InPost allies with Neopost to take parcel terminals global
Polish parcel delivery company InPost has sealed an important alliance with French mailroom equipment firm Neopost, to take its network of “easyPack” parcel terminals global. InPost, part of Integer.pl Group, is already in the process of pursuing ambitious plans to establish 16,000 of its automated self-service parcel delivery terminals across Europe over the next four years. In its native Poland, it aims to grow its own domestic network to 1,000 machines.
Now leveraging the world’s second largest mailroom equipment company, InPost will take its network beyond European borders.
InPost, which is in the process of installing its automated parcel terminals in Lithuania, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Cyprus and Ireland, started working with Neopost in 2011 as the French company took an interest in automated parcel terminal technology.
The two companies said this week it was too early to reveal details of their plans, but it will involve joint investment in the network outside Europe, with Neopost’s activities led by its Neopost ID logistics solutions unit.
The plans look set to continue InPost’s practice of partnering with local carriers to provide parcel terminals as an alternative delivery point for consumers, particularly in the e-commerce and distance-selling market.
Accelerate
Rafal Brzoska, the InPost CEO, said joining forces with Neopost would “accelerate execution of our vision to create a truly global network of automated parcel terminals”.
“Local operators, our partners using the global easyPack platform will benefit from lowest international shipping rates, share easyPack experiences and will be able to offer ever-better service to their customers,” said the InPost CEO.
Neopost, which last year got into the international hybrid mail market in a partnership with fellow French firm Esker, said InPost was a “natural choice” as a partner to take forward its interest in the parcel terminal concept.
“Joining forces with Neopost will accelerate execution of our vision to create a truly global network”
Alain Ferard, the Neopost ID chief executive, said: “We recognise the unique value of the InPost proposition. They marry leading-edge and reliable technology with a practical approach and experience accumulated from operating an easyPack network themselves.
“They have mastered the insights necessary to maximise profits in this emerging industry,” Ferard added.
Terminals
Automated parcel terminals comprise a bank of lockable lockers into which parcels can be stowed by carriers for local consumers to collect when convenient.
The technology usually sees consumers sent a personalised code, via mail, email or text message, which they can then type into a touchscreen within the parcel terminal to open the relevant locker to pick up their package.
Parcel terminals have been around for more than a decade, but the e-commerce boom has seen them in the last two years becoming increasingly popular as an alternative for delivering parcels to busy consumers that cannot be at home during the day to receive their parcels.
One of Neopost’s big rivals in the mailroom technology field, Pitney Bowes, is also currently working with a parcel terminal provider – Australian-listed, US-based company Telezygology (TZ) – and is currently involved in a trial of the technology with Australian Post.
InPost’s big rival in European parcel terminals, Austrian firm KEBA, has a key alliance with Deutsche Post DHL, and has also been pursuing markets for its technology outside Europe, including in the United Arab Emirates and Chile.
