France Express tracking

What is France Express?

France Express is a French company specializing in express parcel and pallet transport. Founded in March 1971 in Brittany, this company has established itself as one of the major players in express messaging across France. Its history is closely linked to logistics innovation, as the very concept of France Express was born from an unprecedented customer request: to ensure twice-daily deliveries to meet the urgent needs of the automotive sector.

The origins of France Express date back to the summer of 1970, when an automotive parts supplier asked Sotrab, a Breton transport company, to set up a twice-daily delivery service to garages in Ille-et-Vilaine. This service, initially conceived as seasonal, proved so successful that it gave rise to a real business. In March 1971, France Express officially came into being as a joint venture equally owned by Sotrab and SFTC (Société Française de Transports Calberson), with the ambition of developing a national express transport network.

France Express developed at a rapid pace throughout the 1970s. The network covered 50 departments by 1973, then 69 departments by 1976. The expansion strategy was based on an innovative franchise model: local transporters operated under the common brand France Express, such as 22 Express for Côtes-d'Armor or 35 Express for Ille-et-Vilaine. This decentralized approach combined local expertise with the strength of a national network. By 1982, France Express had managed to cover the entire metropolitan territory, with at least one agency in each French department.

• Date of establishment: March 1971, initiated by Sotrab and SFTC in Brittany
• Parent company: Geodis Group, SNCF's logistics subsidiary
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Legal status: Economic Interest Grouping (GIE) since 1982, renewed in 2021 for 15 years
• Annual revenue: Over 400 million euros
• Workforce: 4,200 employees across the country
• Annual volume: Over 13 million shipments processed each year

In 1977, the Calberson group entered France Express' capital following its acquisition of SFTC. This integration marked the beginning of attachment to a large-scale logistics group. In 1995, Calberson joined the Geodis group, itself a 100% subsidiary of SNCF. France Express thus became part of one of Europe's leading transport and logistics operators. In March 1982, the company adopted the status of Economic Interest Grouping (GIE), a cooperative structure that unites multiple regional transporters within the same organization, sharing resources and expertise while maintaining decentralized management.

It is important to note that France Express is not part of the DPD group, contrary to a frequent confusion. DPD is part of GeoPost, a subsidiary of La Poste, while France Express is part of Geodis, the logistics branch of SNCF. This confusion probably stems from the similarity between the names "Geodis" and "GeoPost," but these are indeed two separate organizations with no capital link. France Express operates independently under Geodis, with a positioning historically centered on express shipments for professionals.

Over the decades, France Express has continuously modernized its logistics infrastructure. The opening of a mechanized sorting center in Corbas in 2009 illustrates this commitment to continuous optimization. Today, the network has 110 agencies spread across metropolitan France, including Corsica, and operates approximately 2,500 daily connections between these agencies. Eleven main sorting centers handle nighttime sorting operations and inter-regional transfers, guaranteeing optimized delivery times for all customers.

Which countries does France Express deliver to?

France Express has built its reputation on exceptional territorial coverage in metropolitan France. From the early 1980s, the company had risen to the challenge of being present in every French department, an unprecedented achievement in the express sector at that time. This national presence remains the core of the carrier's activity, serving all French municipalities, from major cities to the most isolated rural areas.

France Express' territorial network is based on 110 strategically located agencies across the country. This infrastructure ensures deliveries six days a week, with the possibility of twice-daily routes in many areas. The presence of an agency in each department guarantees proximity to customers and optimal responsiveness for pickups and deliveries. This capillarity allows the carrier to guarantee delivery times among the most competitive on the French market.

• Metropolitan France: Complete coverage of 101 French departments, with at least one agency per department
• Corsica: The island is served by the France Express network, with regular connections from the mainland
• Monaco and Andorra: These neighboring principalities are also included in the distribution area
• Over 36,000 municipalities: Next-day delivery before 1:00 PM on this extended network
• 16,200 main localities: Guaranteed delivery before 10:00 AM

Beyond French borders, France Express relies on the power of the Geodis network to offer international delivery services. Connections exist with neighboring European countries, particularly the Benelux, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany. For these destinations, platforms connected to the France Express network allow parcels to be shipped to or from these neighboring markets, ensuring continuity of service appreciated by companies operating on a European scale.

For shipments further afield to wider Europe and the rest of the world, France Express entrusts parcels to trusted partner carriers or to Geodis' international subsidiaries. The Geodis group has a global logistics network with a presence in 166 countries, so France Express can offer its customers transport to most international destinations. This collaboration enables end-to-end logistics management, with continuous tracking of shipments even beyond French borders.

