Colis Privé strengthens its delivery service

Colis Privé, which relied on Last Smile Partner (LSP) for some of its customer delivery operations in France, has proposed a plan for the partial takeover of the parcel delivery business of Milee, which is currently looking for a buyer. This takeover offer was approved on 26 July 2024 by the Marseille Commercial Court.

Continuous improvement and service quality

This acquisition involves the integration of 301 employees, including 272 delivery drivers, as well as the takeover of 162 delivery vehicles and 27 distribution outlets throughout France. As well as preserving almost half of the LSP teams already working for Colis Privé, this acquisition will ensure continuity of service for all our customers. Colis Privé’s main objective with this internalisation, through the creation of our new entity Colis Privé Livraison, is to continually improve the quality of our services. By strengthening our national presence, we will be able to better control and monitor delivery processes to ensure an optimal experience for our customers.

Colis Privé, a key player in the delivery market

We’re proud to have the opportunity to establish ourselves as a key player in the last-mile delivery market in France and the Benelux countries. Before this takeover, Colis Privé had 650 employees in France. Thanks to the integration of this driver-delivery business, we have increased our workforce by almost 50%, to nearly 1,000 employees.

Colis Privé moves to the Mirabeau Tower

Colis Privé moved its head office to the Mirabeau Tower, an eco-designed building that embodies our commitment to sustainability and innovation, on 23 August 2024.

Part of Marseille’s skyline

Designed by architect Hala Wardé, this 85-metre building is part of Marseille’s new skyline, alongside iconic buildings such as the CMA CGM Tower and La Marseillaise.

An eco-designed building

The Mirabeau Tower is connected to the Thassalia seawater loop, which uses marine thermal energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. The building has been awarded HQE Bâtiment Durable (High Environmental Quality) certification at ‘Excellent’ level, and BREEAM certification at ‘Very Good’ level, attesting to its excellence in terms of sustainability. The building’s bioclimatic envelope has been designed to reduce energy consumption by 40%.

An exceptional setting for quality of life at work

This building improves the quality of life at work by offering optimum accessibility thanks to its proximity to public transport and major roads. It also offers a wide range of services, including restaurants and shops, to make everyday life easier for employees. With 21,800 m² spread over 21 floors, this building redefines the modern workspace. The offices are designed to adapt to new working methods, offering optimum comfort with openable windows on each floor for natural ventilation. Intelligent lifts, equipped with artificial intelligence technologies, optimise traffic flows. Finally, the performance of the façades and radiant ceilings guarantee a high level of acoustic and thermal comfort. This move reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, combining modernity with respect for the environment.

The teams at Colis Privé France are evolving, and so are its employees!

Here are the profiles of two Colis Privé employees who started as temporary workers: Chloe Halgrain, an order picker at the Artenay hub, and Audrey Cichosz, a supervisor at the Caen hub.

Chloé Halgrain

Hello Chloé. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your arrival at Colis Privé as a temp?

Hello, my name is Chloe Halgrain, I joined Colis Privé in May as a temporary employee. Before this, I worked in a kindergarten, and it was somewhat by chance that I got into the transportation sector.

What do you particularly enjoy about your role at Colis Privé?

My daily tasks allow me to move around, which suits me very well as I do not like to stay in one place for too long! Moreover, my position is versatile; I can be involved in re-labelling, managing non-mechanical parcels or even helping to receive trucks in the transit area. Hugues Walemme, manager of the Artenay hub, quickly offered you a position, which you accepted. Apart from your interest in the mission, what made you decide to join Colis Privé?

The atmosphere in the company is very pleasant, with a good mix of people on the floor, which helps create a relaxed and supportive environment. Colis Privé is a company that listens to its employees. There's always someone available to advise us, and communication is very fluid.

Audrey Cichosz

Hello Audrey. Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Audrey Cichosz, and I am a supervisor at the Colis Privé agency in Caen, on a permanent contract since 14 August. I started as a temp on 30 May to assist the customer relations officer. I then heard about a job vacancy and applied.

How was the recruitment process?

I went through three interview rounds: with the agency director, the HR manager and the regional director, each meeting being a crucial step.

Can you tell us about your career path?

Before joining Colis Privé, I spent two years with FedEx as a temp. My job was directly linked to the package's route. This experience was a real asset in my interviews.

What is your role as a supervisor?

My role involves monitoring the drivers, which was the mission of the network follow-up manager. In addition to this, the supervisor role covers other tasks: managing returns, handling complaints and monitoring collections.

How would you describe the atmosphere at Colis Privé?

The atmosphere within the agency is really pleasant! Colleagues really listen to each other and help each other out.

Do you have any plans for the future with Colis Privé?

For the moment, I'm settling in and the position suits me very well. For any future positions, we'll see as time goes by.

Opening of the Compans Hub and the Quincieux Agency

This back-to-school season is full of new developments for Colis Privé. Two new eco-responsible sites are opening in the network. Both projects adhere to our environmental policy.

