At Cross-Border Magazine, we love having insightful conversations over a good cup of coffee (or tea). In this edition, we sat down with Justyna Andreas, Managing Director of Packeta Poland & Germany. Packeta is a fast-growing provider of delivery solutions for the e-commerce sector, with a strong footprint across Central and Eastern Europe. Justyna shares her insights on Packeta’s competitive edge, the growing importance of flexible last-mile delivery options, and how the company is preparing for a more sustainable, tech-driven future in logistics.

Subject’s Rights: At Packeta, the mission is to provide fast, reliable, and flexible delivery services tailored to the needs of e-commerce businesses, with a strong focus on cross-border operations. Justyna discusses how Packeta is helping both small and large online retailers thrive through seamless integrations, scalable logistics, and a keen understanding of local consumer preferences in Eastern Europe.

1. Coffee or tea? When and how?

I like both coffee and tea—it really depends on my mood and the time of day! Mornings definitely call for an aromatic coffee to kickstart the day (preferably a caffè latte with freshly brewed espresso). But in the afternoon, I slow down a bit and sometimes switch to tea. But mostly I drink coffee. 

2. Can you introduce Packeta and share your role with in the company?

Packeta is a global delivery solution, a provider of solutions for e-commerce. Besides home delivery, we operate an extensive network of over 17,500 own pick-up points, including more than 9,000 lockers. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, we even run the largest network. We recently acquired FoxPost in Hungary, establishing ourselves as one of the country's leading parcel delivery service providers.

Furthermore we cooperate with over 60 partner carriers whose network can be used by our clients as well – this includes over 186,000 pick up points, in 33 countries. Our mission is to provide fast, convenient, and reliable delivery services to our customers with a huge competitive advantage in the Easter European market. 

As the Managing Director of Packeta Poland & Germany, I am responsible for strategic development, operational excellence, and building relations with partners and clients in the both markets. Worth noting, these two entities are dedicated exclusively to cross-border e-commerce deliveries, whereas entities in CZ, SK, HU, RO also operate domestic and B2C solutions. 

3. What sets Packeta apart in today’s competitive market?

Packeta offers a unique option thanks to our leadership in the Central and Eastern European market. We are the most popular parcel delivery service in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with an internationally connected and widespread network and deep market knowledge.  With the recent acquisition of FoxPost, we are also set to become a leading player in Hungary, further strengthening our cross-border capabilities. We have an advantage because we know local e-commerce itself and also the needs of consumers in these regions compared to other global players.

Our robust pick-up point network and flexible delivery also help us stand out. Our customers benefit from home delivery or collecting their parcels at one of our thousands of self-service Z-BOXes or pick-up points, offering intentional convenience. Especially in those countries such as Poland or Czech where end-customers have a preference for Pick-Up and Drop-Off solutions, it is vital for online shops to be served by a parcel provider with a strong network.

4. How have digital tools and data analysis improved your delivery processes and enhanced customer experience?

Digital tools and data analysis are essential to our operations. They allow us to optimize delivery routes, predict peak periods, and manage resources effectively, resulting in faster and more reliable services.

For customers, our mobile app provides real-time tracking, notifications, and the flexibility to choose or change delivery options, enhancing transparency and satisfaction. A great example of our innovation is the "Minute Delivery" feature, which we have introduced in Slovakia for home delivery users. This service allows customers to track their parcel’s arrival down to the exact minute, providing an unprecedented level of precision and convenience. This feature significantly improves the customer experience by eliminating uncertainty and enabling better planning.

5. How does Packeta adapt its services to support both small and large e-commerce businesses?

We understand that businesses of different sizes have unique needs. For small e-commerce businesses, we offer easy integration solutions with the most common ERPs such as BaseLinker, IdoSell, Magento, PrestaShop and Woocommerce. Also we give them access to our extensive delivery network, and therefor the ability to scale efficiently. We believe that by providing a combination of reliability, speed, and attractive pricing—through our wide network, local parcel delivery solutions, and partnerships with recognized couriers—our clients can expand more effectively into international markets. Their growth automatically translates into our growth.For larger enterprises, we provide customized logistics solutions, dedicated account management, and advanced analytics to support their complex supply chain requirements. Given that larger businesses often operate with sophisticated ERP systems, integrating them seamlessly with our platform can be more complex. To ensure a smooth and efficient connection, our in-house IT team works closely with these enterprises, offering tailored support and technical assistance. This helps streamline operations, automate workflows, and enhance overall efficiency in logistics management.

6. What eco-friendly initiatives has Packeta implemented to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency?

Sustainability is a core focus for us. Our strong focus on Pick-Up and Drop-Off points naturally contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions. Since couriers deliver multiple parcels to a single pick-up location rather than making numerous stops at private residences, this significantly lowers the overall carbon footprint of last-mile delivery. Especially as, in addition we optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption. Our in-house-designed lockers (Z-BOX) are powered by solar energy, allowing them to operate independently while also promoting sustainability.

