Logistics - WORLDEF

Amazon Halted Its Commercial Drone Delivery Plans in Italy

Amazon halted its commercial drone delivery plans in Italy after concluding that the broader regulatory environment in the country did not support the program’s long-term objectives. The decision came after successful initial tests conducted in central Italy and surprised Italian aviation authorities. Officials stated that the move was linked to company policy rather than aviation safety concerns.

Amazon announced that, following a strategic review, it decided not to continue drone-based delivery operations in Italy. The company said it had worked constructively with Italian aviation regulators and had made tangible progress during the testing phase. The announcement was viewed as a setback for Amazon’s efforts to expand its drone delivery initiative in Europe, despite the progress achieved with Italian aviation regulators.

Drone Delivery Tests in San Salvo Had Been Successfully Completed

The decision was taken nearly a year after Amazon announced in December 2024 that it had successfully completed initial drone delivery tests in the town of San Salvo in the Abruzzo region. These trials were conducted as part of Amazon’s Prime Air program, which aimed to deliver small packages within short timeframes.

According to Amazon, the tests demonstrated technical feasibility and cooperation with aviation authorities. However, the company stated that certain business-oriented regulatory constraints outside aviation negatively affected the decision to continue the project.

Regulatory Environment Cited as the Main Reason

In a statement to Reuters, Amazon said it halted its commercial drone delivery plans in Italy following a strategic review. The company noted that, despite positive progress in engagements with aviation regulators, the country’s overall business regulatory framework did not currently support the long-term objectives of the drone delivery program.

Amazon emphasized that the existing regulatory conditions were not limited solely to aviation, but also included broader operational requirements affecting the commercial viability and scalability of the service. The company did not provide details on which regulations posed challenges, but indicated that rules in logistics, commercial, and operational areas could limit future expansion.

This decision highlighted that implementing drone delivery services required compliance not only with airspace and safety rules, but also with national and local legislation governing logistics, data protection, labor, and commercial activities.

Italian Aviation Authority Expressed Surprise

Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority, ENAC, described Amazon’s decision as unexpected. In a statement released on Saturday, ENAC said the move was linked to company policy rather than aviation-related concerns. ENAC noted that the decision could be associated with recent financial developments involving the Amazon Group, but did not provide details. The authority also emphasized that it had raised no objections related to flight safety or airspace management during the testing phase.

Italian officials had viewed the San Salvo trials as a potential step toward broader adoption of drone deliveries, particularly in areas with lower population density.

A Broader Look at Amazon’s Drone Program

Amazon has been working on drone delivery technologies for more than a decade as part of its Prime Air initiative. The program aimed to shorten delivery times and increase efficiency for lightweight packages, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

Amazon has launched commercial drone deliveries on a limited scale in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, progress varied from market to market due to regulatory complexities and operational costs.

Across Europe, drone delivery initiatives faced challenges stemming from regulatory frameworks that differed by country. Industry analysts noted that differences in commercial law, privacy rules, and urban planning significantly affected the timelines for the widespread adoption of such services.

Impact of ‘De Minimis’ Exemption: 54% Drop in Parcels Coming to the U.S.

The ‘de minimis’ exemption was a rule that allowed products valued under $800 to enter the U.S. tariff-free. Until 2025, it was an important part of U.S. trade policy. This exemption had provided a significant advantage, especially for e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, which shipped hundreds of millions of parcels annually.

Trump Labeled De Minimis a “Big Scam”

However, this exemption began to come under criticism from the Trump administration. In February 2025, President Donald Trump referred to the rule as a “big scam” and stated that it negatively affected small businesses in the U.S. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick explained the reasons for the removal of the exemption, saying, “Foreign countries were sending small packages for free, and this was putting small businesses in America out of business.”

After the exemption was removed, the U.S. government imposed tariffs on products exceeding $800 in value, aiming to create a level playing field for U.S. businesses. However, the immediate effects of this change have had significant impacts on both domestic and international businesses.

