Belgian postal service bpost and postal locker supplier SwipBox have announced a partnership with the aim of creating a dense network of lean parcel lockers that are battery-driven and Bluetooth-enabled.
bpost says it is piloting SwipBox Infinity parcel lockers in the city of Mechelen, noting that the lockers were chosen because they provide a convenient and sustainable first- and last-mile solution. It hopes the pilot will gather user experiences about the Bluetooth-enabled SwipBox parcel lockers, define the ideal distance for an end user from a parcel locker, and assess how lean parcel lockers complement its manned PUDO network and contribute to less congested cities.
Head of bpost’s green strategy Catherine De Baets, commented, “We are very happy to be trialling the SwipBox Infinity concept as it’s an obvious supplement to our green logistics strategy, which aims to offer sustainable and convenient last- and first-mile solutions. We are looking forward to the collaboration and a greener last-mile future.”
Jens Rom, CEO of SwipBox, highlighted that the lack of infrastructure needed for its lockers, due to battery power and wireless connection, made them ideal for use in less well-connected residential areas. “We have already rolled out this solution across Scandinavia, and we are confident that the SwipBox Infinity solution will provide greater convenience for shoppers in Belgium and deliver a new, greener way to pick up and send parcels.”