Colissimo tracking

Parcel transport with guaranteed delivery times since 1989

Colissimo was created in 1989 by La Poste as a parcel transport service for individuals. Its launch marked the postal company's desire to meet the growing demand for fast and secure package shipments at the end of the 1980s. In May 1989, the Colissimo brand was born, introducing for the first time guaranteed delivery times for parcels by La Poste (with compensation in case of delay). This was a significant turning point: La Poste now committed to precise deadlines for parcels, even compensating customers in case of delay, which was unprecedented in its offer.

Over the years, Colissimo has established itself as a pillar of the La Poste Group in the parcel sector, especially with the rise of e-commerce from the 2000s. The service has constantly evolved and invested in its infrastructure to improve the speed and reliability of deliveries. Colissimo is now the leader in parcel delivery to individuals in France, reaching up to 500 million shipments per year in recent years. As the parcel branch of the national postal service, Colissimo combines a modern industrial approach (automated sorting, online tracking) and La Poste's public service mission to serve the entire territory. Its history demonstrates La Poste's ability to innovate (for example, with computerized shipment tracking since the 1990s) while maintaining user trust. Colissimo has thus become synonymous with reliability and extensive logistical coverage, from local to international levels.

Services offered by Colissimo

Colissimo offers a complete range of parcel shipping services, whether for domestic shipments in France, to overseas territories, or internationally. Each service category is tailored to the geographical specificities and needs of customers, while offering basic tracking and included insurance.

• Domestic shipments in mainland France (Colissimo ensures parcel delivery throughout mainland France (including Monaco and Andorra) with fast delivery times generally within a few working days. Parcels can be delivered directly to the recipient's home, either in standard delivery without signature (the package is left in the mailbox if its dimensions allow), or in delivery with signature (the recipient signs to receive the parcel, providing proof of delivery). In both cases, online tracking is available to trace the shipment. For professional customers and e-merchants shipping in bulk, La Poste has historically offered specific variations such as Colissimo Access (tracked delivery without signature) and Colissimo Expert (delivery with signature and additional insurance options). Today, the standard Colissimo offer integrates these options flexibly to adapt to each shipment (individual or professional), without such a marked distinction.
• Shipments to overseas territories) Colissimo also serves all French overseas departments, regions, and communities (DOM-TOM), such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Polynesia, etc. For these remote destinations, La Poste offers two main formulas: on the one hand, the Colissimo OM Standard offer, equivalent to the classic Colissimo service with tracking and delivery against signature (shorter indicative time), and on the other hand, the Colissimo Eco OM (Overseas Economic) offer for non-urgent parcels, benefiting from a reduced rate but with a longer delivery time. In both cases, parcels are transported by plane or ship depending on the destination, and online tracking is provided from deposit to final distribution. Colissimo shipments to (or from) overseas territories require a customs declaration in accordance with regulations, even for a shipment between individuals. Colissimo Overseas services include the same reliability as for the mainland: home delivery (or holding in case of absence) and compensation in case of loss or damage.
• International shipments (The Colissimo service allows parcels to be shipped to a very large number of countries around the world (Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa, Oceania…). La Poste announces coverage of more than 200 different countries. Concretely, an international Colissimo transits via the French postal network to the border, then is taken over by the postal operator of the destination country for final distribution. For example, a parcel sent to the United States will be handed over to USPS (the American post) once it arrives in the USA, a parcel for the United Kingdom will be delivered by Royal Mail, etc. This inter-postal cooperation takes place within the framework of the Universal Postal Union and guarantees service continuity. International Colissimo shipments generally include delivery against the recipient's signature for added security: (except in the case of a special service without signature). Tracking is ensured from end to end thanks to the exchange of tracking information between La Poste and the foreign postal network. Weight limits apply (for example, a maximum of 30 kg per parcel to most destinations, or 20 kg for some countries outside Europe) and it is possible to subscribe to additional insurance options for high-value items (notably via the Declared Value service which covers a parcel up to a determined ceiling)

Logistics process: from collection to delivery

The journey of a Colissimo parcel, from its sender to its recipient, follows a structured logistics process in several successive phases. It all starts with collection: the sender can drop off their parcel either at a post office counter, at a partner drop-off point, or hand it directly to a postal agent (during their round or via a scheduled pickup service). Once the parcel is taken over, it enters the Colissimo network. The first step is the initial sorting at a departure platform: the parcel is routed to the nearest regional or national sorting center, where automated systems direct it based on its destination. La Poste has 18 industrial parcel sorting platforms spread across the French territory, allowing it to process shipments massively and efficiently. This mechanized sorting directs the parcel in the right direction (for example, to an Île-de-France sorting center if the parcel is leaving the province for abroad, or to the recipient's regional logistics center).

