The strategic roadmap is based on the implementation of the CSR rollout, in order for BRT to become the reference player in terms of "responsible delivery approach" in Italy. BRT will focus on the modernisation of its fleet by replacing traditional vehicles with 100% electric and natural gas engines (more than 3,800 vehicles by 2025) and equipping more than 170 depots with electric charging stations. In line with this philosophy, the RESPIRE project also aims to measure CO2 emissions, already 100% offset compensated since 2020, and to reduce them by 27% per parcel by 2025. In a further initiative, air quality will be monitored in certain Italian cities, by installing mobile control units on BRT vehicles, as a part of the Air Quality Monitoring program. Last but not least, an innovative delivery concept in urban areas is on its way, thanks to the opening of the Smart Urban Depots: pick-up/drop-off centres for parcels and city distribution with electric cargo bikes.
BRT - leading player in Express Delivery in Italy
-
In 2020 BRT has recorded 1.5 billion euros of turnover with a market share of 23.1% (source Cerved);
-
by 2025 turnover target is to reach 2 billion euros, which means an increase by more than 30%;
-
200 depots, 35 parcel hubs, 13 heavy weights hubs, 10 logistics facilities, and over 4,500 BRT- fermopoint parcels shop network;
-
22,000 personnel, more than over 70,000 customers;
-
over 200 million parcels delivered in 2020.
The market landscape
In 2020, the sector showed a consistent growth in turnover, registering a variation of + 12.4% compared to 2019.
This trend was largely due to the strong increase in shipments generated by e-commerce, which during the pandemic was one of the most used purchasing channels by the Italian consumers. Mostly, this has impacted the domestic market: + 19.2%, where BRT registered best performances, while International express delivery was penalised the most.
The demand generated by the B2B channel suffered a setback in the period from March to May, due to the suspension of their production activities, but recovered in the second half of the year.
The forecasts for 2021 point to a new growth in the sector turnover, more moderate than in 2020, due to the combined effect of:
As a result, greatest business opportunities are correlated to the growing e-commerce channel, where operational efficiency and tech innovations are essential.
(Source Cerved, June 2021)
Lockdowns and the development of the Italian e-commerce
2020 marked a turning point. For the first time, e-commerce became one of the main drivers of the consumption. A definite awareness of the importance of the e-commerce channel has emerged and resulted in one of the most radical changes in the retail.
In Italy, according to the Osservatorio eCommerce B2c of Politecnico di Milano, post-pandemic e-commerce growth continues to expand also in 2021: + 18% in terms of value vs 2020, meaning that the Products segment turnover is expected to reach 30.6 billion euros. The online penetration of retail purchases has risen from 4% in 2015 to 10% in 2021 and shows higher growth margins than the rates recorded by the main European countries.
The Italian Express Delivery market is going through a phase of profound changes, largely attributable to digitalisation with a focus on customer-centricity in both B2B and B2C.
“Together and beyond all boundaries”: BRT strategy to 2025
From this point of view, BRT has a clear goal for 2025: to become Italy’s reference player in terms of sustainable deliveries, and to contribute in an increasingly effective way to the phenomenon of e-commerce and the growth of international exports.
And it will do so based on the three pillars of the Strategic Plan:
- Consolidating the B2B position
BRT is a long-established dominant figure in the B2B market, thanks to the wide spread presence and reliability of its network, which guarantees fast delivery service and satisfies the customer’s needs, from the envelope to the pallet. A position that supports all the industrial sectors of Italy.
- Development of B2C solutions
2021 has seen 27.7 million Italian e-shoppers (source: Osservatorio eCommerce B2c of Politecnico di Milano), constantly growing compared to 2020. For many consumers, online shopping in 2020 went from being an alternative to a necessity, and in 2021 e-commerce has become an integral part of the purchasing process.
