Navigating smarter in a shifting logistics market
How Neleman achieved a 30% conversion uplift
In collaboration with the University of Groningen (RuG), we analysed the checkout data of Neleman Organic Vineyards. The question: does synchronising brand values with delivery flexibility lead to better results?
The numbers don't lie: by implementing GreenChoice and providing relevant delivery options, Neleman achieved a relative conversion uplift of 30%. It proves that your checkout is your most powerful engine for growth.
All findings and practical insights can be found in the white paper.
Rising transport costs: fuel surcharges, tolls, and the impact on your checkout
The shipping market remains in flux. In addition to the well-known fuel surcharges, we expect carriers to further increase their surcharges for larger and heavier shipments starting January 1st, 2027. On top of that, a new toll component will be introduced in the Netherlands as early as July 1st, 2026, which will have a direct impact on transport costs. This directly affects the rates retailers negotiate with carriers, but ultimately also the price the consumer sees in the checkout.
Market Insights
Increases vary significantly by carrier and can rise sharply in a short period. A few examples of recent movements:
- DHL: fuel surcharge from 17.5% (February) to 25.75% (April)
- DPD: fuel surcharge from 14% to 19%
- UPS & FedEx: fuel surcharge for express shipments from 32% to 48.50%
The "Discount" Trap
While many retailers receive (substantial) discounts on base rates, these are increasingly under pressure. As discounts are (partially) reduced, the net impact can be greater than what your contract suggests on paper.
Why This Matters Now (Checkout Impact)
Because differences between carriers are significant, it is wise to actively monitor transport costs and surcharges rather than reacting only when the invoice arrives. This is especially relevant if you:
- Pass on shipping costs (partially) to consumers;
- Use "free shipping from" order thresholds;
- Have high volumes in specific regions where tolls and route choices have an extra effect;
- Use multiple carriers with widely varying rates.
Practical Tips:
- Review your checkout pricing: Small changes in surcharges can lead to "margin leaks." Ensure your prices reflect current costs.
- Offer more options: Give customers the choice of a parcel shop or locker. Carriers often offer better rates for these deliveries.
- Delayed delivery: Explore offering delayed delivery to lower warehouse peaks and reduce logistics costs, compensating for rising transport fees.
Overloaded Parcel Points
Our latest Parcel Radar data highlights the challenges in the last mile:
- Key Insight: 27.2% of parcels are left at pickup points for more than two days.
- Average Dwell Time: 45.3 hours per parcel.
- Peak Periods: Dwell times increase during bad weather and busy periods like Black Friday and Christmas.
By better aligning delivery with consumer behaviour, you prevent congestion at locations and avoid unnecessary additional trips.
Packeta, REST API & WooCommerce
We continue to innovate our platform for seamless integration:
- Packeta: Now available as a carrier in our Parcelshop Locator.
- REST API: The 'addExistingShipment' feature is live—a highly requested tool for the transition from SOAP to REST, which also simplifies the implementation of GreenChoice.
- Wuunder for WooCommerce: Our latest plugin update is live on WordPress. Easily map your shipping methods and integrate the Parcelshop Locator directly into your store.
Efficiency at scale
Sending catalogues or high-volume items? Our bulk automation keeps it simple. Book all your draft shipments in one go with your preferred carriers. Want to outsource the physical work? Our team can handle everything from printing labels to packing the parcels.
PostNL: New Services & Surcharges
The following services have been added to our Resell offers and custom contracts:
- PostNL Brievenbuspakket Standaard (48h)
- PostNL Letterbox Packet (Europe & non-EU): Available as tracked and untracked.
- PostNL Packet (Europe & non-EU): Available as untracked, tracked, and insured. Note: The energy surcharge for PostNL BE has increased to €0.11.