Chronopost tracking

What is Chronopost?

Chronopost is a French company specializing in the rapid distribution of parcels to individuals and businesses. Founded in 1985 by the La Poste Group under the name SFMI (Société Française de Messagerie Internationale), it adopted its current name in 1992 to affirm its positioning focused on speed and efficiency. Today, Chronopost is the leading national express parcel delivery provider for packages up to 30 kg in France, handling hundreds of millions of shipments annually to both businesses and individuals.

A 100% subsidiary of GeoPost, the international parcel-express division of the La Poste Group, Chronopost benefits from a solid foundation within a worldwide logistics ecosystem. GeoPost, also known by the DPDgroup brand, is the leading parcel delivery network in Europe and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. This membership in an internationally-scaled group enables Chronopost to offer express transport solutions not only throughout French territory, but also to 230 countries and territories worldwide.

Chronopost's headquarters is located in Gentilly, in the southern suburbs of Paris. The company employs over 5,000 employees dedicated to ensuring the collection, sorting, and distribution of parcels throughout the national territory. Chronopost distributes over 260 million parcels annually, confirming its position as the leader in the French express market. The company has particularly distinguished itself in the B2B (business-to-business) segment with over 100 million parcels delivered each year to professionals.

• Date of creation: 1985 under the name SFMI, renamed Chronopost in 1992
• Parent company: GeoPost (DPDgroup), subsidiary of the La Poste Group
• Headquarters: Gentilly, France
• Workforce: Over 5,000 employees
• Annual volume: Over 260 million parcels distributed each year
• International coverage: 230 countries and territories served

Chronopost's history is marked by constant technological innovation and permanent adaptation to market changes. As early as 1987, the company introduced a computerized parcel tracking system accessible via Minitel, a first for the time that foreshadowed modern tracking tools. In 1992, it opened its main international platform at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport, a strategic hub for sorting and transiting shipments by air and road to foreign destinations. This state-of-the-art infrastructure remains today one of the pillars of Chronopost's network for international flows.

Over the decades, Chronopost has successfully diversified its activities to meet the specific needs of different sectors. In 2015, it launched Chronofresh, a subsidiary dedicated to the temperature-controlled transport of food products. In 2016, the acquisition of Biologistic strengthened its position in health logistics, a strategic segment that officially took shape in 2021 with the creation of Chronopost Healthcare for the transport of medical and pharmaceutical products. These developments testify to the company's ability to reinvent itself to support changes in commerce and logistics.

In which countries does Chronopost deliver?

Chronopost provides particularly extensive geographic coverage, both throughout French territory and at the international level. In metropolitan France, the carrier serves all municipalities, from major urban centers to the most remote rural areas, six days a week from Monday to Saturday. This exceptional reach is made possible by a dense territorial network made up of several major sorting centers, dozens of regional offices, and thousands of customer contact points.

For overseas destinations, Chronopost offers dedicated services to all French overseas departments and territories. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, French Guiana, and Mayotte are served with offerings adapted to the constraints of distance and the specific logistics characteristics of these island or distant territories. French Polynesia and New Caledonia also benefit from express transport solutions, allowing businesses and individuals in these territories to take advantage of Chronopost services for their urgent shipments.

• Metropolitan France: Complete territory coverage, including Monaco and Andorra, with delivery Monday through Saturday
• French overseas: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, French Guiana, Mayotte, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia
• Europe: Delivery to all European Union countries and beyond via the DPDgroup network
• International: Over 230 countries and territories served worldwide

At the European level, Chronopost fully benefits from its membership in the DPDgroup network to extend its coverage. A parcel shipped from France via Chronopost can be quickly routed to any European country and entrusted to the group's local subsidiary for final delivery. For example, a shipment to Spain will be distributed by SEUR, a historic partner and GeoPost subsidiary in the Iberian Peninsula. In Italy, BRT ensures delivery to the recipient. In Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and most other European countries, local DPD teams take over to guarantee consistent service quality.

The Pickup relay point network extends far beyond French borders, with over 100,000 contact points available in Europe. The countries covered by this relay point network include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. This density of collection points offers European recipients flexibility comparable to that enjoyed by French customers.

Outside Europe, Chronopost relies on international agreements and partnerships to serve over 230 countries and territories around the world. Intercontinental express parcels transit through the Roissy-CDG air platform before using dedicated air links to major regions worldwide. The historic alliance with FedEx, concluded in 2001, makes it possible to use the vast air network of the American giant for routing parcels outside Europe. More recent partnerships with SF Express for the Chinese market and with Yamato Holdings for Japan further strengthen Chronopost's capabilities in Asia, particularly for the transport of fresh and frozen products.

What are Chronopost's shipping services and delivery timeframes?

