The Netherlands‘ strategic location and advanced infrastructure, along with exceptional transportation hubs like Rotterdam and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, have led to the development of efficient parcel delivery domestically and internationally. Parcel and Postal Technology International’s media partner Parcel Monitor delves into the intricate logistics network in the Netherlands, highlighting key players and performance metrics, and how it maintains its position as a leading logistics hub in Europe.
Top logistics carriers in the Netherlands
PostNL excels with the highest collection point ratio
PostNL is the Netherlands’ national postal service provider. It boasts a vast network of 3,500 collection points, contributing to the highest collection point percentage in the country last year at 8.39%. Moreover, PostNL also announced earlier this year that GLS Netherlands customers would have access to its automated parcel locker network from March 2024. By opening up the automated parcel lockers to other carriers, PostNL and GLS Netherlands are responding to customer demand for simpler package pickup at a time and place of their choosing.
DHL Netherlands has the fastest transit time
DHL Netherlands, a renowned pioneer in worldwide e-commerce and logistics, leveraged its vast global network to achieve a new benchmark for delivery efficiency in the Netherlands in Q4 2023 with a domestic transit time of only 1.07 days, the quickest of all carriers. This performance exceeded that of its closest rivals, DPD Worldwide and PostNL, with transit times of 1.16 and 1.11 days, respectively.
DPD Worldwide records the lowest carrier-related issue ratio
DPD Worldwide transports 7.5 million parcels daily to over 230 countries worldwide, making it the largest player in the European parcel shipping market. With the lowest carrier-related issue ratio in the Netherlands of 1.33% in Q4 2023, DPD beat out PostNL and DHL Netherlands, which had ratios of 3.19% and 2.25%, respectively. Deliveries of products purchased online in the Netherlands are made more secure by DPD due to the use of package security and cutting-edge technologies like Symmetry Access Control.
An overview of e-commerce delivery performance in the Netherlands
Outstanding domestic delivery transit time of 1.15 days
Thanks to its small area of 41,850km² and central location in Europe, the Netherlands reported a comparatively low average delivery transit time of 1.15 days in Q4 2023. Its efficient transportation network and robust logistics sector, including various freight forwarders and businesses, enable quick and efficient movement of goods and ensure efficient parcel delivery.
Impressive on-time delivery ratio of 98%
The Netherlands has an outstanding 98% on-time delivery ratio, which may be attributed to the careful planning and organization of Dutch logistics providers to anticipate delivery dates and efficiently allocate resources. Well-structured routes and an extensive transportation network also contribute to fewer delays, raising customer satisfaction and solidifying the Netherlands’ standing as one of Europe’s top logistics hubs.
High first-attempt delivery success rate of 97.4%
The Dutch e-commerce delivery system recorded a 97.4% first-attempt success rate in Q4 2023, indicating that most parcels were successfully delivered to customers on their first try. Proactive communication tactics, flexible delivery alternatives, well-placed pickup locations, and the provision of safe package lockers all contributed to this achievement.
Cross-border delivery performance of the Netherlands
The Netherlands’ strategic position in Europe, bordered by Germany to the east and Belgium to the south, significantly enhances its e-commerce logistics capabilities. This strategic geographical location is key to understanding why Germany, Belgium and Austria rank as the top three destination countries for shipments originating in the Netherlands.
For the full list of cross-border insights, check out the full article here.