Lithuania’s parcel terminal network unfazed by record winter chill
The new network of 70 parcel delivery and collection terminals in Lithuania has passed one of its first major challenges – surviving the harsh Baltic winter. The self-service parcel machines were installed in 44 cities across the country from October, with the last few machines set to go live in the next few weeks.
The network, branded SIUNTOS24 (Delivery24), is being operated by Lithuanian Post and transportation and express company UAB Kautra.
It is using parcel machines provided by Austrian manufacturer KEBA, which also supplies the machines for Deutsche Post’s extensive parcel terminal network in Germany.
The company said today that the machines had withstood temperatures across Lithuania of -28° Centigrade (-19° Fahrenheit) last month, dipping to record lows of -32°C (-26°F) in the city of Druskininkai.
Linas Skardžiukas, the Kautra chief executive, said: “All KEBA machines are working perfectly – respect to the KEBA engineers and designers!”
Last mile alternative
Kautra chief executive Linas Skardžiukas has paid tribute to the engineering behind the KEBA parcel terminals after surviving their first big test in Lithuania
Automated self-service parcel terminals like those from KEBA comprise a bank of lockers into which parcels can be left by carriers, with recipients sent a personal code via email or text message that can be used to access the locker for their parcel.
The machines offer a particular alternative last mile delivery option for consumers shopping on the Internet, with 24-hour access allowing collection outside business hours, which also cuts missed deliveries for carriers.
KEBA now has around 3,000 of its machines installed in various parts of Europe and the Middle East, and in the last year saw hundreds of new machines installed, including in Russia, Dubai and Luxembourg.
Kautra said further expansion of its network in Lithuania can be expected as it responds to growing demand from customers and parcel volumes from increasing e-commerce activity.
Skardžiukas said: “KEBA machines are the most modern and innovative self-service machines, already in use in several European countries.”
