By Laily UPN 
The European logistics landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, and DHL eCommerce is positioning itself at the epicenter of this shift. In a clear strategic pivot, the division of the DHL Group has signaled its intent to intensify its acquisition spree across Eastern Europe, aiming to bridge the final gaps in its continental infrastructure. This move, underscored by the recent acquisition of the Baltic powerhouse Venipak, represents a broader ambition: to double the division’s revenue within the next five years.
As Western and Southern European markets reach a state of relative maturity for the logistics giant, Eastern Europe has emerged as the new frontier. By integrating domestic delivery networks with its robust international backbone, DHL is crafting a seamless, cross-border parcel ecosystem designed to capture the explosive growth of both e-commerce and the burgeoning second-hand economy.
The Strategic Pivot: Shifting Focus Eastward
In a recent, detailed interview with the German logistics publication DVZ, Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, articulated a clear vision for the company’s future. According to Ciano, the "low-hanging fruit" in Western and Southern Europe has largely been harvested through strategic mergers and high-level partnerships.
For instance, in the United Kingdom, DHL merged its parcel operations with Evri to optimize last-mile efficiency. Similarly, in the Iberian Peninsula, the company has entered a significant partnership with CTT, the Portuguese postal service, to streamline operations across Spain and Portugal. With these regions stabilized, DHL eCommerce is now pivoting its capital expenditure toward Eastern Europe.
The rationale is rooted in logistics density. By acquiring local players who already possess deep-rooted domestic delivery networks, DHL can bypass the arduous process of building ground-up infrastructure. This approach not only accelerates market entry but also integrates domestic capabilities directly into the company’s global transit network, creating a "plug-and-play" experience for cross-border retailers.
Chronology of Expansion: Building the Network
DHL’s current expansion strategy is the result of a calculated, multi-year rollout. While the recent focus on the Baltics has grabbed headlines, it is merely the latest chapter in a wider European consolidation effort.
- 2024-2025 (The Consolidation Phase): DHL focuses on "filling the gaps" in Western Europe. The UK merger with Evri sets a precedent for how the company plans to utilize joint ventures to scale operations.
- July 2025: DHL officially announces its intent to acquire Venipak, a move designed to secure a dominant foothold in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
- Late 2025: Strategic partnerships, such as the joint venture with Poste Italiane for parcel lockers, demonstrate a commitment to hardware-based infrastructure in key urban centers.
- Present Day: DHL eCommerce transitions its primary acquisition focus toward Eastern European territories, seeking to replicate the Baltic model in neighboring countries.
The Baltic Acquisition: A Blueprint for Integration
The agreement to acquire Venipak, reached in July, serves as the primary case study for DHL’s Eastern European strategy. Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is set to grant DHL full operational control over a dense network in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Venipak brings to the table a sophisticated infrastructure: roughly 800 automated parcel lockers (APLs), an extensive network of collection points, and a refined domestic delivery system. For DHL, this is not just about gaining market share; it is about infrastructure integration. By connecting Venipak’s local collection points to DHL’s international sorting centers, the company provides Baltic merchants with a frictionless gateway to the global market, while simultaneously offering international retailers direct access to local Baltic consumers.
The Second-Hand Revolution: Driving Parcel Volume
Beyond traditional e-commerce, DHL has identified a significant growth engine: the peer-to-peer (P2P) market. Ciano notes that parcel volumes generated through DHL’s retail shops and parcel lockers are surging by approximately 50 percent annually.
This growth is driven largely by the rise of circular economy platforms like Vinted. In 2025 alone, Vinted reported a staggering 10.8 billion euros in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), a 47 percent increase over the previous year. This rapid growth creates a unique logistics challenge: unlike traditional e-commerce, where a warehouse ships to a consumer, the second-hand market involves millions of individual sellers shipping to individual buyers.
To address this, DHL has shifted its focus toward "out-of-home" delivery options. Parcel lockers and shops serve as the critical infrastructure for this trend, allowing users to deposit and collect goods without the logistical complexity of residential doorstep deliveries. In July, the expanded cooperation between DHL and Vinted in Germany solidified this strategy, making the locker network the primary interface for millions of private transactions.
Official Responses and Strategic Intent
During his dialogue with DVZ, Pablo Ciano emphasized that the ambition to double the division’s revenue—from 6.9 billion euros in 2025 to over 13 billion euros by 2030—is a "strategic goal" rather than a mere forecast. It is a roadmap that dictates every move the company makes.
"We are building for the future of cross-border trade," Ciano stated. He highlighted that the division’s cross-border business is currently expanding at a rate of 15 percent annually. To support this, DHL is not only acquiring local last-mile capabilities but is also investing heavily in new trade routes between Europe and the Americas, ensuring that the physical network matches the digital demand of global consumers.
Implications: A New Era for European Logistics
The implications of DHL’s strategy are far-reaching for the logistics industry, competitors, and the end-consumer.
1. The Death of Fragmented Borders
For decades, logistics in Europe was hampered by a patchwork of national postal services. DHL’s strategy of acquiring regional champions and creating joint ventures effectively "stitches" these borders together. For a merchant in Poland or Lithuania, shipping to Portugal becomes as straightforward as a domestic delivery, thanks to the integrated network DHL is building.
2. Infrastructure as the Ultimate Moat
In the logistics sector, the "last mile" is the most expensive and complex part of the supply chain. By prioritizing parcel lockers and collection points, DHL is creating a high barrier to entry. Competitors who lack this physical density will find it increasingly difficult to compete on price and convenience, especially as the P2P market continues to demand localized, non-residential delivery points.
3. The Shift toward Sustainable, High-Volume Logistics
The growth of the second-hand market is not just a commercial opportunity; it is a sustainability play. Delivering a single parcel to a centralized locker is significantly more carbon-efficient than multiple individual delivery attempts at residential addresses. As DHL continues to scale its locker network, it aligns its corporate growth with the broader European push for greener logistics.
4. Competitive Pressure on Local Carriers
Smaller, domestic carriers in Eastern Europe may find themselves at a crossroads. As DHL enters the market with deep pockets and international connectivity, local players will either be forced to innovate, seek consolidation, or risk being marginalized by a global network that can offer superior service levels and integrated tracking systems.
Conclusion: The Path to 2030
DHL eCommerce’s trajectory is clear. By focusing on the high-growth potential of Eastern Europe and the transformative power of the second-hand economy, the division is setting the stage for a period of unprecedented expansion.
The acquisition of Venipak is likely just the beginning. As the company continues to scout for opportunities to strengthen its network, the logistics landscape of Eastern Europe will inevitably become more connected, more efficient, and more integrated into the global economy. For DHL, the goal of doubling revenue is ambitious, but through its relentless focus on infrastructure, partnerships, and strategic acquisitions, the company is proving that it has the blueprint to make that goal a reality. As the lines between domestic and international trade continue to blur, DHL is positioning itself not just as a carrier, but as the essential nervous system of the European e-commerce market.
Asep Darmawan 