7. What trends do you see in logistics, and how will Packeta use them to improve its services?

Just the other day, a friend told me about an online order they placed. They were amazed at how quickly it arrived, but what really stood out to them was the flexibility – they could reroute the package last-minute, choose a pick-up point, and even track the courier in real time. This conversation really highlighted for me how much customer expectations in logistics have evolved.

We are witnessing several key trends shaping the industry. Speed and flexibility are critical—customers not only expect fast deliveries, they also want control over when and where they receive their packages. Automation and AI are getting bigger as well, helping to optimize delivery routes, predict peak times, and eliminate operational inefficiencies. The other big trend is sustainability, as consumers are demanding more eco-conscious delivery services and lower carbon footprints. From both sides: endcustomers but also our onlineshop clients.

At Packeta, we take these trends seriously as we constantly expand our Pick-Up and Drop-Off network, build smarter tracking and rerouting options, and invest smartly into automation for efficiency. The logistics ecosystem of the future is all about convenience, sustainability, and smart technology, and we are excited to be part of this transformation.

The post A Cup of Coffee With… Justyna Andreas, Managing Director of Packeta Poland & Germany appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

By Packeta—Out-of-home deliveries (OOH) are on the rise across Europe. Since 2021, the number of parcel lockers in the European market has increased by more than half, and the number of pickup stations is growing by an average of 7% per year. The eastern part of the continent is leading the way, making it particularly attractive for online retailers with expansion plans.

Locker Paradise Poland

In Poland, the trend toward locker delivery is especially noticeable. According to an analysis by Last Mile Experts, our northeastern neighbors currently boast more than 28,000 lockers, roughly the same number as in the United Kingdom and Germany combined. This is despite the fact that, unlike its western counterparts, the country still has a significant portion of its growth in e-commerce ahead of it. According to forecasts by the consulting firm pwc, the market volume of Polish online retail is expected to increase by 60% by 2026. The Czech Republic, Slovenia, and other countries also offer growth rates that Germany, France, and the UK can only dream of. Conversely, it is already apparent that the growth trend in the East, driven by increasing delivery numbers, will continue to fuel the expansion of locker infrastructure.

OOH vs. Doorstep Delivery: The Last Mile as a Cost Factor

For online retailers, the boom in OOH solutions in Eastern Europe is particularly interesting because it has the potential to save shipping costs exactly where they are currently the highest: on the last mile. While doorstep delivery requires a lot of personnel and time, deliveries to central locker stations can be consolidated for entire neighborhoods. This sometimes means that the cost of shipping to Eastern European lockers is comparable to the national prices for packages delivered to German customers via traditional doorstep delivery.

The popularity of Automated Parcel Machines (APM) and Pickup-Drop-Off points (PUDO) in Eastern Europe shows that the approach works for customers too. They can often pick up their orders around the clock at centrally located delivery points, such as at train stations, on the way from work, or during weekly grocery shopping at the supermarket. Additionally, reducing home delivery trips has a positive impact on the climate footprint and alleviates labor shortages in logistics.

Expansion Strategy: With Cross-Border and Logistics Partners

Surprisingly, many German online retailers often look westward when considering expansion. The lure of a wealthy customer base is strong, but so is the competition in the mostly saturated markets in the West. In contrast, Eastern Europe's potential is often overlooked, likely because the markets there seem harder to serve due to their perceived fragmentation. To overcome these challenges, partnering with locally established logistics partners who already have a reliable network amidst the diversity of delivery services is advisable. Proximity to borders allows—thanks to the single market—the possibility of developing an in-house cross-border delivery system. The omnipresence of PUDOs and lockers in the CEE region, compared to the still predominant home delivery in these parts, along with the enormous growth potential, presents a strong competitive advantage that online retailers should not ignore.

Security, Planning, Delivery Rates: How Retailers Benefit from Lockers and PUDOs

Ultimately, OOH solutions are not much inferior to traditional home delivery from the customer's perspective. Parcel lockers are secure and protected, with individual pickup codes or customer cards serving as proven tools for secure access. The buyer decides which delivery station is most convenient for them and no longer has to rely on the goodwill of a neighbor. The same applies to delivery personnel, who can achieve a delivery rate of nearly 100% with out-of-home shipping. At the same time, lockers and pickup stations improve planning throughout the delivery chain to the customer. This especially benefits retailers in the Czech Republic, which leads Europe with more than 14 lockers per 10,000 inhabitants. Including PUDOs, only Poland, with almost 40 delivery points, does better. Today, it is primarily Eastern European countries that rank among the top 10 with the best OOH coverage, while home delivery remains widespread in the West. Eastern Europe, with its expected market growth and advanced delivery structures, clearly stands out as a top expansion target.

About the Author

Tomasz Dominik has 14 years of experience in business and sales. Before switching to logistics, he worked in recruitment, where he served as the managing director of an employment agency for six years. He then gained further expertise as a Key Account Manager in a logistics and manufacturing company before joining Packeta ten months ago. In his current role as Business Development Manager, Tomasz drives Packeta's business development in the DACH region, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and sales expertise.

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