Chronopost offers a complete range of express transport services designed to meet the varied needs of individuals and professionals. From the fastest to the most economical, each offering is distinguished by a precise delivery commitment and delivery options adapted to your needs. Over the years, the company has developed a portfolio of services covering all shipping scenarios, from ultra-urgent shipments that must arrive the next morning to economical solutions for less urgent shipments.

In metropolitan France, Chronopost's flagship offering comes in several service levels depending on the guaranteed delivery time. Chrono 10 service ensures next-day delivery between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in over 25,000 municipalities in metropolitan France. This premium option meets the needs of shippers whose parcels must imperatively arrive in the early morning. For slightly later but equally fast delivery, Chrono 13 guarantees parcel delivery by 1 p.m. the next day throughout metropolitan France and Monaco. This formula is Chronopost's most popular standard express service.

• Chrono 9: Next-day delivery before 9 a.m. in major French cities
• Chrono 10: Next-day delivery between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in over 25,000 municipalities
• Chrono 13: Next-day delivery before 1 p.m. throughout metropolitan France and Monaco
• Chrono 18: Next-day delivery before 6 p.m. across the entire French territory
• Chrono Relay 13: Next-day delivery before 1 p.m. to one of 17,000 Pickup relay points
• Chrono Precise: Appointment delivery within a 2-hour time slot chosen by the recipient

For less urgent shipments or when the recipient cannot be present during the day, Chrono 18 offers delivery before 6 p.m. the day after deposit, thus providing drivers with a wider distribution window. This option is particularly suitable for professionals who receive parcels at their workplace throughout the day. For even more flexibility, the Chrono Precise service allows recipients to choose a 2-hour delivery slot between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This premium service currently covers 76% of the French population and meets growing consumer expectations regarding control over delivery time.

Weekend delivery is a major advantage of Chronopost's offering. On Saturday, Chrono 8, Chrono 9, Chrono 10, and Chrono 13 services allow you to receive a parcel deposited on Friday. For shipments delivered on Friday or Saturday, Sunday delivery is available in Paris, the Île-de-France region, and in 14 major French cities including Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice, Montpellier, Rennes, Grenoble, Nantes, Reims, Lille, Strasbourg, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence. Sunday distribution takes place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., a time slot adapted to people's weekend habits.

For shipments to Europe, Chronopost offers Chrono Express Europe with next-day delivery to major European cities and 2 to 3 business days for other continental destinations. The Chrono Classic service offers a more economical alternative with estimated delivery times of 48 business hours depending on the destination. These European offerings rely on the DPDgroup network to ensure reliable delivery throughout the European Union and beyond.

For international destinations outside Europe, Chrono Express service allows you to ship documents and goods to over 230 countries and territories. Delivery times vary depending on destinations: 1 to 3 business days for major world economic centers such as New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Dubai, and 2 to 5 business days for more distant or less well-served destinations. These indicative timeframes may vary depending on customs procedures applicable in each country.

What are Chronopost's rates and maximum dimensions?

Chronopost rates vary based on several criteria: parcel weight, dimensions, destination, service level chosen, and any additional options. The rate scale is regularly updated for shipments from metropolitan France. For both individuals and professionals, Chronopost offers rate transparency allowing you to estimate shipping costs before finalizing your shipment.

For shipments within metropolitan France, rates primarily depend on parcel weight and the selected service. Premium express services such as Chrono 10 or Chrono 9 are naturally more expensive than Chrono 18 or relay point deliveries. The Shop2Shop service, which allows shipping a parcel from one relay point to another within the Pickup network, represents the most economical option for individuals seeking fast delivery at the lowest cost. Delivery times for this service are generally 2 to 4 business days.

• Home pickup surcharge: €13.20 including tax for Chronopost to collect your parcel at home
• Saturday delivery surcharge: €7.20 including tax in addition to the standard rate
• Corsica surcharge: €30.72 including tax to add to the mainland rate
• Proof of delivery: €5.00 including tax to obtain signed proof from the recipient
• Cash on delivery: €8.40 including tax + 2% of the declared value

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight allowed, Chronopost accepts parcels up to 30 kg for most of its express services. The maximum dimensions allowed are 150 cm in length and a sum of L + 2H + 2W not exceeding 300 cm. These limits apply to home delivery services in metropolitan France and internationally. There are also minimum dimensions to respect: the parcel must measure at least 30 cm x 21 cm with a minimum thickness of 3 cm or a minimum weight of 200 g.

For shipments to Pickup relay points or via the Shop2Shop service, constraints are more restrictive. The maximum weight is limited to 20 kg and dimensions must not exceed 100 cm in length, with a sum of L + 2H + 2W less than 250 cm. These limitations account for the storage capacity of partner businesses and automatic locker specifications. For deliveries to Pickup lockers, maximum dimensions are even more reduced: 39 cm / 54 cm / 70 cm. Any parcel exceeding these dimensions will automatically be redirected to a standard relay point, with application of an "Oversized Locker" surcharge.