International Businesses Affected Negatively

The most noticeable effect of the end of the de minimis exemption was seen in small international businesses that relied on this rule to send goods to the U.S. Jess Van Daan, a jewelry maker based in Australia, stated that 30-40% of her business came from the U.S. market, but with this change, she was forced to completely halt her U.S. operations. “I am not the only one,” she said, indicating that other international businesses were facing similar challenges.

Small businesses within the U.S. are also struggling with price increases. Madeline Knutson, who runs a mail-order business in North Dakota, mentioned that she is now more careful about where she buys her products from, and as a result, has had to raise her prices. “People are definitely paying more attention to prices,” she said, noting that small businesses are facing more difficulties.

Changes in the Logistics Sector

The end of the de minimis exemption has created opportunities for logistics companies. With new tariffs and changing shipping methods, demand for logistics firms has increased. One of the world’s leading logistics companies, DHL, described 2025 as “a very challenging year.” Oscar de Bok, the head of DHL Global Forwarding, explained, “Every time a new announcement was made, shippers tried to send their products before the new tariffs came into effect.” This resulted in several peak seasons for logistics providers throughout the year.

“Small Businesses Struggling to Cover Extra Costs”

For U.S. consumers, the most noticeable effect of this policy change has been price increases. Knutson shared, “Overall, prices are higher. Larger businesses are able to absorb more costs and keep their prices lower, but we, as a small business, are struggling more.” This highlights the difficulty small businesses face in covering these additional costs.

With the decrease in the flow of duty-free goods, it seems that these changes may result in higher costs for both U.S. producers and consumers. While larger companies may be able to absorb these costs, it poses a greater challenge for small businesses.

Bleak Outlook for U.S. E-Commerce: High Tariffs Could Trigger a $320 Billion Loss

RattanIndia Accelerates E-Commerce Growth in the Gulf Region with noon Partnership

The launch of Cocoblu Global Retail combines noon’s powerful marketplace infrastructure with Cocoblu’s established sourcing capabilities in a hybrid model. This collaboration allows Cocoblu Global Retail to leverage noon’s platform, which reaches millions of consumers across the region, to accelerate its growth.

The partnership is designed to use noon’s technological and logistical infrastructure to provide fast delivery and seamless transaction processes. Through this strategic cooperation, Cocoblu Global Retail will offer a wide product range including home décor, toys, sports equipment, and electronics, aiming to meet the needs of consumers in the region.

RattanIndia’s Launch in the UAE as a Major Milestone

Initially, Cocoblu Global Retail will offer products in key categories such as home and lifestyle items, toys, sports and fitness equipment, and electronics. The company plans to expand its product range based on market demand and consumer preferences. This approach aims to create opportunities for both local and international brands.

RattanIndia Enterprises views the launch of Cocoblu Global Retail in the UAE as a major step in its technology-driven growth strategy. The e-commerce market in the Gulf region is expected to surpass $50 billion in the next few years, and Cocoblu aims to take advantage of this booming market to expand its reach on a global scale.

Meeting the Evolving Needs of Gulf Consumers

The partnership also benefits from existing free trade agreements between India and the UAE, which facilitate cross-border trade and expedite market access for Indian brands. This development is an important step in RattanIndia Enterprises’ vision of strengthening trade and commercial ties between India and the Gulf region.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson of RattanIndia Enterprises Ltd., commented, “The Gulf region represents one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing digital retail markets. This expansion builds on Cocoblu’s successful operations in India and creates an opportunity to introduce high-quality Indian brands to international markets.”

RattanIndia’s vision extends beyond product offerings. The launch of Cocoblu Global Retail demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation, retail excellence, and supply chain agility. Raman Kumar, CEO of core e-commerce at noon, emphasized the strategic value of the collaboration, stating, “Cocoblu Global Retail joining our platform reinforces noon’s commitment to growing a vibrant, future-ready retail ecosystem.”