Transexpress is France Express' dedicated service for international shipments. This solution allows parcels to be sent quickly to major European destinations, with delivery times and reliability suited to international trade requirements. Customers benefit from a single point of contact for both domestic and international shipments, simplifying their shipping logistics management.

What are France Express' delivery services and timeframes?

France Express offers a comprehensive range of express delivery services, tailored to the varied needs of its professional clientele. The carrier's core business is based on two main segments: parcel delivery and pallet freight transport. Added to this are specialized offerings to meet the most demanding requirements in terms of speed, time slots and types of goods.

France Express' standard service guarantees next-day delivery before 1:00 PM to over 36,000 French municipalities, including Saturday mornings. This delivery promise is based on 100% express organization with dedicated hubs and transport, as well as unified processes to ensure consistent service quality. Over 16,200 main localities even benefit from guaranteed delivery before 10:00 AM, offering exceptional responsiveness to businesses whose activities start early in the morning.

• Twice-Daily Service: Same-day delivery at local level, with a parcel picked up in the morning and delivered in the afternoon within the same department. This iconic France Express service is based on twice-daily route organization in each department.
• Next-Day Delivery before 1:00 PM: Express service ensuring parcel transport from the day following dispatch, with delivery completed before 1:00 PM throughout metropolitan France.
• Pre-Opening Delivery (LAO): Premium service for professional deliveries that must be made early in the morning, before the recipient's business starts. Nighttime distribution routes allow parcel delivery at destination at dawn.
• Top H Service: Precise time delivery, guaranteeing parcel delivery within a time slot agreed with the recipient.
• On Demand Service: Specially designed for delivery to private individuals, this service allows the recipient to choose a personalized delivery time slot, including Saturday mornings.
• Transexpress: Solution for urgent inter-regional shipments, allowing a parcel picked up in the morning to be delivered the same evening in another French region.
• Top Course: Express delivery service dedicated to ultra-urgent needs, with pickup in less than 30 minutes and point-to-point transport without detours.

Pallet transport is another pillar of France Express' offering. The network handles heavy and bulky shipments in pallet or batch form, with strict monitoring from pickup to final delivery. This pallet messaging service is aimed particularly at industries and wholesalers who need to quickly transport large volumes of goods.

France Express has also developed solutions tailored to e-commerce. These services include fast deliveries to end customers, the ability for recipients to schedule their reception via the appointment delivery option, and proactive notification of the end customer on parcel status. E-commerce professionals can integrate France Express services into their systems via APIs or software modules to automate shipping label generation and order tracking.

For sensitive or special goods, France Express has specific solutions thanks to the support of the Geodis group. The network can handle shipments of dangerous goods with secured ADR transport, temperature-regulated products, medical equipment, valuable items, and even live animal transport in compliance with regulations. The Securepac service offers enhanced security for sensitive or valuable products, while the Swap service enables simultaneous product exchange.

What are France Express' rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

France Express adopts a competitive pricing policy aimed at attracting large companies, SMEs and craftspeople alike. Prices vary according to several parameters: the type of service chosen, parcel weight, dimensions, destination and any additional options. This flexibility allows each customer to find a solution suited to their needs and budget.

For standard parcels, rates generally range between 15 and 30 euros for a 10 kg shipment in standard service, depending on delivery zone and type of service selected. These prices are regularly adjusted to remain competitive against competitors like Chronopost, DPD, GLS or UPS. France Express positions itself notably as an often more advantageous alternative to Chronopost for high-volume shipments, thanks to specific discounts for companies that ship regularly.

• Pricing on actual or volumetric weight: The rate applied is based on whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight (calculated using the formula L x W x H in cm / 5000)
• Fuel surcharge: A surcharge indexed to diesel prices is added monthly to the base rate to compensate for fuel cost fluctuations
• Volume discounts: Preferential rates are offered to companies shipping regularly, with discounts that can be significant depending on shipment volume
• Paid options: Premium services such as pre-opening delivery, appointment delivery or ad valorem insurance incur rate supplements

Regarding maximum dimensions and weight accepted, France Express can handle a wide variety of shipments, from small parcels to the largest pallets. For parcels under 30 kg, dimensions must not exceed 2 meters in length, 0.8 meters in width and 0.6 meters in height. These limits correspond to express messaging market standards and allow processing of the vast majority of routine shipments.

For heavier shipments, between 30 kg and 150 kg, authorized dimensions are more generous: up to 3 meters in length, width or height, with a maximum of 4 meters for the three dimensions combined. Beyond 150 cm in length or 300 cm total perimeter (L + W + H), the shipment is classified as oversized and must be handled on a pallet. The standard Europe pallet (80 x 120 cm) then becomes the reference format to guarantee stability and safety during transport.

