CEP (courier express parcel services)
CEP stands as an abbreviation for courier express parcel services, which offer logistic services in these areas. The offer of the service providers differs in the speed, weight and volume of the packages and the way of carrying out the shipment of the goods. Especially the regulations regarding weight and volume allow for strong standardization and also great potential for automating the service.
Differentiation of CEP services
Among CEP service providers, a distinction is made between four groups.
Courier.
A courier service primarily draws direct, individual pickup and delivery (desk to desk). As a rule, these are shipments of smaller weight, which are transported accompanied and delivered quickly. The majority of shipments handled by courier service are delivered locally or regionally over short distances only. In the inner city, bicycle couriers often take over the direct and personal delivery of shipments. Valuable and cash transports are offered by special security couriers.
Express.
These service providers offer a very fast and guaranteed transit time for shipping. However, the delivery is not made directly as with the courier, but via appropriate handling centers. So that the delivery times can be met, the processes of the express services are highly automated.
Parcel.
Parcel service providers are the most standardized and automated deliverers. Therefore, these system service providers have precise restrictions on the weight and volume of shipments. The transit time of the shipment is longer than express services and not guaranteed.
Night express.
Shipments that are handled by night express are available to the recipient before the start of work the next morning. In most cases, a receipt is waived here and the shipment is delivered to previously defined handover points. An overnight delivery is delivered overnight on the next working day.
Data communication CEP services
Forwarder software almost always offers interfaces in a standardized data format such as EDIFACT or also connect customers via individually configured interfaces. CEP service providers, in contrast, usually use their own data communication and platform, which are available to the customer. Middleware is used to electronically connect the CEP services’ interface to their own systems. Flexible forwarding and logistics software integrates the most common CEP services as a central hub application.