With technological capabilities, strategic market insights, and access to a broad customer base, Cocoblu Global Retail aims to meet the changing needs of Gulf consumers. The company continues to create opportunities for brand expansion and market development in the region.

Through this partnership, RattanIndia Enterprises and Cocoblu Global Retail are poised to leverage the e-commerce boom in the Gulf region, further solidifying their position in the global retail market.

Saudi Arabia to Enforce National Address Requirement for Parcel Deliveries Starting January 2026

The Transport General Authority (TGA) of Saudi Arabia will make it mandatory for all parcel deliveries to include a national address starting from January 2026, in a bid to improve logistics and delivery services. This new regulation aims to enhance delivery accuracy and efficiency, benefiting both individuals and businesses.

From January 1, 2026, all parcel shipments within Saudi Arabia will not be accepted by delivery companies unless they include a valid national address. This new regulation is designed to streamline logistics operations across the Kingdom and improve service quality.

The TGA emphasized that both individuals and businesses must register their national addresses before the policy takes effect. The national address will be a key component of the new delivery system, ensuring that shipments reach their correct destinations.

TGA’s Goal: Efficient Parcel Deliveries

The TGA stated that this move aligns with the broader goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. By improving location accuracy, the new regulation is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, support e-commerce growth, improve government services, and enable public entities to provide better services to beneficiaries.

Individuals can register their national address through platforms such as Absher, Tawakkalna, Sehhaty, and SPL. The TGA aims to ensure that all parcels are delivered accurately and efficiently, further boosting Saudi Arabia’s growing logistics and e-commerce sectors.

Shein Opens a Large Logistics Center in Poland

Fast fashion and e-commerce giant Shein announced that it has put into operation a large-scale logistics center near the city of Wrocław in Poland. While the new facility is positioned as the company’s main operational hub in Europe, it also reflects the tendency of Chinese e-commerce platforms to shift their logistics activities to Europe in order to adapt to changing trade conditions.

According to a statement made by Shein, the new logistics center will cover an area of approximately 740,000 square meters once it reaches full capacity. Equipped with robotic systems and automated sorting lines, the facility aims to enable faster processing and dispatch of high-volume orders across Europe.

It Will Become Shein’s Main Logistics Hub in Europe

The company stated that the center is planned to operate at full capacity by the end of this year. At this stage, it is expected to create approximately 5,000 new jobs, including logistics, warehouse operations, technology, and support services. This facility in Poland will operate as Shein’s main logistics hub in Europe. At the same time, brands and sellers in Poland and other European countries will also be able to use this center to offer their products for sale across Europe via the Shein platform.

Working With More Than 170 SMEs in Poland

Shein emphasized that it is carrying out extensive cooperation with local business partners within the project. The company announced that it is working with more than 170 small and medium-sized enterprises in Poland, primarily in transportation and packaging services.

It was stated that these collaborations aim to integrate the new logistics center into the regional supply chain and support the local economy. Shein has recently placed greater emphasis on partnering with local service providers in its investments outside Asia. While the company did not disclose the total investment amount made for the facility in Poland, it described this move as a long-term strategic investment aimed at the European market.

Chinese Companies Rented 200,000 Square Meters of Warehouse Space in the UK

Shein’s move is considered part of a broader trend in which Chinese e-commerce companies are opening warehouses and distribution centers across Europe. Earlier this year, it was reported that Chinese companies rented approximately 200,000 square meters of warehouse space in the United Kingdom alone.

For cross-border e-commerce platforms, establishing storage and distribution infrastructure within Europe has two main advantages. The first is that delivery times are significantly shortened thanks to products being shipped from Europe instead of Asia. The second is preparation for regulations aimed at abolishing certain customs duty exemptions applicable to low-value shipments. Storing products within the European Union reduces customs processes and increases delivery reliability. Rival platform Temu also announced last month that it was expanding its European delivery network through new partnerships.

“The New Logistics Center Strengthened the Company’s Commitment to the Region”

Leonard Lin, President of Shein Europe, Middle East and Africa, stated that the new logistics center strengthened the company’s long-term commitment to the region. Lin noted that thanks to this investment, faster and more reliable delivery services will be provided to customers in Europe. Lin also emphasized that the center offers significant opportunities for European sellers and that local brands will be able to reach customers across the continent more easily by using Shein’s infrastructure.

France to Open and Inspect Every Parcel from Shein as Crackdown on Chinese E-Commerce Escalates

Yango and Noon Launch Autonomous Delivery Service in Dubai

Yango Group, a global leader in technology-driven logistics, and Noon, the region’s leading homegrown e-commerce platform, have teamed up to expand last-mile deliveries across the UAE and, eventually, the entire GCC region. This collaboration begins with Noon Minutes customers in Dubai, transitioning autonomous robot deliveries from a pilot phase to a fully operational service. The scaling of the service will rely on real-time data, performance metrics, and customer feedback.

Autonomous Delivery Option Available on the Noon App

This launch marks a new chapter for both companies, as they introduce innovative solutions to improve urban logistics. Yango Autonomy’s fully electric robots have started fulfilling quick-commerce orders in Dubai’s Sobha Hartland community. Customers can now select the autonomous delivery option directly during checkout on the Noon app, track the robot’s journey in real-time on the map, and unlock the robot’s secure compartment upon arrival using their smartphones.

Expanding Autonomous Delivery Across the GCC

Although the service is initially limited to Dubai, both companies plan to scale the autonomous delivery service across the wider GCC region. The rollout will be based on operational data, customer feedback, and integration with the region’s infrastructure.

Ali Kafil-Hussain, Chief Business Officer at Noon, emphasized the importance of integrating autonomous technologies into the company’s last-mile delivery network. “Partnering with Yango Group allows us to offer a future-ready delivery option to our customers. Autonomous robots not only increase delivery capacity during peak times but also help reduce emissions, alleviate congestion, and provide a modern, contactless solution for consumers accustomed to digital solutions.”

“Our Robots Have Proven Reliable in Dubai’s Streets”

The autonomous robots are fully electric and powered by Yango’s AI-based navigation and routing technology. These robots independently plan their routes, navigate obstacles, and yield to pedestrians. Having already completed over 1,500 kilometers of fully autonomous travel in previous Dubai pilots, these robots have demonstrated their operational efficiency in real-world residential environments.

Nikita Gavrilov, Regional Head of Yango Tech Autonomy, stated, “Our robots have already proven reliable in Dubai’s streets. The next step is to scale this service and ensure it seamlessly integrates into daily operations.”

Dubai’s Commitment to Smart Mobility Solutions

This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for digital innovation and smart city infrastructure. With approval from the city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Yango’s autonomous delivery robots are authorized to operate on public walkways and within residential areas, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to piloting and adopting innovative mobility solutions.

Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, views this collaboration as a significant step toward making autonomous deliveries a reliable everyday service. “By combining Yango’s AI-powered delivery experience with Noon’s strong e-commerce presence, we are paving the way for smarter mobility and more sustainable digital cities.”

This partnership offers a glimpse into the future of e-commerce and delivery, where AI-powered solutions and autonomous technologies come together to create a smoother, more sustainable urban experience. As the service expands, it will lay the groundwork for similar innovations across the Middle East, with Dubai continuing to play a leading role in the development of future-oriented city infrastructure.

Noon Prepares to Launch 15 Minute Drone Deliveries Across the UAE

Moyu Introduces Stonepacker: A Reusable Stone Paper Box Designed for 25 Cycles

The Netherlands-based sustainable stationery brand Moyu is bringing its environmental mission into the packaging sector with Stonepacker, a reusable shipping box made from stone paper. Designed to withstand approximately 25 reuse cycles and fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan, Stonepacker aims to reduce the e-commerce industry’s heavy reliance on single-use cardboard.

