Alibaba’s Cainiao logistics firm teams up with DHL to jointly build parcel locker network in Poland

Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding, has teamed up with German courier giant Deutsche Post DHL to build the largest network of delivery lockers in Poland, as the Chinese tech giant eyes expansion in Europe.

Under the agreement, Cainiao Network and DHL Commerce Solutions, will invest 60 million euros to improve the quality and speed of the country’s out-of-home delivery.

The two companies will also combine their existing networks so that consumers can benefit from the larger number of access stations.

“Poland is one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in Europe, expected to double by 2027, and up to 40% of consumers prefer to have shipments delivered to parcel lockers. By partnering with Cainiao, we can provide our customers with an even greater shipping experience, on top of our existing to-door delivery options” says Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce Solutions.

In addition to Poland, Cainiao has already built up networks in Spain and France, and a regional hub in Liege, Belgium.

Cainiao has also expanded into the Americas, where it has sorting centres in Mexico. In 2022, Cainiao unveiled a three-year development road map for Brazil that includes distribution centres and smart lockers.