• Maximum standard parcel weight: 30 kg per parcel for classic express messaging services
• Maximum oversized parcel weight: Up to 70 kg depending on services, with pallet messaging required beyond this
• Standard parcel dimensions: Max length 2 m, max width 0.8 m, max height 0.6 m for parcels under 30 kg
• Pallets: 80 x 120 cm Europe format recommended, with possibility of stacking for heavy loads
• Prohibited goods: Certain products are excluded from transport, notably undeclared dangerous materials, non-conditioned perishables, illicit items

For pallet shipments, rates are calculated differently and may be higher than for standard parcels. Cost varies considerably depending on distance to cover, pallet weight and associated services (tailgate delivery, platform loading, delivery to upper floors). The fuel surcharge also applies to these shipments. To obtain a precise quote suited to their specific needs, customers are invited to request a personalized quote directly from France Express or their local agency.

What are France Express' delivery options?

France Express provides its customers with a range of delivery options aimed at offering flexibility and customization. Whether for professional shippers or end recipients, these options allow adapting service to each person's constraints and preferences. The objective is to maximize first-attempt successful delivery rate while offering optimal customer experience.

Home or business delivery is France Express' primary distribution method. Parcels are delivered directly to the recipient or their representative, at the address indicated by the shipper. The delivery person makes hand-to-hand delivery at the building entrance, with the option to go upstairs or unload goods. A signature is collected as proof of delivery, transmitted in real-time to the shipper.

• Appointment delivery: The On Demand service allows the recipient to choose the day and time slot that suits them, including Saturday mornings. This option is particularly appreciated for deliveries to private individuals in e-commerce contexts.
• Precise time delivery: The Top H service guarantees parcel delivery within a defined time slot, meeting the requirements of professionals who need to plan their receipts precisely.
• Delivery rescheduling: In case of recipient absence, a timestamped photo is taken at the building door to attest the delivery attempt. The recipient can then reschedule a second delivery online or choose to collect at the nearest France Express agency.
• Agency pickup: With an agency in each French department, recipients always have the option to collect their parcel directly there if home delivery is impossible.
• Delivery instructions: The recipient can indicate delivery preferences if absent: new appointment, delivery to a neighbor or caretaker, safe place deposit.

France Express' notification system, called Info desti, enables proactive notification to the recipient of the planned delivery date and time slot. Notifications by SMS or email are sent to warn of imminent parcel arrival. The recipient is kept informed of every status change throughout their shipment's journey. The day before delivery, a reminder message is systematically sent, and if there is no response, France Express contacts the customer within 24 hours.

For shippers, the Info direct service allows real-time action on an ongoing shipment. If a problem occurs during the delivery phase, such as an unreachable recipient or incomplete address, the shipper can immediately provide new instructions via the online platform. They can choose a new delivery date or correct an address to minimize delay or avoid delivery failure. This responsiveness is particularly valuable for companies whose shipments are critical.

Unlike some competitors, France Express does not have its own network of pickup points or automated lockers. The company's distribution model is based primarily on direct delivery and agency pickup. However, for specific needs of certain e-commerce customers, alternative solutions can be studied on a case-by-case basis depending on local partnerships.

The Info network service is an information monitoring tool that provides information on France Express transport network status. Shippers can check online for any disruptions in progress: bad weather, major traffic incidents or blockages liable to affect delivery times in certain regions. Informed in real-time of these setbacks, customers can anticipate and adapt their logistics if necessary.

What if my France Express parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of a problem with a France Express shipment, whether a lost, damaged or late parcel, it is essential to know the procedures to follow to assert your rights and obtain compensation. France Express has a customer service department dedicated to claims and applies rules in force in the freight transport sector.

The first step if you receive a damaged parcel is to make precise and detailed reservations at the time of delivery. The parcel's external appearance should be checked in front of the delivery person and damage found should be noted in proper form on the delivery receipt. These reservations must be detailed and not generic: rather than simply writing "subject to unpacking," you must precisely describe visible damage (crushed packaging, torn cardboard, impact marks, etc.). Keeping a copy of this document is essential for any future claim.

• Timeframe to report damage: You have 3 business days after delivery to send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the carrier confirming reservations made at delivery
• Timeframe for general claim: Claims must be submitted within a maximum of 20 days after receipt or sending of the shipment, according to general terms and conditions
• Documents to provide: Delivery receipt mentioning reservations, invoice confirming original merchandise value, damage photos, original packaging retained

To contact France Express and file a claim, several channels are available. Customer service can be reached by phone at 08 92 05 28 28. You can also find your local agency's contact details on the company's website and contact the agency manager directly. An email address is also available in the Contact section of the website to submit your claim in writing. Going directly to the nearest agency remains a practical option for handling complex situations.