After departure sorting, the parcel is shipped via the appropriate mode of transport (road, rail, air, or sea depending on distance and urgency) to a main platform, then to the local distribution center in the recipient's area. Once it arrives at its final distribution site, the parcel is prepared for the delivery round of the postman or parcel delivery person. The delivery person takes charge of the parcel and delivers it to the recipient's address. If the recipient is absent during the delivery attempt, the parcel is not immediately distributed: the delivery person leaves a delivery notice in the mailbox, indicating the options for retrieving the parcel (scheduled redelivery, parcel pickup at the post office or a relay point, etc.). The parcel is generally held for a certain time at the pickup point while waiting for the recipient to collect it. Thanks to this well-established logistics process: collection, sorting, transport, distribution (Colissimo manages to deliver the majority of parcels reliably and quickly, while offering visibility at each stage via tracking.

Parcel numbering and tracking

Each Colissimo shipment is identified by a unique tracking number, which allows its traceability throughout the journey. This number is generally composed of 13 alphanumeric characters, in accordance with the standards of the Universal Postal Union (S13 format). For domestic shipments in France, the tracking number often follows the format XX123456789FR: it starts with two letters, followed by 9 digits, and ends with the country code "FR" indicating France. For example, a Colissimo sent from France could have the number AB123456789FR. In the case of an international shipment, the suffix may vary depending on the destination country ("US" for the United States, "ES" for Spain, etc.), but the whole remains in the 13-position format. This number appears on the parcel label (under the barcode) and on the proof of deposit given to the sender.

Colissimo tracking is carried out by scanning the parcel's barcode at each key stage. With each scan, an update is recorded in La Poste's central system, which feeds the tracking page accessible to customers. It is thus possible for the sender and recipient to consult the status of a parcel online in near real-time: for example, departure of the parcel from the origin office, shipment in progress, arrival at a sorting center, delivery preparation, etc. For individuals, tracking is done via La Poste's public website ("Track a parcel") by entering the tracking number (13 characters) in the designated field. It can also be done via the La Poste mobile app. Professional customers with an account can track multiple shipments at once and benefit from dedicated tools on the online platform. The traceability offered by Colissimo ensures total transparency: at any time, you know where the parcel is and what the next step is. In case of abnormal delay or incident (blocked parcel, etc.), tracking allows detecting the problem and quickly taking action (contacting Colissimo support, filing a claim, etc.).

Geographical scope and distribution network

Colissimo relies on La Poste's extensive infrastructure to deliver parcels throughout the territory and beyond. In France, the geographical coverage is comprehensive: shipments are distributed across the entire territory, including rural or isolated areas, six days a week. La Poste maintains a very dense network of contact points: post offices, communal agencies, postal relays at merchants (even in small towns, so that every user has access to parcel services nearby. This local presence ensures that Colissimo can deliver or at least present a delivery notice in any locality, thus ensuring the universality of the service.

Internationally, Colissimo benefits from the global postal network through reciprocity agreements between operators. The service allows shipping to more than 200 destinations worldwide. When a parcel leaves France, La Poste hands it over to the postal operator of the destination country (or to a partner carrier in some cases) who is responsible for the final delivery. This cooperation is governed by the international rules of the UPU and bilateral agreements. For the customer, it is transparent: the operation is the same as a domestic shipment, tracking simply continues on La Poste's website with information provided by the destination country. Colissimo also benefits from the La Poste Group's subsidiaries dedicated to international logistics, notably GeoPost/DPDgroup for express shipping or parcel relay abroad. GeoPost (DPD) constitutes La Poste's European and international parcel network (present in more than 50 countries). However, for standard shipments to individuals, it is mainly the classic postal network that is used: for example, a Colissimo sent to the United States will be handled by USPS, to Japan by Japan Post, etc. Thanks to this expanded geographical reach and these partnerships, Colissimo allows French shippers to reach almost any country with the same simplicity as a domestic shipment.

Tracking technologies, returns, and notifications

The operation of Colissimo relies on advanced logistics and digital technologies, aimed at optimizing parcel processing and customer information. In parcel sorting centers, La Poste uses automated sorting lines capable of processing thousands of parcels per hour: Colissimo labels are read by high-speed scanners that direct each package to the right destination. The most modern platforms even integrate sorting robots and warehouse robotics driven by artificial intelligence, to improve productivity and operational accuracy. At the same time, Colissimo records a considerable volume of tracking data (each parcel generates multiple scans); the quality and analysis of this data have become a crucial issue. La Poste exploits this information through algorithms and Big Data tools to continuously optimize its processes and anticipate potential problems. For example, analyzing parcel flows can detect an anomaly (blocked parcel or routed to the wrong center) and proactively intervene, or adjust load forecasts on platforms.

On the user side, Colissimo offers various digital tools to enhance the shipping and receiving experience. Online tracking accessible via the internet or mobile app is the central piece: it provides total transparency on the parcel's status and is updated in real-time. Professional shippers can integrate the Colissimo API into their e-commerce site to automatically transmit tracking information to customers and allow them to track their orders. In addition to consultative tracking, La Poste offers a proactive notification system: the recipient can be notified by email and/or SMS at different stages, for example, when the parcel is taken over, the day before delivery, or in case of a delay. Many e-merchants take advantage of this service to inform their customers of the parcel's approach. For example, an email message can notify the recipient that their Colissimo will be delivered the next day.

Finally, Colissimo has implemented solutions to facilitate parcel returns. For commercial shipments, the sender can include a predefined return label in the parcel, or allow the recipient to generate one via the online portal. When a customer wants to return an item, they simply need to attach the return label and drop off the parcel: either at a post office, directly in their personal mailbox (where the postman will collect it during their next day's round), or at a PickUp relay in the network (partner merchant). This flexibility simplifies return management for the end customer. Colissimo tracking also applies to returned parcels, allowing the initial sender to know when their product is coming back. Thanks to these tracking technologies and digital services (notifications, simplified returns), Colissimo offers a complete logistics chain integrating smooth communication with users and increased parcel processing efficiency.

Additional services and Colissimo options

In addition to its basic services, Colissimo offers various options to customize and secure the shipment according to needs:

• Additional insurance) All Colissimo shipments include standard (flat-rate) compensation in case of loss or damage, but it is possible to subscribe to Ad Valorem insurance to cover the actual value of the content up to a higher ceiling. For example, a high-value shipment can be insured up to its declared value (option "Declared Value") instead of the flat-rate amount per kilogram. This option guarantees greater compensation if the parcel is lost or damaged during transport.
• Delivery without signature or with signature (At the time of postage, the sender chooses whether the parcel will be delivered without the need for a signature (standard delivery) or if it requires the recipient's signature. Delivery with signature provides proof of delivery and increased security (useful for valuable items or important documents), but requires the recipient's presence. Conversely, delivery without signature allows for mailbox drop-off and avoids the need for the recipient to be present, which is convenient for low-value parcels or routine deliveries. La Poste generally advises the no-signature option for small, non-sensitive parcels, and the signature option for more valuable or bulky shipments.
• Choice of delivery location (relay points)) Colissimo allows directing delivery to a location different from the recipient's home address. The customer can opt for delivery to a relay point (at a partner merchant in the Pickup network) or at a post office of their choice. For example, a person can have their parcel delivered directly to the post office near their workplace rather than their home. Pickup relays (more than 7,500 in France) and post offices offer extended hours, providing flexibility for parcel pickup. Additionally, La Poste is deploying automatic lockers in certain cities: these are secure lockers accessible 24/7 via a code, where the recipient can collect their Colissimo whenever they wish.
• Pickup and payment services - Colissimo offers a home collection service for senders who cannot travel: upon request (online or by phone), a postman can come to collect the parcel directly from the individual's home or the sender's workplace, for an additional fee. Furthermore, a cash on delivery option exists: in this case, the delivery person only hands over the parcel to the recipient if they pay the specified amount (for example, the price of the goods upon delivery). This payment on delivery service ensures that the sender is paid for their shipment (La Poste collects the amount from the recipient and then transfers it to the sender). It is still used for certain professional shipments (traditional mail-order sales) or for transactions between individuals via the Post.

Colissimo tracking statuses

When you track a Colissimo parcel online, different tracking statuses may appear to inform you of the shipment's progress. Here is the list of the main known tracking statuses in the Colissimo system, along with their meaning: