The new Belgian law from late 2024 has changed how retailers handle last-mile logistics. Offering multiple delivery options, including a greener choice, has now become a requirement, but there's more to it.
Cross-border shopping keeps growing, and with it, expectations. Shoppers want speed and flexibility, but growing city congestion is making deliveries harder to manage.
To make sense of it all, we’ve summed up the latest changes in Belgium’s last-mile delivery landscape — so you don’t have to.
Belgium’s delivery trends — key statistics
The way consumers shop in Belgium is changing, and so is delivery. Faster shipping, more flexibility, lower emissions — shoppers want it all.
And it’s not just about what customers want. Retailers need to keep up with regulations, control costs, and rethink logistics to stay competitive.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening:
⚫ 48-hour delivery is now standard, with demand for same-day delivery on the rise;
⚫ 60% of consumers prefer retailers that offer eco-friendly delivery options like parcel lockers and bike couriers;
⚫ 25% of shoppers have stopped buying from brands that don’t offer sustainable shipping choices.
What Belgian consumers expect from e-commerce delivery
Getting a package from A to B isn’t enough anymore. Shoppers expect delivery to work around their lives, not the other way around.
One option isn’t an option
Home delivery is great — until it isn’t. People aren’t always home, and plans change. Parcel lockers, pick-up points, and convenience stores make it easier for shoppers to collect their orders when and where it suits them. Without those choices, they might take their business elsewhere.
Speed matters, but so does reliability
48-hour delivery is the standard, but speed alone doesn’t cut it. Shoppers also want clear ETAs, live tracking, and fewer surprises. A package that arrives on time is better than one that arrives ‘fast’ but unexpectedly.
Sustainability is part of the buying decision
Shoppers are paying more attention to how their orders arrive, not just when. Eco-friendly options like electric vehicles, bike couriers, and parcel lockers are influencing buying decisions. In many cases, it’s the deciding factor.
Returns make or break loyalty
A difficult return process is enough to make customers shop elsewhere. Many check return policies before they buy, and if sending something back is a hassle, they won’t risk it. Keep it simple, and they will too.
Belgium’s new mandatory two-delivery method rule
Since September 2024, online retailers in Belgium have been required by the Code of Economic Law to offer at least two delivery options at checkout. One has to be a sustainable alternative — like a parcel locker or pickup point. The goal is to cut congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and encourage greener delivery habits.
Why the rule was introduced
Belgian cities are facing the pressures of a growing e-commerce industry. More deliveries mean more traffic, emissions, and environmental impact. To tackle this, regulators stepped in, pushing for more sustainable logistics without compromising delivery speed.
What it means for retailers
Ignoring the rule isn’t an option. Retailers that don’t follow the greener delivery rules could face fines of up to €10,000 or 4% of annual revenue. But beyond avoiding penalties, shoppers are actively choosing more sustainable delivery options. Giving them that choice at checkout helps businesses stay competitive while keeping delivery costs under control.
Who’s affected?
The rule applies to most online retailers in Belgium, except for businesses less than three years old and retailers that provide only in-store pickup. If that doesn’t describe your business, it’s time to update your delivery strategy.
How retailers are adapting
Many retailers are already shifting to diverse delivery methods, such as parcel lockers, pick-up points, and other delivery methods to comply with the new regulation. Consumers are already leaning towards these options, and with the push for fast and sustainable e-commerce, these changes are smart business decisions, not just legal requirements.
Sustainability and innovation in last-mile logistics
As cities get more crowded and shoppers expect eco-friendly delivery options, businesses and policymakers are working on ways to make deliveries more efficient and less harmful to the environment.
Greener ways to deliver
More bikes, vans & lockers
Companies like bpost are using electric vans and cargo bikes as a greener alternative to lower emissions and improve delivery in busy areas. Parcel lockers and pick-up points are also growing, giving shoppers flexible alternatives while helping reduce traffic.
Low-emission solutions are expanding
Projects like CodeZero are bringing retailers, carriers, and policymakers together to develop practical, lower-emission delivery options that benefit businesses and consumers.
