Logistics

Chinese online marketplace AliExpress is launching Local+, a fulfillment solution that allows retailers to outsource shipping. The platform has partnered with several warehouses in Europe. As a result, shipping will be quicker.

Starting in July, online sellers who ship with DHL will be charged a monthly fee for parcel shipping. At the same time, parcel prices are reduced. According to the company, this means that average costs are reduced when shipment volume increases.

In the high-volume world of online retail, the stakes are high when it comes to ensuring seamless logistics. One misplaced parcel or a delayed delivery can tarnish a brand’s reputation and burden operations with costly claims and frustrated customers. For Thomann, a German high-volume online music retailer, solving this challenge has been central to supporting its rapid growth and keeping customer satisfaction high.

Arvato, a supply chain service provider from Germany, is opening a new logistics center in Instanbul. It is the company’s ninth warehouse in Turkey. The new location will offer omnichannel fulfillment services.

Shopify merchants in Germany now have direct access to DHL shipping services through the ecommerce software platform. In addition to added convenience, online retailers also benefit from lower costs, according to DHL. The integration will become available in other key European markets as well.

Many major online retailers in Germany leave customers in the dark about how long they will have to wait for their products to be delivered. Personalized delivery time windows are especially scarce, even though consumers would appreciate them. “The desire for specific delivery times remains largely unmet.”

Ecommerce giant Amazon is lowering its package fees for several product groups in its Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) program. Fees for items in these categories will be based on package size and unit weight.

Dutch fashion platform Otrium has announced the launch of a new automated warehouse, called the O-Mega Robot. According to the company, this AutoStore system has up to 400 percent better space utilization than traditional warehouses.

European online retailers missed out on more than half a billion euros in revenue during the last four months of 2024 due to millions of lost parcels. The actual impact is significantly greater, according to Metapack.

For the past three years, DHL has been charging German online retailers a surcharge for parcel deliveries in November and December. This year, an additional hefty fee will be added during two peak weeks. It could lead German online stores to focus more heavily on Singles Day.

Temu and DHL Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The companies say they aim to support the growth of SMEs in established markets as well as in growth markets. DHL will utilize its logistics expertise to support Temu's operations in Europe, including its local-to-local model.

The average shipping costs of the 100 largest online retailers in Germany have increased from 3.92 euros to 4.39 euros over the past two years. Fewer and fewer retailers offer free shipping as a standard. Nearly a quarter of companies charge return fees in some form.

For several years, German Amazon customers have been able to return products without packaging. No shipping box or parcel label is required, making it easy for buyers. Now, the market leader is further incentivizing box-free returns: customers who use a box must pay a fee.

Ecommerce giant Temu has announced a partnership with Correos, the national postal service of Spain. As a result, sellers in Spain can take advantage of fulfillment solutions. Consumers will get more delivery options.

Dutch fulfillment company Monta has realized its previously announced expansion into France. The company recently opened its first warehouse in the country. In total, it now has 19 locations in Europe.