BRT will promote personalised solutions for the consignees, and support companies with its integrated digital tools, which facilitate customer satisfaction. Beyond this, its network of parcel shops (PUDO), i.e. BRT-fermopoint, offers more flexibility of choice for the final consumer.
BRT's strategy aims to accelerate new vertical sectors growth through the development of a wide range of solutions. It also aims to develop special services for pharmaceutical products (pharma) and fresh food (fresh), which require controlled temperatures and are subject to specific regulations.
BRT’s commitment to sustainable development
As early as 2019, the E-Shopper Barometer research revealed that 70% of regular European e-shoppers expressed a desire for far greater commercial commitment to environmental sustainability. The spread of consumer eco-awareness has generated insistent demand for environmentally friendly delivery methods and greater care about packaging materials.
Sustainability is the foundation of BRT's identity which, with 100% renewable electricity in 2021, is already committed to protecting the environment and is determined to become a reference player in "sustainable delivery" in Italy. Indeed, each of three pillars of BRT’s strategic vision will be pursued together with an ambitious green strategy:
-
Deployed over 3,800 100% electric and/or natural gas vehicles;
-
A 27% reduction in CO2 emissions per parcel compared to 2020;
-
A 100% CO2 offset from 2020;
-
The creation of charging stations for electric vehicles, in over 170 hubs;
BRT is well aware of its key role in containing emissions, considering that in general 30% of pollution is generated by urban logistics. This is why BRT will start a programme of Air Quality Monitoring in various Italian big cities, starting with Bologna:
-
This project will measure air quality through both mobile and fixed sensors;
-
The sensors will be installed both on BRT vehicles and in the BRT-parcel shops which are part of the initiative;
-
The measurement will detect the amount of PM2.5 in the air;
-
Data will be visible on a dedicated website, allowing people to become aware of the air quality of their urban area.
For this programme to be successful, it is essential to create a “green garrison” serving urban areas, thus also helping to preserve Italy’s most important historic city centres. This is why BRT - in synergy with the DPDgroup’s programmes - is developing the Smart Urban Depot network: a series of small pickup and delivery centres which will also be the base of its fleet of small electric vehicles.
Bologna is the city where the first Smart Urban Depot will be inaugurated, equipped with a full green fleet consisting of both Cargo Bikes - pedal assisted bicycles, equipped with mini-containers for transporting goods - and 100% electric vehicles. This initiative demonstrates BRT's determination to implement innovative solutions to help protect the environment.
Dalmazio Manti, CEO of BRT, explains:
“During 2020-2021, thanks to its experience and deep knowledge of the territory and of the needs of its customers and end-consignees, BRT guaranteed continuity of service to Italian companies and families. The market has been transformed, and we must face numerous challenges in the near future. With this in mind, our vision for 2025 is clear: continue to support the B2B market and offer new dedicated services for B2C segment, focusing more and more on the quality and efficiency of customer service. It will also be fundamental to help Italian companies in cross-border shipments and become the Italian reference for sustainable deliveries".
About BRT
BRT, a DPDgroup company, guarantees a fast, reliable, and secure fulfillment and shipping service in Italy, Europe, and all over the world.
The company has over 22,000 workers, including employees, warehouse operators, drivers and other suppliers.
Thanks to its widespread presence, with 200 branches, including 35 parcel hubs, 13 freight hubs and 10 logistics centres, and over 4.500 BRT-Fermopoint, it provides extensive and efficient delivery express solutions across Italy.
In the 2020 financial year, BRT SpA generated a turnover of 1,565.3 million euros.
DPDgroup is the largest parcel delivery company in Europe: a huge company that combines innovative technology and local knowledge to provide a flexible and user-friendly service for both shippers and shoppers.
With more than 97,000 drivers, and a network of more than 58,000 pickup points, it delivers 5.7 million parcels every day (1.9 billion per year) through the DPD, Chronopost, SEUR and BRT.
In 2020 DPDgroup recorded a turnover of €11 billion (+ 42% growth since 2019).