Technology is making deliveries smarter
AI and smarter routing
Retailers and carriers are using real-time tracking and better route planning to improve logistics operations, cut emissions, speed up deliveries, and avoid unnecessary trips.
Businesses and governments are working together
Sustainability is a shared effort. Brands, policymakers, and logistics providers are testing eco-friendly delivery models that balance efficiency and cost. Initiatives like GREEN-LOG are helping retailers adapt.
Tips for choosing the right last-mile delivery carrier in Belgium
Speed & coverage
Some carriers focus on city deliveries, while others handle cross-border shipping and parcel delivery. PostNL and bpost have strong networks across Belgium, while DHL and Trunkrs are known for express shipping. Matching a carrier’s strengths with your customer base helps avoid delays and service gaps.
Sustainability sells
More shoppers are choosing businesses that offer electric vans, bike couriers, or parcel lockers as delivery options, highlighting the importance of sustainable supply chains. Working with carriers that invest in greener solutions helps you stay competitive.
Tracking and updates
Shoppers expect real-time tracking, accurate ETAs, and delivery notifications. A vague delivery window won’t cut it — customers want to know exactly when their order will arrive. Some carriers offer better tracking than others, making it an important factor when deciding who to work with.
Price isn’t everything
While lower shipping costs might look good on paper, they often come with downsides — slower delivery, less reliable tracking, and poor customer service. For online shops, finding the right balance between cost, speed, reliability, and sustainability is key.
Finding the right carrier setup
The best shipping strategy combines multiple freight carriers to balance cost, speed, and convenience — both locally and globally. Working with the right mix ensures customers get the delivery options they expect without driving up expenses.
Ingrid Delivery Platform simplifies this process by offering a single API integration with 250+ carriers, helping retailers streamline logistics, save time, and get personalized support. See the list of available carrier integrations →
Don’t see the carrier you need? Adding new carrier products to Ingrid is free and unlimited. See how Ingrid can help you turn delivery into a revenue-driver →
More carriers and delivery options drive conversion
Is your checkout leaving money on the table? Adding more carriers boosts conversion by 5.8%, while more delivery options increase it by 27.7% — here’s why.
In late 2024, 32% of online consumers chose the cheapest parcel delivery option at checkout, 17% prioritized speed, and 35% showed no preference. Importantly, 15% valued trusted carriers, pickup, named-day, or eco-friendly options, and 34% adjust delivery choices for repeat purchases.
To personalize the experience, partner with carriers offering diverse options. The sweet spot? About 3-5 delivery options in your checkout per order to give customers choice without the user experience overwhelm.
The most popular last-mile carriers in Belgium
bpost
As the national postal service, bpost offers one of the largest parcel networks in Belgium. They provide next-day deliveries and offer over 3,000 pickup points, including post offices and parcel lockers, ensuring convenience for customers across the nation. Today, bpost delivers 21% of packages emission-free, meaning more than one in five Belgians now receive a sustainable delivery.
PostNL
Operating from the Netherlands, PostNL has expanded its reach into Belgium with about 800 pickup locations. Their growing network is all about giving shoppers the flexibility to choose where and when they want to pick up their packages.
DHL
A well-established name globally, DHL is a popular option for both domestic and international deliveries in Belgium. Known for their reliability and speed, they’ve earned the trust of many shoppers looking for fast, dependable service.
VPD
Specializing in last-mile delivery, VPD handles over 1,600 shipments daily in Belgium. Their commitment to customer service and flexibility has made them a trusted partner for local businesses.
Trunkrs
A newer entrant to the market, Trunkrs is quickly becoming known for its same-day and next-day delivery services. They also focus on eco-friendly delivery options, attracting consumers who care about both speed and sustainability.
Delivery that works for your business
At the end of the day, the right delivery setup comes down to what your customers care about most. Some want speed, others need flexible pickup points, and many are looking for greener shipping options. Finding the right balance helps you create a better shopping experience while keeping costs in check.
⚫ E-commerce last-mile delivery landscape in the Netherlands;
⚫ E-commerce last-mile delivery landscape in Norway;
⚫ E-commerce last-mile delivery landscape in the UK.
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