For international shipments, the rate calculation also includes volumetric weight. The formula applied is as follows: Length x width x height (in cm) divided by 5000. If the volumetric weight thus calculated exceeds the actual parcel weight, the volumetric weight will be used for billing. This rule, common to all international express carriers, is intended to account for the actual size of light but bulky parcels in aircraft and trucks.

Professionals with a Chronopost contract can access negotiated rates based on their shipping volumes. The 100% digital offering for professionals offers a competitive rate scale accessible directly online, with no minimum volume commitment. For companies shipping large volumes, customized commercial terms can be established with a dedicated Chronopost sales representative.

What are Chronopost's delivery options?

Chronopost provides its customers with a wide range of delivery options designed to adapt to each recipient's constraints and preferences. Whether receiving a parcel at home, at work, at a nearby relay point, or in an automatic locker accessible 24/7, the carrier offers flexible solutions ensuring you never miss a delivery. This diversity of delivery methods is one of the key advantages of Chronopost's offering against competitors.

Home delivery remains the preferred distribution method for most Chronopost shipments. The driver presents at the specified address during distribution hours, generally between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. depending on services. In case of the recipient's absence, several options are available: the driver can hand over the parcel to a neighbor if they accept, leave it in a safe place previously authorized by the recipient, or make it available at the nearest Pickup point. A delivery notice is systematically left to inform the recipient of how to collect or arrange a new delivery attempt.

• Home delivery: Distribution to the recipient's address Monday through Saturday, or even Sunday in certain areas
• Relay point delivery: Collection from one of 17,000 partner retail locations in France
• Pickup locker delivery: Free self-service collection 24/7 at automated lockers
• Appointment delivery: Choice of a 2-hour time slot with Chrono Precise service
• Neighbor delivery: Option to hand over to a trusted third party if absent
• Safe place deposit: Authorization to leave the parcel in a designated secure location

The Pickup relay point network is a popular alternative for many recipients who cannot be at home during business hours. With over 17,000 collection points in metropolitan France, Chronopost offers a mesh of coverage allowing you to find a relay near home or work. These relay points are generally neighborhood businesses such as tobacco shops, grocery stores, florists, bookstores, or dry cleaners, offering wide hours including late afternoon and Saturday. The parcel is held at the Pickup point for 7 calendar days before being automatically returned to the sender.

Pickup automated lockers represent a major innovation in off-premises delivery. Located at strategic locations such as train stations, metro stations, shopping centers, gas stations, or post offices, these lockers allow you to collect your parcel with complete autonomy, at any time of day or night. To collect your shipment, the recipient must present the QR code or enter the 6-digit code received by SMS or email. Without this code, collection is impossible, thus ensuring parcel security.

Chronopost's Predict service revolutionizes the delivery experience by giving the recipient complete control over their parcel reception. From the day before the scheduled delivery and until one hour before the driver's visit, the recipient can modify their delivery settings. Rescheduling options include postponing to another date (up to 6 business days later), changing the address, redirecting to a Pickup relay point, delivery to a neighbor, or deposit in a safe place. This exceptional flexibility is available in metropolitan France and in 22 European countries covered by the DPDgroup network.

For e-commerce businesses wishing to offer a premium experience to their customers, the Chrono Swap Relay service allows combining the delivery of a new product with the collection of an old item to return. This service particularly meets the needs of refurbished product sales websites or buyback programs offered by certain retailers. The driver deposits the new parcel at the relay point and simultaneously collects the return parcel, simplifying logistics operations for the end customer.

What should I do if my Chronopost parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of a problem with a Chronopost shipment, whether a lost, damaged, or significantly delayed parcel, a claims procedure exists to assert your rights and obtain possible compensation. It is important to understand that only the sender is authorized to file a claim with Chronopost; the recipient must therefore contact the seller or original sender so they initiate the necessary steps. This rule, common to all carriers, stems from the fact that the transport contract legally binds the sender to the carrier.

In case of a damaged parcel, it is essential to act immediately upon receipt. The recipient must issue precise and detailed reservations on the delivery ticket in the driver's presence, describing the damage observed on the packaging or contents. It is also recommended to take photographs of the damaged parcel and its contents before any handling. These pieces of evidence will be essential to support any subsequent claim. The recipient then has 3 days from the delivery date to report the problem to Chronopost by email.

• Timeline to report damage: 3 days from delivery
• Who can claim: Only the parcel sender
• How to claim: Via the online customer area, by email, or by registered mail
• Processing timeline: Chronopost commits to examining and responding within 15 business days
• Documents to provide: Proof of purchase, photos of damage, delivery ticket with reservations

To file a claim, the sender can use several channels. The simplest is to log into their Chronopost customer account, select the relevant shipment in the "My Shipments" section, and open an online claims form. It is also possible to send a detailed email to [email protected] or send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to Chronopost Consumer Service, 3 boulevard Romain Rolland, CS 70103, 75014 Paris. Regardless of the method chosen, all available supporting documents should be attached.

Regarding compensation, Chronopost applies limits defined in its general terms and conditions of sale. For standard express services, maximum compensation is limited to €250 excluding tax per parcel in case of loss or damage for which the carrier's responsibility is established. For Chrono Classic, Chrono 18, and Chrono Relay Europe services, the compensation limit can reach €690 excluding tax per parcel. These amounts correspond to the value of the merchandise on the day of the claim or the cost of reconstructing documents, within the limits of contractual caps.

For shipments with values exceeding standard compensation limits, Chronopost offers optional insurance to cover merchandise up to €5,000 per parcel in case of loss or material damage. This insurance is available in several guarantee levels: €500, €1,000, €2,000, or €5,000. Professionals with a contract can benefit from a compensation limit increased to €20,000 per parcel according to negotiated conditions. Taking out this insurance is strongly recommended for any shipment of significant value.

If the claim does not succeed or if Chronopost's response is considered unsatisfactory, the customer has avenues of recourse. After one month without a satisfactory response, it is possible to contact the La Poste Group Consumer Mediator by registered mail at the following address: 5 rue du Colonel Pierre Avia, Case Postale Y 812, 75757 Paris Cedex 15. The request can also be made online at mediateur.groupelaposte.com. The mediator will examine the file impartially and propose an amicable solution within 90 days.

Does Chronopost handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Chronopost supports its customers in their international shipments to over 230 countries and territories worldwide, taking charge not only of the physical routing of parcels but also the management of customs procedures inherent to shipments outside the European Union. With nearly 40 years of experience in international express transport, the carrier has recognized expertise in customs clearance, embodied by its status as an Approved Economic Operator (AEO) issued by French customs authorities.

The AEO status is a guarantee of reliability and safety for shippers. It testifies to Chronopost's compliance with regulatory requirements regarding the safety and traceability of goods. This status allows the carrier to benefit from facilitations during customs inspections, thus accelerating the processing of international shipments on both export and import. Chronopost customers indirectly benefit from these advantages through smoother customs passage of their parcels and reduced customs clearance times.

• Documents required for export: Commercial invoice or proforma invoice, declaration of origin, EUR 1 or ATR certificates depending on destinations
• Incoterms accepted: DAP (delivery at place of destination), DDP (delivery duty paid) depending on services
• French clearance fees: €21 including tax maximum per declaration (value under €1,000), €29 including tax beyond
• Import VAT: Applicable from the first euro since July 1, 2021, for shipments from third countries
• Online calculator: Duty and tax estimation tool available in the customer area

For any international shipment to a country outside the European Union, several documents must accompany the parcel. The commercial invoice or proforma invoice is the key document in the customs clearance file. It must mention a detailed description of the goods, their value, their origin, and the complete contact information of the sender and recipient. Depending on destinations and applicable commercial agreements, other documents may be required such as the EUR 1 certificate of origin for countries that have signed preferential agreements with the European Union, or the ATR certificate for exchanges with Turkey.

Chronopost provides its customers with a duties and taxes calculator to estimate in advance the customs charges applicable to a shipment. Accessible from the customer account on the Chronopost.fr website, this tool takes into account the nature of the goods, their declared value, and the destination country to provide an estimate of customs duties, VAT, and any clearance fees. This transparency allows shippers to anticipate the total cost of their international shipments and inform their recipients of the amounts they will need to pay at delivery.

Since July 1, 2021, the VAT exemption on imports for parcels valued under €22 has been removed within the European Union. From now on, all commercial goods imported from third countries are subject to VAT from the first euro, regardless of their value. The VAT rate applied is that of the buyer's country of residence. For shipments to French overseas territories, the taxation threshold remains set at €22. Customs duties and clearance fees are generally requested from the recipient at the time of delivery, unless the sender has chosen a DDP incoterm (Delivered Duty Paid) providing for the sender to bear these costs.

To facilitate the procedures of professional customers, Chronopost offers integration solutions allowing for the automation of customs document generation and data transmission to authorities. The country fact sheets available on Chronopost's professional website detail for each destination the regulatory specifics, import restrictions, required documents, and indicative delivery times. This documentation is a valuable resource for export companies wishing to secure their international shipments.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Chronopost parcel online, different statuses may appear as it progresses through delivery. These messages allow you to reconstruct the parcel's journey and anticipate its arrival date. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: