DHL launches “Parcel Metro” to use crowd-sourced and contract couriers

DHL eCommerce has launched a new initiative called “Parcel Metro”, which will create a ‘virtual delivery network’ of local and regional contract couriers and crowd-sourced providers who can provide flexible last mile deliveries.

Parcel Metro is starting in the US. According to a statement issued by Deutsche Post DHL Group today (16 March), the service is now available in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, and will be launched in Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington DC later in the year.

Parcel Metro has been designed help online retailers meet consumers’ increasing demand for flexible same-day and next-day delivery. The consumers will be able to track shipments in real-time, communicate special instructions to their courier, reschedule a delivery and rate their delivery experience.

“E-tailers today recognize more and more that the customer experience – and their ability to build customer loyalty – is won and lost in how well the orders are fulfilled and delivered,” said Charles Brewer, CEO, DHL eCommerce.

“The DHL Parcel Metro solution provides a technology solution to the last mile opportunity. Our digitalization journey is all about how we can add value to our customers, to our employees and to our shareholders. DHL Parcel Metro is part of a number of innovations we are actively implementing, including augmented reality glasses for greater pick accuracy, “follow me” robots, and autonomous vehicles.”