Our networks and services

Our business model is designed around helping customers grow, creating more value by supporting them at every step of the logistics chain. By optimising every stage of this chain, we ensure that each interaction contributes directly to a better customer experience and greater overall value. For a detailed explanation of these steps, see the Our value chain section.

Over the years, we have built dense and reliable networks, and in recent years PostNL has evolved from a mail-centric company into a full-service e-commerce logistics and postal provider. Digitalisation has accelerated this transformation, strengthening our business model and enabling us to stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing market. While we operate from 1 January 2026 through three focused business segments, E-commerce, Platforms and Mail, the sections below describe the business structure that was in place throughout 2025.

Parcels

E-commerce continues to shape retail and drive parcel growth. We continue to invest in IT, network, and infrastructure to support this growth, including solutions for handling small parcels and time-critical deliveries. Our digital platforms provide customers and consumers with greater transparency, insight and control over the sending and delivery process. By sharing relevant data and insights, we help e-tailers optimise their e-commerce propositions and consumers experience a more seamless journey. In 2025, we embedded Extra@Home, our service for large and heavy items, into Parcels which will create opportunities to improve efficiency and synergy across our parcel offerings.

Internationally, customers are supported through Cross Border Solutions (CBS), which provides worldwide e-commerce delivery options. From 1 January 2025, we integrated our fulfilment operations into CBS, further strengthening our ability to scale fulfilment services across Europe.

Parcels network

Our parcels network is the backbone of our logistics operations, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery across the Netherlands, Belgium and beyond. Comprising 37 state-of-the-art sorting and distribution centres strategically located throughout the Netherlands, the network is supported by a number of depots and two state-of-the-art distribution centres in Belgium. Together, these enable delivery across the Benelux and strong cross-border connectivity with the rest of Europe. Supported by advanced automation, data-driven planning and a fleet increasingly powered by sustainable transport solutions, the network handles millions of parcels each week.

Integrator and multi-carrier platforms

The logistics market continues to shift towards shipping platforms, particularly among small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), as e-commerce grows. Customer interaction is increasingly managed through multi-carrier platforms that combine competitive pricing, customer service, and flexible delivery options. We apply an asset-light structure outside the Benelux, where we partner with local and regional operators to connect digital and physical logistics services, ensuring solutions are more sustainable, affordable, and responsive to customer needs. Through MyParcel, we offer SMEs and niche segments access to a wide range of delivery services. The integrator model enhances the resilience of our business and extends our reach across Europe.

Out-of-home network

We are strengthening the e-commerce value chain by expanding our out-of-home (OOH) network and accelerating the roll-out of APLs, giving consumers greater convenience and flexibility while improving efficiency and supporting our decarbonisation goals. Locker usage is growing strongly with first-time users reporting high satisfaction. Retailers are increasingly integrating lockers at checkout, recognising the value of offering consumers flexible, round-the-clock collection and return options. Our open and inclusive approach allows other carriers to access our APLs, and in 2025 it became possible to send and return FedEx parcels via our lockers. By creating a shared, cost-effective, and sustainable model, we improve accessibility and reduce kilometres driven, thereby reinforcing our position as the preferred deliverer.

Cross Border Solutions

CBS supports international e-commerce with a full range of services to facilitate trade within, to and from Europe, and is developing and improving market propositions, optimising hubs, and reinforcing our European network. Spring Global Delivery Solutions (Spring GDS), our international subsidiary, operates in 10 European countries and connects customers to 190 destinations worldwide via its asset-light network. It provides simplified and sustainable cross-border deliveries, including customs clearance and returns. As demand for cross-border e-commerce grows, we are investing in fulfilment centres in strategic European locations. We are also strengthening sales capacity in selected markets and enhancing connections within our continental network. Looking ahead, we are preparing for the impact of forthcoming European consumer protection and customs regulations, particularly on our Asian customer base, to ensure resilience and continuity of service.

Mail in the Netherlands

Despite volume decline, mail is still a very relevant communication medium in Dutch society. Our Mail in the Netherlands network is essential to ensure the reliable delivery of letters, direct mail, and printed materials. The network comprises an extensive infrastructure of sorting centres, delivery offices, and collection points, supported by advanced digital planning tools and deliverers operating across the Netherlands. More information on this and Mail developments within 2025 can be found on the Our vision for a future-proof postal service page in the Delivery in 2025 chapter.