Network efficiency

We are accelerating our transition to a lower-carbon business, and one element in achieving this is to increase the efficiency of our network. We are doing this in a number of ways, such as by optimising our collecting, sorting and delivering capacity, so that we can respond to fluctuations in demand during volatile periods. For example, effectively managing capacity in our network helps reduce the number of routes we operate, cutting the number of kilometres we drive and reducing our emissions.

We are also increasing the number of parcel lockers located around the Netherlands, which gives consumers the option to send and collect parcels when it is convenient for them. In 2023, we developed the first parcel lockers with urban gardens. These special parcel lockers are printed with information and images of local flora and fauna that are on the Red List (indicating that they are endangered), and the roofs are designed to provide shelter for these specific species. We hope to make a small contribution to the preservation of local biodiversity while drawing attention to the subject and encouraging others to contribute.

Using AI to create more efficient route planning

Every day, we deliver more than 1 million parcels across the Netherlands and Belgium, and these parcels are transported between depots 24/7. But the delivery market is changing rapidly, and alongside fast-changing consumer demands, it is becoming progressively more difficult to forecast the volume needs of e-tailers.

To help us remain both flexible and sustainable, in 2023 we implemented a planning algorithm that creates a weekly schedule and determines the most efficient routes for our truck drivers. This smart software automatically links individual journeys together in a logical manner, taking into account distances, the individual preferences of truck drivers, and the best route to avoid traffic jams and delays. The result is we travel fewer kilometres using fewer vehicles to deliver the same number of parcels.