Record Growth in Türkiye's Postal Sector: New Heights Driven by E-Commerce
The 2024 Turkish Postal Sector Market Data Report, announced by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, reveals the striking growth recorded by the sector. This period, in which the number of communication items carried reached 269,4 million and the amount of postal cargo exceeded 1,38 billion, breaking an all-time record, clearly demonstrates the decisive impact of e-commerce on the sector. As emphasized by Minister Uraloğlu, the fact that 80 percent of postal cargo items are delivered within two days of acceptance is also an important indicator of the increase in speed and efficiency in the sector.
Authorized Service Providers and Employment
Another striking point in the report published by BTK is the increase in the number of authorized service providers in the sector. The 52 authorizations granted to 62 different service providers (25 national, 37 local) indicate that competition and diversity in the sector have increased. The fact that the highest number of authorizations at the local level is in Istanbul (24) can be evaluated as a situation directly proportional to the intensity of commercial activities. Izmir (5) and Ankara (4) stand out as the provinces following Istanbul.
The 10 postal agencies and branches providing service throughout Turkey show that the sector is spread over a wide geography. The fact that the majority of these agencies and branches are concentrated in large cities such as Istanbul (992), Ankara (1955) and Izmir (753) shows that the shipment traffic is more intense in these centers. The fact that the postal sector provides employment to over 576 thousand people emphasizes the importance of the sector in economic terms once again.
Stable Movement in Communication Dispatches
When the mail traffic in the second half of 2024 is examined, it is seen that communication shipments were realized as 136,56 million. This figure reached 269,37 million for the whole year. The fact that the share of intercity communication shipments in total shipments is as high as 86,1 percent shows that the need for communication has a nature that exceeds geographical borders. The fact that Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa and Antalya are in the first places in the delivery of communication shipments can be evaluated as a reflection of the commercial and social mobility of these cities.
Record Increase in Postal Cargo with the Driving Effect of E-Commerce
One of the most striking data in the report is the record increase in postal parcels and cargo shipments. The number of second-half shipments, which increased by 2023 percent compared to the same period in 9,6 and reached 746,68 million, exceeded 2024 billion in 1,38, setting a new milestone in the sector. As Minister Uraloğlu also stated, the basis of this extraordinary growth is e-commerce, which has gained momentum rapidly in recent years. The spread of e-commerce has changed the online shopping habits of individuals and businesses, causing a significant increase in postal and cargo shipment volumes.
The high rate of intercity shipments in postal parcels and cargo shipments (over 78%) clearly shows the impact of e-commerce throughout the country. The similarity of the order of the cities where deliveries are made the most to the communication shipments (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Kocaeli) reveals that these cities are also leaders in e-commerce activities.
Fast Delivery Times and User-Centric Approach
Fast delivery times for postal parcels and cargo shipments show how much the sector cares about user expectations. The fact that approximately 3 percent of shipments are delivered on the same day and 80 percent reach the recipient within two days of acceptance demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of logistics processes. Minister Uraloğlu’s statement that “the postal sector is evolving from sender-focused to receiver-focused” shows that the sector operates with an approach that prioritizes customer satisfaction. The increasing expectation of fast delivery with the growth of e-commerce encourages the postal sector to take important steps in this direction.
Significant Increase in Investments in the Sector
This significant increase in postal traffic has also brought about investments by service providers in infrastructure and technology. The amount of investment, which was approximately 2023 billion lira in the second half of 7,115, exceeded 2024 billion lira in the same period of 8,648, reaching 12,7 billion lira on an annual basis. This significant increase in investment clearly demonstrates the sector's belief in future growth potential and the preparations made to meet increasing demand. Both the growth of e-commerce and general investments in transportation and communication provide a strong basis for the further development of the postal sector.
In conclusion, the data announced by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu clearly demonstrates the record growth of the Turkish postal sector in 2024 and the key role of e-commerce in this growth. Increasing shipment volumes, accelerated delivery times and significant investments reveal the dynamic structure and future potential of the sector. With a user-oriented approach and technological developments, the Turkish postal sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming period.
