Business Courier Services in Belgium: What to Expect in 2025
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Business Courier Services in Belgium: Key Insights for B2B Retail in 2025
TL;DR: B2B retailers in Belgium face higher expectations in 2025—faster deliveries, real-time tracking, and greener options are now standard. Next-day is a must, and same-day is growing fast. Couriers must be tech-enabled and eco-compliant. Retailers should balance speed with cost through smart courier selection, locker delivery, EV fleets, and route optimisation. Record Express helps retailers meet these demands while reducing complexity and cost.
What Should B2B Retailers Expect from Courier Services in 2025?
Retailers should expect speed, flexibility, and sustainability from courier partners.
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Business buyers now expect next-day or faster.
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Delivery methods must include lockers or pick-up points.
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Eco-compliance is no longer optional—it’s required.
Belgian Insight: 48-hour delivery is the norm, same-day is rising fast (Ingrid).
Performance KPIs: Top couriers deliver 98% on-time and maintain low damage rates (FarEye).
Choice Matters: Lockers, home delivery, and pick-up points must be standard, even for B2B (Ingrid).
Green Delivery: 60% of Belgian consumers prefer brands offering eco-options (Ingrid).
Transparency: Real-time tracking and system integration are critical. 40% of B2B buyers cite lack of delivery info as a major frustration (Bringoz).
Same-Day vs Next-Day: What’s the Real Impact?
Next-day delivery is expected; same-day offers competitive edge.
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Same-day = Premium cost, near-instant satisfaction.
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Next-day = Standard expectation, scalable and cost-effective.
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Mix both to serve different buyer needs.
Buyer Demands: 41% of B2B buyers want next-day, 24% want delivery within 2 hours (Coalition Technologies).
Sales Uplift: 76% of shoppers use free same-day when offered, 50% say it boosts purchase likelihood (ClickPost).
Cost Watch: Same-day = higher courier + inventory costs. Next-day = more sustainable for routine orders (Roadie).
Risk Factor: 60% of businesses see higher damage rates with rushed last-mile services (Forbes).
Smart Mix: Let customers choose – express for urgent, next-day for standard. 46% are willing to pay for same-day (ClickPost).
Why Lockers, EV Fleets, and Route Optimisation Matter
These three tools cut emissions, save costs, and improve success rates.
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Lockers reduce missed deliveries.
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EVs reduce emissions and dodge low-emission zone fines.
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AI routing improves timing and efficiency.
Lockers: 1,000+ lockers and 3,000+ pickup points in Belgium. 60% of consumers prefer this model (Ingrid).
EV Fleet: bpost now delivers 21% of parcels emission-free using 2,200 electric vans + 500 e-bikes (bpost).
AI Routing: Cuts distance, time, and fuel costs using traffic/weather/delivery data (Onro).
Workflow Synergy: Combine lockers + AI routing + EVs for high-density, low-emission delivery workflows (Onro).
Competitive Edge: 78% of logistics providers will expand locker and EV use by 2025 (Landmark Global).
What New Delivery Regulations Must Retailers Follow?
Belgium’s 2024 law requires a green delivery option at checkout.
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Applies to any online seller (even B2B platforms) targeting Belgian buyers.
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Must offer 2+ delivery options, one being sustainable.
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Fines up to €10,000 or 4% of turnover for non-compliance.
Law Details: Article VI.45/2 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law mandates eco delivery alternatives (Landmark Global).
Applies To: All online sellers in Belgium (local or foreign). Exemptions: <3-year-old startups or in-store pickup-only retailers.
Compliant Options: Locker or pick-up point delivery via bpost, DHL, DPD, etc. 3,000+ points nationwide (bpost).
B2B Impact: Even if not directly regulated, B2B retailers benefit by aligning with the law—many B2B buyers have their own sustainability mandates.
Strategic Play: Exceed the law—offer carbon-neutral or EV-powered delivery to lead, not just comply.
How to Balance Courier Cost and Quality?
Use data, carrier diversification, bundling, and KPI monitoring.
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Multi-carrier setups reduce dependency.
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Bundling orders by geography saves fuel.
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Use express only where truly needed.
Diversification: Use different couriers by region/speed to reduce cost per shipment (Business Research Co).
Bundling: Weekly delivery schedules or grouped drop-offs can cut last-mile costs by up to 30%.
Last Mile = 50%+ of Delivery Cost: Route planning, locker use, and reducing failed deliveries = key savings levers (Wise Systems).
Speed vs Value: Use premium for urgent/high-margin, economy for routine. 30% of shoppers will pay for speed (Capital One Shopping).
Monitor KPIs: Track cost per shipment, delivery success rate, and refund/damage volume to spot cost leaks.
How Record Express Supports B2B Retailers
Record Express offers fast, sustainable, and retail-specialised courier services.
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Same-day and next-day options
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Integrated tracking
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EV fleet + locker network
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B2B logistics expertise
Fast & Flexible: Same-day and next-day services across Belgium for urgent and standard B2B shipments.
High Reliability: 98% on-time delivery, live tracking, and dedicated account managers.
Sustainable Delivery: EV vans + locker delivery help clients meet 2025’s green delivery requirements.
Retail Know-How: Experience with stores, malls, and B2B deliveries. Services include shipment consolidation and reverse logistics.
Strategic Partnership: Record Express provides delivery audits and continuous performance reviews to improve ROI and satisfaction.
FAQ
Q1: Do B2B buyers really care about fast shipping?
Yes. 41% expect next-day, and 82% want the same ease as consumers (b2bmarketingzone.com).
Q2: What’s the 2024 Belgian delivery law?
Retailers must offer 2+ delivery options, one being sustainable (e.g. lockers). Applies to most online stores (Landmark Global).
Q3: How can I reduce courier costs without hurting delivery quality?
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Bundle deliveries
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Use right speed per shipment
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Work with multiple couriers
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Use route optimisation tech
Q4: Are lockers good for B2B retail?
Yes. Lockers reduce failed deliveries, lower costs, and are preferred by eco-conscious customers. Over 1,000 locations in Belgium (Landmark Global).