La Poste tracking

What is La Poste?

La Poste is the historical postal operator of France, now organized as a diversified industrial group called Groupe La Poste. Officially founded in 1576 under the reign of Henri III, this centuries-old institution has evolved to become a major player in mail distribution, parcel delivery, and logistics services across French territory. The group employs approximately 227,000 employees in over 60 countries across five continents, including nearly 166,000 in France, and generates over 426,000 direct and indirect jobs.

La Poste's origins trace back to the monarchical era. In the 15th century under Louis XI, official couriers were already delivering kingdom messages. It was in 1576, however, that Henri III officially centralized and organized mail distribution in France. Over the following centuries, the postal network gradually expanded with evolving communication needs. The famous postal emblem, in yellow and blue colors, appeared during this period and remains inseparable from La Poste's identity today.

• Date of creation: 1576, under the reign of Henri III, to organize and centralize mail distribution in France
• Headquarters: Paris, France, in the heart of the 15th arrondissement
• Workforce: Approximately 227,000 employees worldwide, including 166,000 in France
• Annual revenue: Over 34 billion euros
• Parcel volume: Over 2.6 billion parcels processed annually worldwide
• International presence: Active in over 60 countries across five continents through subsidiaries

In 1991, La Poste changed its status and became a joint-stock company, allowing it to diversify activities beyond traditional mail. This transformation marked the beginning of profound change continuing into the 21st century. Today, Groupe La Poste is structured around several complementary business segments: Services-Courrier-Colis for mail and parcel distribution via Colissimo, Geopost for international parcel logistics, La Banque Postale for financial services, and Docaposte for digital solutions and document management.

The group's transformation is spectacular: while mail represented over half of revenue in the early 2010s, it now accounts for only about 15% of income. Conversely, parcel-related activities now represent over half of revenue, demonstrating La Poste's successful adaptation to e-commerce evolution. Colissimo handles nearly 500 million parcels per year in France, while Geopost, the international division, processes over 2 billion parcels annually worldwide.

To which countries does La Poste deliver?

La Poste provides exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, both domestically and internationally. In mainland France, the group serves all municipalities, from major cities to the most isolated rural areas, six days a week. This universal presence forms the core of the universal postal service mission that La Poste ensures on behalf of the French State.

For overseas destinations, La Poste offers dedicated services to all French overseas departments and territories. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, Mayotte, as well as French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, and the French Southern and Antarctic Territories are all served with offerings adapted to distance constraints and island logistical specificities.

• Mainland France: Complete territorial coverage, including Monaco and Andorra, with six-day-a-week delivery
• Overseas territories: All French departments and territories with standard and economy Colissimo services, delivery times of 7 to 15 business days
• Europe: Delivery to all European Union countries and Switzerland, with delivery guaranteed from day 3 onwards
• International: Over 220 countries and territories served worldwide via Colissimo and Geopost

Internationally, La Poste relies on Universal Postal Union agreements and its Geopost subsidiary to deliver parcels to over 220 countries and territories. Geopost, operating under recognized brands such as DPD in Europe, Chronopost in France and internationally, SEUR in Spain, BRT in Italy, Speedy in Eastern Europe, and Jadlog in Brazil, is Europe's largest parcel delivery network.

For Colissimo, 32 countries benefit from firm delivery time commitments: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, South Korea, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, United States, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam. This premium destination list guarantees shippers and recipients visibility on delivery times.

Parcel collection point delivery is also available in 19 European countries through the Pickup network: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. This European coverage meets the expectations of 72% of European e-shoppers who appreciate being able to choose a delivery location suited to their needs.

What are La Poste's delivery services and timeframes?

La Poste offers a complete range of delivery services suited to all needs, from standard shipments to urgent express deliveries. The core of the offering is based on Colissimo for domestic and international shipments, and Chronopost for express deliveries. Each service addresses specific requirements in terms of delivery times, tracking, and guarantees.

Colissimo is La Poste's flagship service for sending parcels to individuals and professionals. In mainland France, including Corsica and Monaco, Colissimo parcels are generally delivered within 48 hours, or 2 business days. This timeframe is respected in 95% of cases, positioning Colissimo as a reliable solution for e-commerce and shipments between individuals. Delivery occurs Monday through Saturday, typically between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. depending on distribution zones.

• Colissimo France: Delivery within 48 hours in mainland France, Corsica, and Monaco, Monday through Saturday
• Colissimo Overseas: Delivery times of 6 to 18 days depending on destination, with integrated customs procedures
• Colissimo Europe (Zone A): Delivery within 3 to 5 days to the European Union and Switzerland
• Colissimo International (Zone B): Delivery within 5 to 10 days to non-EU Eastern Europe and the Maghreb
• Colissimo International (Zone C): Delivery within 7 to 15 days to the rest of the world (USA, Asia, Africa, Australia)
• Chronopost Express: Express next-day delivery before 1 p.m. in mainland France for shipments deposited before the cutoff time

Chronopost, La Poste's express subsidiary, serves shippers with urgent needs or strict time constraints. This premium service guarantees express deliveries in mainland France with the possibility of next-day delivery before 1 p.m. for shipments deposited before the cutoff time. Chronopost also offers guaranteed time slots and on-demand deliveries for certain services, thus meeting the requirements of the most time-sensitive professionals and individuals.