The new packaging solution is integrated with Boxo’s national return network, which allows users to drop off empty boxes at designated points across the Netherlands. Once the box is returned, consumers automatically receive a €3.95 deposit refund, encouraging continuous circular reuse. After each use cycle, the boxes are inspected, cleaned, and prepared for redistribution. Once they reach around 25 uses, they are recycled into new stone paper boxes.

Stonepacker: A Strong Alternative to Single-Use Cardboard

While discussions around packaging waste often focus on plastic, Moyu emphasizes that single-use cardboard also contributes significantly to deforestation, water consumption, and CO₂ emissions. In contrast, Stonepacker uses no trees, water, or bleaching chemicals during production. The company states that producing stone paper generates 94% less CO₂ compared to traditional paper.

Stone paper is made from limestone residues generated during mining operations. These residues are processed into calcium carbonate powder and combined with recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to create a durable, water-resistant material—making it well-suited for reusable logistics applications.

Strong Interest from Retailers and E-Commerce Companies

Moyu founder Roel Schatorjé says demand from retail, logistics, and e-commerce sectors has increased rapidly since the company expanded into packaging solutions. With European sustainability regulations —particularly the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)— pushing for more reusable systems, many brands have already begun exploring pilot projects.

“One large company asked us, ‘How have we not heard about this before?’ We are open to collaborations with frontrunners who want to structurally reduce their packaging waste,” Schatorjé explains.

Stone Paper Aiming to Become the Standard in Packaging

Founded in 2019, Moyu has reached more than 380,000 users and over 2,500 corporate clients, primarily through its erasable stone paper notebooks. The company reports saving millions of liters of water and reducing CO₂ emissions by replacing traditional paper with stone paper.

With Stonepacker, Moyu aims to extend stone paper beyond stationery. Schatorjé adds: “We envision a future where stone paper becomes the standard material not only for notebooks but also for packaging.”

As global e-commerce volumes continue to surge, reusable packaging solutions like Stonepacker are increasingly viewed as scalable and impactful tools for waste reduction, sustainability efforts, and environmental transformation.

Takealot Launches “Get It Now” Service for Faster Delivery

South Africa’s leading e-commerce platform Takealot has announced its most ambitious step yet in the rapidly growing “quick commerce” segment: a new instant-delivery pilot service called “Get It Now.”

Takealot launched the “Get It Now” service in partnership with Mr D. This feature aims to deliver daily essentials and popular products within minutes by leveraging Mr D’s extensive driver network. The pilot is currently available in selected areas of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Take alot positions this initiative as a new speed standard in online shopping, aligned with international examples such as Checkers Sixty60, Instacart, and Doordash.

Products Will Display a “Get It Now” Label

According to Take alot, eligible products on the platform will now feature a “Get It Now” label. When customers choose this option, items will be processed through “TakealotNOW” and delivered within minutes via the Mr D app. In this way, delivery times will drop from hours to just a few minutes.

“We Are Building an E-Commerce Ecosystem That Truly Understands What South Africans Want”

The company notes that e-commerce in South Africa has grown rapidly since the pandemic, and customer expectations around delivery speed have changed significantly. Takealot’s Chief Marketing Officer, Karla Levick, stated: “Take alot is not just South Africa’s number one shopping app. Together with Mr D, we are building an e-commerce ecosystem that truly understands what South Africans want. And nothing makes people happier than getting exactly what they need, exactly at the moment they need it—in just minutes.”

Takealot Is Building a Fully Integrated Digital Ecosystem

The launch of Get It Now follows a series of value-added services Takealot has introduced in recent years. Through its loyalty programme TakealotMORE, introduced in 2024, the company offers customers benefits such as unlimited free delivery on Takealot, Mr D, and TakealotNOW; free grocery delivery from Pick n Pay at in-store prices; and complimentary access to News24. These services are offered for less than 4 rand per day. This approach is part of Take alot’s strategy to integrate e-commerce, food delivery, grocery delivery, and instant retail into one unified ecosystem.

