PostNL and bpost expand Belgian parcel logistics networks

PostNL has launched its first automated parcel locker in Mechelen, marking the beginning of a nationwide network expansion in Belgium. These 24/7 hubs allow customers to pick up, send, and return shipments at their convenience, aiming to reduce failed home deliveries and lower CO2 emissions.

This expansion highlights a growing fragmentation in Belgian logistics infrastructure. While PostNL builds its own network, bpost already operates over 2,500 Bbox lockers across the country. This trend of separate networks for consolidated goods flows creates a logistical paradox where shipments are bundled but the physical infrastructure remains divided.

In response to shifting market demands, bpost is also investing heavily in parcel logistics. The company recently opened a new 7,930-square-meter distribution center in Maldegem designed specifically for parcel processing. This facility, which includes 44 charging points for electric vehicles, supports the delivery of approximately 3,000 parcels daily in the Maldegem, Aalter, and Sint-Laureins regions.