A deep wave
Out-of-home delivery (pick-up points, automated lockers) is growing spectacularly. According to industry data, Europe had more than 155,000 lockers by end-2023, up about 29% in a year. Not a fad — a response to the limits of home delivery.
Why customers adopt it
The success is demand-driven: according to industry data, 44% of European shoppers choose out-of-home when the option is offered. Flexible pick-up hours, no waiting at home, proximity: out-of-home meets concrete expectations.
Why carriers gain
- Density: a single stop can drop dozens of parcels;
- Zero failure: the locker is always "in", unlike the recipient;
- Lower emissions: consolidation cuts emissions per parcel by around 13 to 32% according to industry analyses;
- Simpler routes: fewer scattered stops, more predictability.
The right balance
Out-of-home doesn't replace everything: some parcels require hand delivery. The aim is to offer the right channel to the right customer and orchestrate a coherent home / pick-up / locker mix. A dispatch platform that handles these stop types optimises the whole.
- More than 155,000 lockers in Europe by end-2023 (+29% in a year)
- 44% of European shoppers choose out-of-home when offered
- Consolidation: −13 to −32% emissions per parcel (industry analyses)
- Carrier benefits: density, zero failure, simpler routes
Orchestrate home, pick-up and lockers. Try dropfleet free for 14 days — no credit card, ready in 5 minutes.
Sources
This article is based on verifiable public sources: