Postal service InPost partners with Bloq.it to deploy 20,000 secure parcel lockers

InPost S.A., a leading parcel delivery company based in Poland, has announced a significant expansion of its automated parcel services following the acquisition of startup company Bloq.it and the rollout of Bloq.it's smart parcel lockers across Europe.

With over 88,000 out-of-home points in nine countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, InPost already boasts a substantial presence in Europe. This expansion aims to solidify its position further by adding more than 20,000 Bloq.it smart locker units across key European markets.

Bloq.it, based in Lisbon, Portugal, is renowned for its innovative NEXT smart lockers. These lockers feature a 10-inch colour screen and barcode/QR readers for customer entry, offering a seamless and convenient parcel pick-up and drop-off experience.

In July, InPost acquired Spain-based courier Sending and plans to add 1,000 parcel lockers in Spain by the end of 2025. This move is part of InPost's strategy to increase its footprint in the Spanish market.

The commercial agreement between InPost and Bloq.it also includes Bloq.it managing and maintaining InPost's automated parcel machine (APM) network. Bloq.it's cloud-based operating system allows lockers from multiple providers to operate on a common digital platform, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

The first NEXT lockers for InPost were installed in France and the United Kingdom during July. Over the next five years, the rollout of Bloq.it smart lockers will accelerate across InPost's key European markets, including Poland, Germany, Italy, and France.

Bloq.it has previously partnered with notable companies such as DHL eCommerce, Vinted Go, Poste Italiane, and GLS. This partnership with InPost further cements its position as a key player in the smart parcel locker market.

InPost, which provides courier and fulfillment services for approximately 100,000 e-commerce sellers, handled over 1 billion parcels last year. With this expansion, the company aims to continue its growth trajectory, offering more convenient and efficient parcel services to its customers.

Earlier this year, InPost made headlines with the acquisition of Yodel for $144 million, making it the third-largest independent parcel operator in the UK. This latest move further solidifies InPost's position as a major player in the European parcel delivery market.

The Bloq.it smart lockers operate independently of the power grid or solar panels due to swappable rechargeable batteries, ensuring minimal disruption to service. As InPost continues to expand its smart locker network, it is poised to revolutionize the parcel delivery industry in Europe.

Postal service InPost partners with Bloq.it to deploy 20,000 secure parcel lockers