For international express shipments, Chronopost ensures fast deliveries throughout Europe and worldwide, with real-time tracking and integrated customs procedures. The subsidiary has its own sorting infrastructure dedicated to express services and relies on optimized air and road networks to guarantee delivery speed.

Weekend delivery remains limited for standard services. Colissimo makes Saturday deliveries as part of its regular routes, but not on Sundays except for specific offerings. Chronopost, however, offers Saturday and sometimes Sunday delivery options for the most urgent needs, for an additional fee. Public holidays generally follow the same rules as Sundays, with standard delivery service suspended.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by La Poste?

Colissimo rates are structured by weight brackets and geographic zones. Prices for shipments in mainland France start at approximately €5 for parcels under 250 grams and can reach nearly €40 for parcels of 30 kilograms. These rates apply to shipments made at postal office counters; online postage typically allows access to preferential rates.

For international shipments, rates are divided into three main geographic zones. Zone A includes the European Union, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom with moderate rates. Zone B encompasses non-EU Eastern Europe, Norway, and the Maghreb with intermediate rates. Zone C covers the rest of the world, notably non-Maghreb Africa, Canada, United States, Russia, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania, with the highest rates.

• Maximum weight France: 30 kg for Colissimo shipments in mainland France
• Maximum weight international: 20 kg for certain international destinations
• Minimum dimensions: 16 cm x 11 cm for the smallest accepted format
• Standard maximum dimensions: The sum of Length + Width + Height must not exceed 150 cm, with a maximum length of 100 cm
• Maximum dimensions with surcharge: Up to 200 cm (L+W+H) with a €6 surcharge
• Oversized format: Beyond 200 cm of dimension sum, Colissimo shipment is not possible

The maximum weight allowed for Colissimo is 30 kilograms for shipments in mainland France. This limit was set for ease of handling by postal staff. For certain international destinations, the maximum weight is reduced to 20 kilograms depending on logistics constraints and local regulations of the destination country.

Regarding dimensions, the Colissimo service accepts parcels where the sum of Length + Width + Height does not exceed 150 centimeters, with a maximum length of 100 centimeters. For parcels exceeding these standard dimensions but where the sum remains under 200 centimeters, a €6 surcharge applies. Beyond 200 centimeters of dimension sum, Colissimo shipment becomes impossible and other logistics solutions must be considered.

Rates also vary depending on selected options: additional insurance, registered mail, delivery with signature. For professionals and e-commerce merchants, La Poste offers the "Colissimo Facilité" offering for small volumes (fewer than 500 parcels per year), providing access to professional rates without the burden of a framework contract. Large shippers benefit from negotiated contracts with sliding rates based on volumes.

What are La Poste's delivery options?

La Poste has significantly expanded its delivery options to adapt to current lifestyles. Beyond traditional home delivery, the group now offers a wide range of flexible solutions allowing recipients to collect parcels according to their personal and professional constraints. With over 26,000 contact points in mainland France, La Poste offers one of Europe's densest distribution networks.

Home delivery remains the preferred reception method for many recipients. The postal carrier or delivery person hands the parcel directly to the recipient, typically between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In case of absence, a delivery notice is left in the mailbox, and the parcel is held at the nearest postal office or collection point. The recipient then has 10 business days to collect the parcel from the postal office.

• Home delivery: Direct hand delivery Monday through Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. depending on zones
• Postal office: Pickup at thousands of postal offices throughout the territory, held for 10 business days
• Pickup relay points: Over 16,000 partner retailers, held for 14 days
• Pickup Station lockers: 4,500 automated lockers accessible 7 days a week, 24/7, held for 5 days
• Reception delivery: Deposit with concierge or receptionist for equipped buildings
• Rescheduling: Ability to change delivery date or location until the day before via app or website

The Pickup network represents a particularly appreciated alternative for active recipients. With over 16,000 partner retailers spread across the entire territory, this relay network allows collecting parcels near home or workplace according to often extended hours compared to postal offices. Parcels are held for 14 days, giving recipients time to arrange collection.

Pickup Station automated lockers offer the most flexible solution. With 4,500 in France, they are located in daily traffic areas: subway stations, train stations, shopping centers, parking lots. Their major advantage lies in their accessibility 7 days a week, 24/7 (except those in spaces closed at night). The recipient receives a code via SMS or email allowing them to unlock the compartment containing their parcel. The holding period is 5 days.

La Poste has also developed very practical rescheduling features. Via the La Poste mobile app or website, the recipient can, until the day before the scheduled delivery, choose another day (within the following 6 days) or another delivery location among the contact point network. This flexibility helps avoid delivery failures and unnecessary trips to collect a parcel held in storage.

For specific needs, La Poste also offers on-demand delivery via Chronopost, allowing the recipient to choose a specific time slot. Secure drop-off options in safe locations are available for certain shipment types, with the parcel then deposited in a location agreed upon with the recipient even in their absence. SMS and email notifications allow real-time tracking of delivery progress and alerts upon parcel arrival.

