Is Fast Delivery the New Normal? Trends Belgian Companies Must Track

TL;DR: Yes—fast delivery is now the baseline expectation, not a premium feature. In 2025, B2B buyers and end-users in Belgium expect same-day or next-day delivery as standard, especially in pharma, retail, and eCommerce. Trends driving this shift include locker networks, EV fleets, AI routing, and SLA-backed service contracts. Belgian companies must adapt or risk losing customers to faster competitors. Record Express helps clients meet these expectations through reliable, tech-enabled express logistics.

Why Is Fast Delivery Now Expected in B2B and B2C?

Belgian buyers—business and consumer—expect speed because of digital habits and competitive pressure.

What began in eCommerce has reshaped expectations across nearly every industry.

• Same-day and next-day have become standard offers across retail and pharma

• Businesses mirror consumer expectations in speed and convenience

• Clients value certainty and speed over price alone

• B2B customers expect faster restocks, spare parts, and urgent shipments

• Delay-sensitive sectors (labs, clinics, events) rely on sub-24h turnaround

EU Logistics Experience Study – B2B buyers influenced by eCom delivery habits Source: ecommerce-europe.eu
Statbel Delivery Expectations Report (2025) – Shift toward 24h fulfilment across sectors Source: statbel.fgov.be

Which Trends Are Accelerating the Demand for Speed?

Four key trends are reshaping delivery in Belgium: lockers, EV fleets, route tech, and delivery SLAs.

These innovations make speed more scalable, affordable, and trackable.

• Smart lockers reduce failed deliveries and speed up drop-offs

• Electric vehicles (EVs) improve access to LEZ zones in cities

• AI routing platforms optimise multi-stop delivery paths

• SLA-based contracts make speed a contractual standard, not a bonus

• Widespread API integration reduces order-to-dispatch time

🔗 Related: Smart Lockers, EV Fleets & Route Tech

TomTom Traffic Index (2025) – Routing and congestion trends in urban Belgium Source: tomtom.com
EV Fleet Penetration Report – Belgium’s low-emission delivery shift Source: transportenvironment.org

What Happens to Companies That Can’t Deliver Fast?

They risk lost clients, SLA breaches, and operational slowdowns.

In a fast-moving logistics market, delivery delays are no longer tolerated—especially in B2B.

• Procurement teams switch suppliers over missed deadlines

• Pharma or legal clients may reject late or mishandled goods

• Missed deliveries increase support costs and admin load

• Poor delivery performance damages brand trust

• Without tracking, customers lack confidence in fulfilment

Belgian Buyer Behaviour Survey – Logistics speed as a dealbreaker Source: vbo-feb.be
EU SLA Breach Report – Penalties and revenue loss from late deliveries Source: ec.europa.eu

How Should Belgian Businesses Respond to These Trends?

They must align operations with fast delivery models: tech, training, partnerships, and process.

Meeting modern expectations requires more than hiring a courier—it means building a delivery strategy.

• Use couriers that offer real-time tracking and SLA contracts

• Integrate with platforms to trigger faster order dispatch

• Bundle shipments or use lockers to reduce failed drops

• Audit internal fulfilment time—not just courier performance

• Match delivery method to item type, urgency, and destination

🔗 Related: How to Bundle Shipments
🔗 See also: Delivery KPIs That Matter in B2B

McKinsey Fulfilment Benchmarking 2025 – Internal factors affecting delivery speed Source: mckinsey.com
Belgian SME Logistics Strategy Report – Recommended delivery upgrades Source: supplychainmovement.com

How Does Record Express Help Clients Keep Up?

We provide same-day and next-day delivery services powered by tech, trained staff, and real-time performance data.

Our model is built for companies that want reliable speed without sacrificing visibility or control.

• Same-day and next-day coverage across major Belgian cities

• EV fleets and smart lockers in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven

• SLA-backed delivery with real-time ETA tracking

• Route optimisation for cost and time efficiency

• Custom workflows for pharma, legal, and high-priority B2B clients

🔗 Learn more: Is Fast Delivery the New Normal?

FAQs About Fast Delivery in Belgium

Is same-day delivery now a baseline requirement?
Yes—for many industries, especially in pharma, events, retail, and professional services.

How do I offer fast delivery without raising costs?
Bundle orders, use lockers, optimise routes, and choose a courier that offers per-zone pricing.

Does EV compliance affect delivery speed?
Yes—non-EV couriers may be blocked from LEZ zones, causing rerouting or delays.

Can Record Express customise delivery models by sector?
Yes—we adapt service levels and routes for each client’s urgency, item type, and SLA.

Sources

Statbel Belgian Delivery Trends Report (2025) – Delivery speed expectations by sector
Source: statbel.fgov.be

McKinsey Last-Mile Logistics Benchmark – Fulfilment performance metrics
Source: mckinsey.com

EU SLA Compliance Report – Service penalties and enforcement
Source: ec.europa.eu

Transport & Environment EV Logistics Report – Urban delivery standards
Source: transportenvironment.org