Deutsche Post DHL Group’s e-commerce logistics specialist DHL Ecommerce Solutions and global smart logistics company Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, have announced a partnership in order to improve the quality and speed of Poland’s out-of-home delivery (OOH).
This strategic agreement will see DHL purchase part of the equity securities of Cainiao’s subsidiary in Poland, with the two companies jointly investing €60m in the initial phase of the partnership. The aim of the partnership is to set up a network of parcel lockers across Poland and create one of the largest access point networks in the country.
Poland is one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in Europe, with up to 40% of consumers preferring to have shipments delivered to parcel lockers. The partnership between DHL and Cainiao will help strengthen their position as reliable parcel providers and provide customers with a better shipping experience.
The two companies plan to combine their existing parcel locker networks which consist of approximately 1,200 parcel lockers, so that consumers can have immediate and seamless access to the offerings of DHL and Cainiao. Furthermore, DHL’s existing network of parcel shops and access points will be used to install modern parcel lockers in key locations across the country. This will give customers the options of both to-door delivery and access to parcel lockers.
Cainiao has also been setting up its regional hub in Liege, Belgium, sorting centers in major markets in Europe, and its own network of parcel lockers in Poland, Spain, and France. This will help provide a more efficient and seamless logistics experience across Europe.
William Xiong, Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Europe and Sea Regions at Cainiao Network, said: “We are glad to have found such a strong and well-established partner in DHL, who shares our vision. By combining both companies’ logistics, technology, and e-commerce expertise, we aspire to deliver superior service to our clients and create an unmatched online shopping experience for consumers.”
The transaction is subject to merger control clearance in certain countries, and approvals are expected in the coming months.
The largest network in Poland currently is InPost, with 16,445 automated parcel machines in Poland, so it has some way to go to compete with InPost’s network.
Source: DHL