Take alotNOW’s Head, Marnus Engelbrecht, stated: “In 2023, we pioneered instant delivery for general merchandise in South Africa with the launch of TakealotNOW. The feedback we received showed that South Africans want instant service not only for groceries but across all product categories. Get It Now takes this vision a step further.”

More Than 1,000 Products Available for Fast Delivery

According to industry experts, if the pilot proves successful, Get It Now may expand nationwide and set a new standard for instant delivery beyond grocery items. With more than 1,000 products already offered under the fast-delivery option, Take alot demonstrates strong positioning in ultra-fast logistics, micro-fulfilment centers, and real-time inventory management. Customers who wish to try the service can check availability and browse eligible products by downloading or updating the Takealot app on Android or iOS.

Takealot Group Transforms South African Logistics with the Launch of TFS

BARQ CCO Almarwani: Our Promise To E-Commerce Is Simple, To Make Logistics Invisible!

BARQ, one of the pioneering companies in last-mile delivery in Saudi Arabia, was founded in mid-2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, reliable delivery had become not a luxury but a necessity. From the very first day, its vision was clear: to empower businesses of every size with smart, seamless, and extremely fast delivery solutions. The company aims to transform last-mile delivery in Saudi Arabia and beyond, setting new standards for speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

BARQ Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Mohammed AlMarwani was a guest of WORLDEF E-COMMERCE MAGAZINE. AlMarwani explained what BARQ contributes to e-commerce in Saudi Arabia, the company’s vision, the future of the sector, and the transformation of artificial intelligence.

“Our promise is simple: To make logistics invisible”

BARQ CCO Mohammed AlMarwani gave the following answer to the question “What do you promise to the ecosystem?” regarding the company’s products and services related to the e-commerce ecosystem: “We serve as the bridge between e-commerce businesses and their customers. Through our in-house technologies and dedicated fleet, we offer services ranging from 15-minute express delivery to same-day delivery. Our promise to the ecosystem is simple: To make logistics invisible. That means no delays, no uncertainty; just a smooth, reliable delivery experience. This builds trust and ensures that customers keep coming back.”

“Artificial intelligence is at the core of our operations”

Touching on the impact of artificial intelligence in the sector, AlMarwani then explained the company’s artificial intelligence strategy: “Artificial intelligence has changed the game in last-mile delivery. It enables us to operate faster, smarter, and more sustainably. From predicting demand to finding the fastest routes through city traffic, artificial intelligence has transformed delivery from a basic service into a personalized experience. In a market where speed is everything, artificial intelligence guarantees that orders reach customers exactly on time and at the right place.

For us, artificial intelligence is not just a tool, it is at the core of our operations. We use it to optimize routes in real time, forecast demand and always have the right fleet available, and personalize the delivery experience for every customer. Our strategy is to always stay one step ahead; ensuring that our technology evolves in sync with the expectations of modern e-commerce.”

“Customers will want to receive their orders almost instantly”

BARQ CCO Mohammed AlMarwani also shared his predictions about the future of the sector. Stating, “The future of last-mile delivery will be fast, green, and intelligent. Customers will want to receive their orders almost instantly and will expect transparency at every step,” AlMarwani added: “At the same time, sustainability will play a much bigger role; electric vehicles, smart hubs, and eco-friendly solutions will become the standard. As BARQ, we aim not only to keep pace with this future but also to be the one shaping it.”

“We can deliver in 15 minutes”

Mohammed AlMarwani shared the following information about BARQ’s fast delivery network: “BARQ’s fast delivery network combines two strengths: powerful in-house technology and a fleet we fully own and operate. Our system intelligently assigns orders to the right driver at the right place at the right time. Our presence in major Saudi cities shortens the distance to the customer. This is how we can deliver reliably in as little as 15 minutes.

Our secret is not a single factor; it is many factors working flawlessly together. Our AI-powered platform ensures real-time order assignment and routing. Our strategically placed fleet keeps us close to customers. Our trained, in-house fleet guarantees accountability and consistency. When you put all this together, delivering within two hours—or even just 15 minutes—becomes not only possible but standard for BARQ.”

