TNT Post Parcels, part of PostNL Parcels, has upgraded its IT network in Belgium with the launchof 230 handheld terminals manufactured by Motorola enabling customers to track their parcels any
time of the day in an attempt to profit from the growth on the Belgian online market.The company said its aim was to create a uniform IT environment in Belgium and the Netherlandsso it can now launch the services such as Checkout and MijnPakket (MyParcel), which are alreadyavailable in the Netherlands, in Belgium as well.
The Belgian online market is growing fast with an increase of 24% in consumer purchases andsales worth €1.12 billion recorded in 2011. Clothes, books and consumer electronics are among themost popular products with online shoppers and are expected to generate further growth. In additionto e-commerce growth in Belgium, online orders at Dutch webshops from Belgian consumers are alsoincreasing.
Gerrit Mastenbroek, General Director, PostNL Parcels said: “With this, PostNL has laid thefoundation for its future in Belgium. Our customers will be able to track their parcel any time ofthe day regardless whether their order is coming from Belgium or the Netherlands.”
“In the coming years, we will also be gradually rolling out services that will give consumersmore flexibility in deciding when and where their parcel will be delivered, services like Checkoutand MijnPakket. This positions TNT Post Parcels Belgium perfectly to profit from the growth in theBelgium online market,” he added.
This major IT upgrade follows the company’s recent acquisition of trans-o-flex Belgium whichalso won a three-year contract extension with the Belgian healthcare company Omega Pharma lastmonth.
PostNL Parcels Benelux, active in the consumer and business market, delivers both single parcelsas well as multi-parcel shipments, with volumes boosted by the acquisition of trans-o-flex. With98% delivery within 24 hours, PostNL Parcels stands out on the Belgian market by delivering parcelson Saturday as a standard service, and by providing end-to-end parcel track and trace and onlineproof of delivery.