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

The loss or damage to a parcel is a frustrating situation for both shipper and recipient. La Poste has implemented structured complaint procedures allowing compensation in cases where carrier responsibility is engaged. It is essential to respect deadlines and build a complete file to maximize chances of obtaining redress.

To report a lost parcel, the shipper has 30 days from the shipping date to file a complaint. This relatively short timeframe requires regular monitoring of shipment tracking and quick action in case of anomaly. For a damaged parcel, the deadline is even shorter: only 48 hours after receipt to report the problem. Beyond these timeframes, the complaint may be refused.

• Deadline to report a lost parcel: 30 days after shipment
• Deadline to report a damaged parcel: 48 hours after receipt
• Basic compensation: €23 per kilogram for standard shipments without additional insurance
• Ad Valorem Insurance: Coverage between €50 and €1,000 depending on option selected
• La Poste response time: Maximum 2 months after complaint filing
• Mediator recourse: Possible within the following year if complaint is unresolved

To file a complaint, several channels are available. The simplest is to use the online form accessible on La Poste's website or via the mobile app. It is also possible to contact customer service by phone at 3631 (toll-free call). In all cases, you must provide supporting documents: proof of deposit is the essential document, accompanied by the tracking number, proof of purchase of contents, and screenshots of tracking showing non-delivery or anomaly.

Standard compensation without supplemental insurance purchased beforehand amounts to €23 per kilogram of parcel. This sum covers the total weight of the shipment, including packaging. For valuable parcels, this flat compensation can prove very insufficient. This is why La Poste offers supplemental insurance, notably "Ad Valorem" insurance which provides coverage between €50 and €1,000 depending on the option chosen at time of shipment.

In case of visibly damaged parcel delivery, the procedure differs slightly. If the postal carrier delivers the parcel in person and packaging is visibly deteriorated, the recipient can refuse delivery and ask the delivery person to report the problem. If the parcel was deposited in mailbox or collection point and damage is noticed upon opening, it must be returned within 24 hours to the postal office with packaging and contents to establish a damage report. Without this report, the complaint will be difficult to succeed.

La Poste has a maximum of 2 months to respond to a complaint. If no response is received within this timeframe, or if the response is unsatisfactory, recourse to the La Poste Group Mediator is possible. This recourse must occur within one year following the initial complaint. The Mediator may be contacted by mail at: Le Médiateur du groupe La Poste, 5 rue du Colonel Pierre Avia, Case Postale Y 812, 75757 Paris Cedex 15. As a last resort, legal action can be pursued in small claims court (dispute under €10,000) or district court.

Does La Poste handle international shipments and customs procedures?

La Poste assists shippers and recipients with international shipments, whether to the European Union, overseas territories, or the rest of the world. Management of customs procedures is a crucial aspect of shipments outside the EU, and La Poste has developed tools and procedures to simplify these processes while respecting regulatory obligations.

For shipments within the European Union, no customs procedures are required thanks to the single market. Parcels circulate freely among member states without special declaration. However, for any shipment to countries outside the EU, including the United Kingdom since Brexit, as well as to French overseas departments and territories (DROM-COM), a customs declaration is mandatory, regardless of the nature of the shipment: commercial goods, gifts, or samples.

• EU shipments: No customs procedures, free circulation of goods
• Non-EU and overseas shipments: Mandatory CN23 customs declaration, to be completed electronically before shipment
• Value over €380: Commercial invoice or proforma invoice required in addition to CN23
• Value over €1,000: Single Administrative Document (DAU) required, requiring EORI number for professionals
• EORI number: Mandatory for any business conducting commercial shipments outside the EU
• Customs delays: Vary by country, potentially adding several days to standard delivery time

The CN23 customs declaration must be completed electronically before shipment of merchandise. This requirement, imposed by international customs regulations, helps expedite customs clearance and reduce delays. The form must precisely state the weight, value of goods, and nature of the shipment. It must be dated and signed by the shipper.

For shipments valued over €380, a commercial invoice or proforma invoice must accompany the CN23 declaration. This document details shipped items with their unit value, origin, and customs code. For shipments exceeding €1,000 in value, a Single Administrative Document (DAU) is required, which means professionals must have an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification), a mandatory identifier for any import-export operations with third countries.

Regarding customs duties and import taxes, responsibility generally falls to the recipient. When a parcel arrives from a non-EU country, customs authorities of the destination country may apply customs duties and VAT on the declared value. La Poste offers solutions to simplify payment of these fees: notification to recipient, online payment before delivery, or payment to delivery person upon parcel handover.

It is essential to complete the customs declaration correctly and thoroughly. A missing, incorrect, or incomplete declaration can result in significant delays, or even refusal of the parcel by destination country customs. In some cases, the parcel may be returned to the shipper or destroyed if procedures are not regularized within the given timeframe. La Poste provides guides and online tools to assist shippers with these procedures.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a La Poste parcel online, different statuses may appear throughout its journey. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: