Logistics

Smartmile is expanding its network of open and shared parcel automates. The company will install a total of 40 new lockers in Finland and the Netherlands.

Royal Mail has launched a new service, called Parcel Collect, across the United Kingdom. Its postmen and postwomen will now not only deliver parcels on their daily round, but also collect them as well.

About four in ten Brits (39 percent) have signed up for a paid subscription scheme or delivery pass, which means they pay a monthly fee to get free delivery and other extras. And among these schemes, Amazon Prime is the most popular paid subscription service.

DPD UK has revealed that over 3,000 parcel shops from Collect+ will be added to its network of pick-up points. The deal will expand the network to over 6,000 stores nationwide.

54 percent of European brands think their ecommerce potential is crippled by their logistical capabilities. And that's why many retailers and brands turn to online marketplaces. But they also think that relying on marketplaces isn't sustainable and want to shift the balance more to their own ecommerce channels.

DHL Parcel has introduced a service in the Netherlands which lets consumers choose a delivery spot around the house. This way, the courier can still drop off the parcel when the consumer isn't at home.

The Future Mobility Network, a Dutch network organization aimed at innovative mobility, has started a pilot project with an electric and autonomous driving delivery robot. The robot will drive around at the Breda University of Applied Sciences and deliver various (non-food) goods between the three buildings on campus.

Dutch shipping software provider Sendcloud will be available in the United Kingdom starting today. The British expansion is a logical next step in the company's mission to offer its service across Europe. Previously, Sendcloud also expanded to Germany and France as well as other markets.

The Norwegian postal service Posten Norge will roll out parcel lockers across the nation. This follows after exploring the technology and the demand from both online retailers and consumers. Posten Norge will now start a nationwide network of app-operated parcel lockers.

DSV has introduced an extra weekly inbound departure from Shanghai, as well as a new route between Hong Kong and Luxembourg. On these two routes, part of DSV's Europe-Asia cargo air bridge, two 747 freighters will fly.

Wildberries, the biggest online retailer in Russia, has started a partnership with Russian footwear retailer Obuv Rossii. The physical stores of Obuv Rossii will operate as pick-up points for online orders from Wildberries.

Otto Group has announced the upcoming closure of the last returns-processing facility in Germany. The facility is operated by Otto subsidiary Hermes Fulfilment in Hamburg and will be closed down in the second half of next year.

SwipBox is partnering in Europe again. This time it's with Belgian logistics provider Bpost. The two have teamed up to launch a network of parcel lockers that are battery driven and Bluetooth enabled. The first step is a pilot project in the Belgian city of Mechelen.

Castorama has installed its own click-and-collect lockers in Poland. The solution is called CastoMat and allows customers from the French DIY to pick up their orders whenever they like.

Saloodo, a digital freight platform from Germany, is expanding. The startup, which connects shippers and carriers with a solution for ordering and handling shipments, will now launch its platform in Turkey.