Obstacles and challenges in fast delivery in Saudi Arabia

According to the information provided by Mohammed AlMarwani, the obstacles and challenges in fast delivery in Saudi Arabia are as follows: “Saudi Arabia is a unique and dynamic market. On one hand, there are rapidly growing cities with very high demand for speed, and on the other hand, vast distances and infrastructure challenges that make consistency harder to achieve. Add to this the traffic during peak hours and the challenges of scaling fleets, and the picture becomes clear. However, as BARQ, we see these challenges as opportunities; opportunities to invest in smarter systems, develop innovative solutions, and raise the standards of fast delivery…”

About Mohammed Almarwani

Mohammed Almarwani brings a wealth of international experience to his role as Chief Commercial Officer at BARQ, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading technology/logistics companies. Before joining BARQ, Mohammed achieved significant success in his intercontinental career in public relations, brand management, marketing, and high-value commercial negotiations.

Throughout his global career, he designed and implemented strategic initiatives that increased brand awareness, expanded market share, and built profitable partnerships. This diverse background gives him a unique cross-cultural perspective in overcoming challenges; blending storytelling expertise, brand-building competence, and negotiation skills to ensure sustainable business growth. Mohammed’s local and global expertise in technology, logistics, marketing, growth strategies, and investment ecosystems provides valuable insights.

About BARQ

BARQ is a pioneering company providing “bullet delivery” services, setting higher standards in speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction in the logistics sector. It offers delivery within 1–2 hours in a 5 km radius from the pickup point and within 2–4 hours inside the city limits. The company’s goal is to revolutionize the customer experience; ensuring that every merchant receives their orders within two hours with flawless service, continuously expanding our coverage, and offering innovative and reliable delivery solutions.

The company offers a wide range of delivery services tailored to meet the needs of merchants. It ensures that orders are delivered in record time. Thanks to our wide coverage, we can deliver to different regions. Customers can choose the payment method that suits them.

HubBox Secures £6 Million Investment to Accelerate Out of Home Delivery Growth

London based delivery technology company HubBox has completed a £6 million funding round as demand for flexible pickup points continues to rise across global ecommerce markets. Led by Puma Growth Partners, the investment will support the company’s international expansion and ongoing software development initiatives.

Founded in 2015, HubBox was created to address the challenges caused by failed home deliveries in ecommerce operations. The company provides software that enables retailers to offer local pickup points during the checkout process. This model has gained strong momentum as consumers seek more predictable delivery experiences and as urban logistics face increasing congestion.

HubBox Works with Thousands of Retailers

Today, HubBox collaborates with thousands of retailers across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Its client portfolio includes major brands such as GAP, Selfridges and Gymshark. Industry analyses indicate that out of home delivery methods, including click and collect and parcel shop pickup, continue to grow at double digit rates each year.

“We Will Focus on Expanding Engineering Teams and Enhancing the Platform”

HubBox CEO Sam Jarvis stated that the company has experienced steady growth in recent years, while retailers increasingly seek more reliable and cost efficient delivery alternatives. Jarvis noted that the company will expand its engineering teams and focus on platform enhancements to meet rapidly rising demand.

Puma Growth Partners emphasised that HubBox’s strong technical capabilities and strategic partnerships with major courier networks played a key role in their investment decision. The firm highlighted that integrating alternative delivery options at checkout remains a significant challenge for retailers and that HubBox has established itself as a leading player in this space.

Competition Intensifies in Last Mile Delivery

The investment comes at a time when global logistics is undergoing rapid transformation. Courier companies are expanding parcel locker networks, while ecommerce platforms are promoting pickup options more heavily to reduce operational pressure during peak seasons. Industry reports indicate that out of home delivery models can reduce failed delivery rates by up to 90 percent and help lower emissions in high traffic urban areas.

With its new investment, HubBox aims to strengthen its role in shaping the future of ecommerce logistics and expand its presence across additional global markets.