In addition to stricter environmental standards, many European metros are facing high urban density. E-commerce deliveries only exacerbate the problem. Bicycle deliveries and other less intrusive forms of transport help ease pressure on the environment, and out-of-home deliveries offer a flexible solution to reduce urban traffic.
Fewer stops for home deliveries means fewer delivery vehicles on
“Parcel lockers are important for cities because they help reduce traffic. So, if a delivery person can drop off all their packages in one accurate cleaned numbers list from frist database place, it’s good for the neighborhoods and the environment.” – Sem Geurten, Key Account Manager, Strategic Partners, DHL
The efficiency and convenience of out-of-home delivery are driving its adoption in cities. According to our out-of-home delivery survey , 48% of urban shoppers prefer delivery to a collection point and 70% prefer delivery to a parcel locker compared to rural shoppers.
“In big cities, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for delivery drivers to find parking. So I think that, especially in big cities, out-of-home delivery will be a strong selling point in the future.” – Sem Geurten, Key Account Manager, Strategic Partners, DHL
Out-of-home deliveries drive sustainable e-commerce growth
Demanding from consumers and driven create targeted content that helps convert visitors into customers. by regulations, sustainability is becoming a factor that can no longer be ignored by e-retailers.
According to our survey, 41% of European consumers believe that online shopping is harmful to the environment . The same survey indicates that almost 45% of respondents perceive delivery to a relay point or parcel locker as more sustainable than home delivery .
“Consumers are gradually becoming aware of the environmental impact of their shopping habits. While the sustainability of out-of-home deliveries may vary depending on the transportation methods and collection processes, it is undeniable that consumers are more attracted to options perceived as more environmentally friendly and convenient.” – Sabi Tolou – Co-founder and CEO at Sendcloud
At the regulatory level, out-of-home deliveries will be crucial for reducing emissions in the e-commerce sector. This trend is reflected in the new regulations that will come into force in Belgium in 2024. These regulations require e-retailers to offer at least one alternative to home delivery. The aim of this law is to accelerate sustainability in the e-commerce sector while improving the online shopper experience.
The streets – good for the environment and good for cities trying to reduce traffic:
Out-of-home deliveries are poised to play a pivotal role in the future as e-tailers and carriers focus on the sustainability of their businesses. Thi text services trend has been amplified by the arrival of global enterprise marketplaces, such as Temu and Shein, that handle large volumes at low costs. With tight margins and impressive volumes, maximizing delivery efficiency and sustainability is becoming essential to support e-commerce growth.
“If you look at Temu’s volumes, they ship 1 to 2 million parcels a year to the BeNeLux region. The prices are very low, but so is the profitability – it’s around €3 for each parcel, which is really minimal. It’s impossible to maintain these margins with just home deliveries, which is why lockers and relay points are going to be a key player.” – Jorin Aardoom, Director Out of Home BeNeLux at DPD