Compans

The 15,000 m2, warehouse, with 88 dock doors and 500 m2 of photovoltaic panels, replaces the Vemars site. With this new hub, Colis Privé is pushing the envelope on eco-responsibility and energy-saving, which are the real challenges of tomorrow. For this project, Colis Privé has filed a BREEAM certification dossier and aims for an ‘Excellent’ rating. The building has also received the SIMI Grand Prix for Logistics Real Estate. Colis Privé is proud to open this new-generation logistics hub with a particularly well-managed environmental footprint.

Quincieux

Located north of Lyon, the new 5,000 m², agency with 600 m2 offices includes 77 light vehicle loading docks and 8 heavy vehicle loading docks. This site will alleviate the Corbas agency while remaining close to the distribution sectors. Through its photovoltaic power station, Colis Privé aspires to achieve the “Very Good” BREEAM certification for the building to highlight its environmental performance.

Discover parcel lockers: The new delivery trend that changes everything

Have you already heard of the revolutionary parcel lockers that are transforming the world of online delivery? These innovative systems offer an alternative solution to the challenges of e-commerce delivery by combining flexibility, security and sustainability.

What is a parcel locker?

Parcel lockers are automated delivery solutions from which users can pick up their online purchases at any time. Located in strategic places like shopping centres or public transport stations, these secure lockers facilitate the collection of orders without the need for the recipient's physical presence.

Advantages of lockers: A logistical revolution

  1. 24/7 convenience: Lockers allow parcels to be collected according to the consumer's schedule, offering a convenient solution for those who cannot be home to receive their purchases.
  2. Parcel security: Protect your purchases from theft and weather with secure lockers, ensuring your orders are in perfect condition.
  3. Minimised ecological impact: By reducing the number of deliveries needed, lockers significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, supporting sustainable development goals.
  4. Optimised delivery routes: Couriers can maximise their efficiency by dropping off multiple parcels at a single point, which reduces the time and costs associated with delivery.

Case study: QOMOD and Colis Privé

In collaboration with Colis Privé, QOMOD has implemented a delivery strategy using lockers, offering an unprecedented user experience. This modern distribution method meets the expectations of today's consumers, who prioritise convenience and speed.

Towards a connected and sustainable future

The increasing use of lockers are part of a wider trend in digitalising and innovating urban logistics. As technologies evolve, expect to see even more integrated and intelligent solutions to meet the complex needs of urban distribution.

Parcel lockers represent more than just a convenience; they are at the forefront of logistical solutions adapted to modern lifestyles. By embracing this innovation, businesses and consumers can enjoy a delivery method that not only simplifies online shopping, but also supports a greener and more efficient logistics approach.

Exploring advances in cyclologistics with Pickup Courrier: a key partner of Colis Privé

As reducing the carbon footprint becomes a top priority for logistics companies, Colis Privé is proud to highlight its partnership with Pickup Courrier, a pioneer in cyclologistics. This partnership perfectly illustrates how innovation and sustainability can transform urban delivery.

Introducing Pickup Courrier

Founded by Dylan Poirier, a former courier turned general manager, Pickup Courrier is now a major force in the field of eco-friendly logistics. Specialising in bike deliveries, with their cargo bikes and other electric vehicles, this company contributes to a greener delivery approach thanks to fast and ecological distribution.

Key role of Pickup Courrier in sustainable logistics

The collaboration between Colis Privé and Pickup Courrier began in January 2023 and quickly established as a successful model for sustainable delivery. With an average of 600 parcels delivered daily in big cities like Bordeaux and Marseille, Pickup Courrier continues to push the limits of logistical efficiency while remaining true to its ecological principles.

Pickup Courrier’s activities

  1. Freight: Transport of goods in urban areas, essential for managing medium-sized deliveries.
  2. Point-to-Point Delivery: Express delivery guaranteed in less than 2 hours, guaranteeing speed and reliability.
  3. Free Floating: Management and maintenance of electric vehicles provided for shared use by partners such as LIME, DOTT and YEGO.

How does delivery with Pickup Courrier work?

The process is designed for efficiency: parcels are transported from Colis Privé agencies to Pickup Courrier's city-centre hubs, where they are then delivered using ecological means of transport like electric scooters, electric mopeds and cargo bikes. This method not only reduces carbon emission, but also avoids delays associated with dense city traffic.

"In a constantly evolving market where regulations increasingly aim to reduce the circulation of large polluting vehicles, adopting low-emission vehicles is not just an ecological necessity, it is also a wise business strategy", explains Dylan Poirier.

Outlook and expansion

The success of this collaboration encourages Pickup Courrier to consider expanding its activities to other Colis Privé agencies. With its low-carbon economy objectives and the deployment of 242 clean vehicles in France, Colis Privé and Pickup Courrier continue to seek innovations that could further enhance their efficiency while reducing their environmental impact.

In conclusion, the partnership between Colis Privé and Pickup Courrier is an excellent example of how companies can combine economic growth with environmental responsibility. By integrating the principles of cyclologistics into their business model, these companies not only meet the expectations of modern consumers; they actively contribute to building a more sustainable future for all.