.
International organisations could play key roles to eliminate fragmentation in this field, while partnerships were essential, she pointed out. “Partnerships are an absolute necessity. We are not an integrated business. We need to collaborate with a diverse range of partners, including technology providers, platforms and authorities.”
Elke Segers, bpost’s EVP for Transformation, Strategy and Cross-Border Performance, agreed that tax and regulatory changes are making international flows more complex. “We need to work with partners,” she confirmed. In particular, commercial relationships needed to be built up into closer partnerships.
“Huge opportunity”
