Czech Delivery Prices Compared to a Single Espresso, Says DPD Chief

The cost of shipping a parcel in the Czech Republic has reached a point where it is comparable to the price of a single espresso, according to Miloš Maláník, the head of DPD. In a market defined by aggressive pricing and high volume, Maláník argues that Czech delivery prices have become unsustainably low.

The disparity is most evident when looking at other European markets. Maláník noted that the average price for a parcel in Portugal is approximately 60 percent higher than in the Czech Republic. This gap highlights a stark difference in how logistics costs are absorbed and passed to consumers across the continent.

A Market Driven by Intense Competition

The current pricing climate is the result of a crowded and combative landscape. Currently, five large carriers dominate the Czech parcel market, leading to what Maláník describes as sharp competition. This rivalry has pushed prices downward, benefiting the end consumer but placing significant pressure on the operators’ margins.

This environment is not limited to private firms. The national postal service has faced similar struggles. Records indicate that the postal service has previously reported losses in the hundreds of millions while continuing to deliver parcels at rates described as nearly free.

To maintain operations and attempt to close the gap with more agile competitors, the postal service has invested in infrastructure, including the acquisition of 2,000 new vehicles in early 2024.

Strategic Shifts and Infrastructure

As the market evolves, major players are shifting their strategies to find efficiency outside of simple price wars. One significant move involves the expansion of automated delivery points. Carriers have expressed goals to build hundreds of delivery boxes to streamline the “last mile” of logistics and reduce the reliance on home deliveries.

Corporate ownership is also shifting. In August 2025, reports indicated that GLS would move under the influence of Křetínský, signaling a consolidation of power and resources within the region’s logistics sector.

For those unfamiliar with the “last mile” concept, it refers to the final step of the delivery process—from a distribution center to the customer’s door. It is typically the most expensive and complex part of the journey, which is why the push for delivery boxes is so critical for maintaining profitability when shipping rates are low.

The Bottom Line on Logistics

While low shipping costs are a win for consumers and e-commerce growth, the industry’s leadership warns that the “espresso-priced” model may not be sustainable long-term. With five major carriers fighting for dominance and the national post struggling with massive deficits, the Czech Republic remains one of the most competitively priced—and pressured—logistics markets in Europe.

• Market Structure: Five major carriers competing in the Czech Republic.
• Price Comparison: Portugal’s average parcel prices are roughly 60% higher than Czech rates.
• Infrastructure: A strategic pivot toward delivery boxes and fleet modernization.
• Corporate Moves: GLS integration under Křetínský as of late 2025.

The next major checkpoint for the industry will be the continued rollout of delivery boxes and the impact of consolidated ownership on market pricing.

Do you reckon shipping costs in your region are too low, or is the “espresso” model the gold standard for e-commerce? Let us know in the comments.