A new joint pilot involving Hermes, DPD and GLS in Germany will allow commuters to collect parcels from train and metro stations.
The one-year pilot of the Hamburg Box will allow customers in the city to collect goods from parcel lockers at 15 stations.
Shoppers simply specify their chosen box as a delivery address during checkout or via DPD, Hermes or GLS. The service uses a technology from ParcelLock, which provides both the courier and the customer with a code to open the locker.
The pilot will run initially for a year to determine whether the concept can be expanded to other cities.
Hamburg authorities are keen to make their transport systems smarter. It is currently undertaking 130 technology projects.
Olaf Schabirosky, CEO of Hermes Germany: “The Hamburg Box shows how smart cooperation can lead to delivery concepts for the city of tomorrow. We very much welcome the fact that, for the first time, actors from various industries have come together to set up such a pilot project.
“As an open delivery alternative at central locations, the Hamburg Box focuses as much as possible on customer needs and is a valuable addition to our extensive ParcelShop network.”
Eric Malitzke, CEO of DPD Germany: “I am convinced that the future belongs to the alternatives for front door delivery. With the Hamburg Box alone, we will avoid numerous vehicle movements in Hamburg, which relieves urban traffic and protects the climate.”
Gunnar Anger, managing director of ParcelLock GmbH: “With the ParcelLock system, which is open to providers, we are the only German IT and technology company to offer a solution on the last mile of parcel logistics that efficiently shapes both aspects of society as a whole and the requirements of the steadily increasing parcel delivery.
“Since local supply is already mapped via online shopping today, we offer, together with partners, the space-saving, environmentally friendly solution for ‘smart cities’, ‘retail’, ‘residential quarters’ and ‘private households’ of tomorrow, in order to enable successful first deliveries with the least possible environmental impact.”
