Colissimo vs private carrier: which choice for your parcels in 2026?

Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, Mondial Relay… faced with the multitude of parcel transport offers, it's hard to find your way. Which one do you choose to send a parcel in France in 2026? This complete comparison helps you see things more clearly according to your needs: price, delivery times, services and the strengths of each solution.

Our methodology: This comparison is based on the 2026 public rates of each carrier, as recorded in July 2026 for mainland France. Prices are given incl. VAT for a fair comparison.

Colissimo: La Poste's public service

Colissimo 2026 rates

Here are the public Colissimo rates for the main weight bands in mainland France (incl. VAT):

0.5 kg : €6.00
1 kg : €7.80
2 kg : €9.40
5 kg : €13.30
10 kg : €19.90
15 kg : €25.29
30 kg : €34.50

Colissimo strengths

Very dense network of pickup points and post offices
Drop-off possible without a business account
Delivery in D+1 or D+2 depending on the area
Insurance included up to €23/kg

Colissimo weaknesses

High rates for heavy parcels (over 10 kg)
Paid options (signature, enhanced insurance)
Basic tracking, no personalisation
No delivery change possible by the recipient

Private carriers

Negotiated 2026 rates

Our partner carrier offers professional services for individuals and businesses. Thanks to AuctionShip, you benefit from negotiated rates without a business account:

5 kg : from €11.76 excl. VAT
10 kg : from €13.68 excl. VAT
15 kg : from €16.09 excl. VAT
20 kg : from €18.47 excl. VAT
30 kg : from €23.90 excl. VAT

Strengths

Very competitive rates for parcels over 5 kg
Free FlexDeliveryService : the recipient can change date/location
Real-time tracking with a customisable interface
Delivery in 24/48H anywhere in France

Weaknesses

Reserved for businesses directly
No drop-off at a post office (pickup only)
Corsica and mountainous area surcharges

Detailed comparison: Colissimo vs private carrier

Criteria	Colissimo	Private carrier (via AuctionShip)
10 kg price	€19.90 incl. tax	~€18.50 incl. tax*
15 kg price	€25.29 incl. tax	~€21.70 incl. tax*
30 kg price	€34.50 incl. tax	~€32.30 incl. tax*
Delivery time	D+1 / D+2	24/48H
Real-time tracking	Basic	✅ Customised
Delivery modification	No	✅ Free
Drop-off without account	✅ Yes	Via AuctionShip

*Estimated incl. VAT rates including commission and VAT. Calculate your exact price →

When to choose Colissimo?

Colissimo is recommended if you occasionally send light parcels (under 5 kg) and want to be able to drop them off at a post office without registration. For a small parcel under 2 kg, the rate remains fair.

When to choose a private carrier?

The private carrier becomes more interesting as soon as you go over 5 kg or if you send parcels regularly. The savings become very significant from 10 kg. It is also the best choice if you want to offer your recipients a customised tracking service with the FlexDeliveryService.

Our recommendation: For most shipments in France, a private carrier via a negotiated service like AuctionShip offers the best value for money. Compare for yourself →

What about Chronopost, DHL and Mondial Relay?

Chronopost : La Poste's express service, more expensive than Colissimo, ideal for urgent deliveries.
DHL : premium carrier, excellent for international but expensive for France.
Mondial Relay / Relais Colis : ideal for small light parcels (under 5 kg) to pickup points.

For a standard 10 to 30 kg shipment in France, AuctionShip saves you up to 45% vs Colissimo, with included services (customised tracking, FlexDelivery) that Colissimo charges as an option.

Ready to save on your shipment?

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📖 Also read:
→ Shipping for auctions: the complete guide
→ How to save on shipping costs
→ Shipping artworks: the complete guide