In a significant move to enhance the e-commerce experience for both retailers and consumers in Sweden, DHL Freight has introduced three new services. These offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of online shoppers and support sustainable e-commerce practices. Here's a closer look at these exciting developments.
When it comes to Sweden, DHL Freight has a specific structure. In addition to traditional road freight activities (LTL/PTL/FTL), the division is historically also responsible for nationwide B2B and B2C parcel services. Consequently, DHL Freight is responsible for DHL’s entire e-commerce business in the Nordic country, including last-mile parcel delivery for e-commerce customers via a network of approximately 1,900 parcel stores and more than 1,100 parcel lockers.
This extensive network ensures that consumers in Sweden can receive their ordered goods effortlessly, quickly, and easily. Traditionally, Swedes liked to collect their parcels themselves at parcel stores. However, consumer behavior has changed over the past few years. Now, DHL Freight has made life even easier for its customers with three new services.
Returns via Parcel Lockers
Online shoppers can now return their goods via parcel lockers. The service is partly a result of a deeper collaboration with the agnostic parcel locker network of iBoxen, where DHL customers can already pick up their parcels. Since our cooperation has expanded, consumers who choose DHL can also send their returns via iBoxen parcel lockers. This initiative adds the whole of DHL-available parcel lockers and parcel stores to the network, significantly increasing the number of access points for returns in Sweden.
Parcel lockers are becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to their convenience. Located close to residential areas, they are accessible around the clock and eliminate the need for queuing. According to the global DHL 2024 Online Shopper Trends survey, 30% of Swedish consumers prefer returning items via parcel lockers, compared to 18% globally.
Returns are an important issue for both shoppers and e-retailers and a key aspect for sustainable e-commerce. Our parcel-locker return solution increases flexibility and accessibility for end consumers, while enabling reduced traffic and environmental impact through fewer trips
Johan Widman, Director Ecommerce DHL Freight Sweden
DHL Freight Tests Saturday Deliveries
In another innovative step, DHL Freight has also begun pilot testing Saturday deliveries in Stockholm. This pilot aims to assess how extending the delivery days meets consumer needs, particularly in terms of flexibility and speed.
The six-month pilot will focus on deliveries to parcel lockers in Sweden’s capital, with an in-depth consumer survey conducted in parallel to gather insights. Depending on the pilot's success, DHL Freight plans to expand Saturday deliveries to the more than 1,100 parcel lockers across Sweden.
Home Delivery Service
Last but not least, DHL Freight has also launched a new home delivery service that covers 70% of Swedish households, connecting e-commerce businesses and retailers with more than 7 million residents. This service offers the convenience of having smaller parcels delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps.
With our new last-mile solution in Sweden, we are completing our service portfolio in the country. This makes us an even more attractive provider for shippers and consumers. Both buyers and sellers want increased availability and flexibility in delivery options. Our home deliveries are designed to meet these needs.
Robert Zander, CEO Nordics & Baltics DHL Freight
The home delivery service complements DHL's existing network of parcel stores and lockers, providing an end-to-end solution with high quality and efficiency. Shippers can manage deliveries through a digital interface, choosing between daytime unattended deliveries or parcels handed over with ID control. Consumers can select specific delivery days and receive continuous updates on shipment status, with a lead time of one working day for about 85% of customers.
Our new services—returns via parcel lockers, Saturday deliveries, and home delivery—demonstrate our commitment to enhancing the e-commerce experience in Sweden. These initiatives not only provide greater convenience and flexibility for consumers but also support sustainable practices by reducing traffic and environmental impact. As we continue to innovate, it solidifies our position as a leading provider in the Swedish parcel market, catering to the evolving needs of both shippers and shoppers. For you as a consumer, there is only one thing to do: Test DHL for the shipment of your next parcel. We are happy to provide you with Excellence. Simply delivered.