Compensation in case of loss or damage is governed by France Express' General Terms and Conditions and freight transport regulations. Without ad valorem insurance, compensation is capped according to legal schedules, generally calculated pro-rata to shipment weight. This cap may prove insufficient for valuable goods, hence the importance of taking out supplementary insurance for precious shipments.

• Ad valorem insurance: France Express offers optional insurance allowing you to insure your parcels at their actual declared value, for a premium generally between 2 and 3% of this value
• Coverage: Ad valorem insurance covers loss, theft or damage during transport, with compensation corresponding to the declared value
• Exclusions: Inadequate packaging, merchandise defects, prohibited products and cases of force majeure (natural disasters, strikes) are excluded from the guarantee
• Declaration threshold: It is recommended to take out ad valorem insurance if merchandise value exceeds €33 per kg of gross weight domestically or €10 per kg internationally

If you disagree with France Express regarding the compensation offered, you have the option of appealing to mediation or a dispute resolution body. In many countries, consumer protection legislation places responsibility on the professional seller in case of unreceived or damaged parcel. In cases of loss or theft, you can generally demand reimbursement from the merchant who shipped the order; it is then up to them to turn to the carrier or their insurance.

The processing time for a claim varies depending on situation complexity. To know the exact progress of your case, it is recommended to regularly contact the France Express agency involved or the central customer service. Once the claim is validated, compensation is paid according to the terms defined in the general terms and conditions or the specific contract signed with the carrier.

Does France Express handle international shipments and customs procedures?

France Express offers international transport services, primarily to European destinations, thanks to the Geodis network and specialized logistics partners. The Transexpress service is the dedicated offering for cross-border shipments, allowing rapid transport of parcels to France's main neighboring countries. For more distant destinations, France Express relies on Geodis group's international subsidiaries, present in 166 countries worldwide.

For shipments within the European Union, customs procedures are greatly simplified. The European Union constituting a common market, there are no longer customs barriers between member countries. In practice, when goods circulate between two EU countries, no customs declaration is necessary and no specific form is required. This fluidity greatly facilitates intra-European trade.

• Intra-EU shipments: No customs procedures required for goods circulating between European Union member countries
• Regulated products: Certain products such as weapons, medicines, alcohols or cultural goods remain subject to specific regulations, even within the EU
• European countries outside the EU: For Switzerland, the United Kingdom (since Brexit), Norway or other non-member countries, a customs declaration is mandatory

For shipments to countries outside the European Union, customs procedures become necessary. The aim of customs services is to know the shipment's contents (origin, nature, value) in order to determine applicable duties and taxes. Several documents are required for these international shipments and must accompany the goods.

• CN23 Customs Declaration: Compulsory form justifying the origin, nature and value of goods shipped
• Commercial invoice: Central document for clearance, used by customs authorities to determine applicable duties and taxes
• Origin declaration: Allows proving European origin of goods and may entitle to customs duty exemptions under applicable trade agreements
• EORI number: Mandatory identifier for economic operators carrying out import/export operations outside the EU, to appear on all customs declarations

Customs duties and import taxes are generally at the recipient's expense, unless otherwise agreed between shipper and carrier (DDP regime - Delivered Duty Paid). These charges vary according to destination country, merchandise nature and declared value. Delivery times for international shipments include customs clearance time, which can vary from a few hours to several days depending on file complexity and the destination country's customs service efficiency.

France Express, via the Geodis network, can offer assistance with customs procedures for clients with regular export needs. This consulting service ensures documents are correctly completed and goods properly classified to avoid any customs hold-up. For one-off shipments, it is generally up to the shipper to prepare required documents and ensure their compliance.

Export restrictions vary depending on destination country. Certain goods may be prohibited or subject to prior authorization: food products, plants, animals, medicines, chemicals, etc. It is recommended to check the destination country's regulations before any international shipment to prevent goods from being held up or returned by customs.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a France Express parcel online, different statuses may appear as it progresses. Each status reflects a specific step in your shipment's journey, from pickup to final delivery. France Express provides shippers and recipients with real-time tracking tools accessible via the professional web portal, customer area or dedicated recipient area. Here are the main statuses and their meaning:

France Express also provides advanced tools for proactive shipment management. The Info desti service notifies the recipient of the planned delivery date and time slot via SMS or email, while the Info direct service allows shippers to intervene in real-time on a shipment in case of problem. These features guarantee complete transparency on parcel status and allow anticipating or quickly resolving any delivery difficulties.