PPL Launches Self-service Pick-up and Dispatch Boxes - PPL Parcelboxes

“In addition to delivery to the address and to the Parcelshops, we offer consumers another alternative when picking up and sending shipments. We are thus responding to the modern and increasingly popular method of delivery, which is why, in addition to the ever-growing network of 2,700 partner locations, so-called Parcelshops, we are also introducing self-service boxes, i.e. PPL Parcelboxes,” says Petr Horák, CEO of PPL. 

PPL Parcelboxes can be used by people not only to pick up parcels, but also to return goods back to the sender or when sending a package to another individual through the Package for You service. The Parcelboxes are gradually installed in various locations across the Czech Republic; the largest number in the first phase is to be installed primarily in densely populated localities (Prague, Central Bohemia, South Moravia, regional cities, etc.), mainly near shopping centres, office buildings, in housing estates or at busy intersections of urban transport.

By the end of June 2022, we will put into operation 500 PPL Parcelboxes throughout the Czech Republic. Our long-term plans envisage a further increase in their numbers in order to cover the needs of the market and our customers," says Petr Horák. 

The great advantage of PPL Parcelboxes is the continuous operation 24/7, so the recipient can pick up the shipment at own convenience. This feature of time flexibility is appreciated mainly by working or busy people throughout the year, but especially so in the run-up to Christmas. 

In addition to the benefits and increased comfort for our customers, this change in shopping behaviour helps reduce our environmental footprint. Due to the nature of the matter, delivery of several consignments to a collection box or a shop is more environmentally friendly than delivery of individual consignments to the door. This is another key element of our strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Picking up and sending a shipment via a PPL Parcelbox is very easy, intuitive, moreover, without any queues - the whole process takes only a moment. To pick up a parcel, a PIN is entered, which the recipient received both through an e-mail, as well as an SMS. After entering it, the corresponding mailbox will open. No need to download any application. 

Currently, each PPL Parcelbox has 75 compartments of various sizes, so recipients can pick up and send shipments up to 43 x 43 x 60 cm (height x width x length) and weight up to 31.5 kg. Cash on delivery delivered to PPL Parcelbox can be paid for simply by a card.

"We are pleased that the network of PPL Parcelboxes will also be installed primarily close to the stores of our important business partner, the Lidl chain, and that we are expanding our quality cooperation for our customers and consumers in this aspect, too," adds Petr Horák, PPL CEO.

"We are pleased to be able to further develop our cooperation with such a high-quality and professional carrier as PPL. By installing PPL Parcelboxes in our stores, we bring our customers another benefit. They can pick up their packages, for example on the way to do their shopping  or in an easy, simple way, return goods from our e-shop through PPL Parcelboxes," comments Tomáš Myler, spokesman for Lidl Czech Republic.