Building Germany’s Most Ambitious Shared Locker Network

The Challenge

Germany has a paradox at the heart of its parcel industry. One of the first markets in Europe to adopt locker infrastructure, yet today trailing behind its European neighbours in overall OOH adoption. Consumers are ready for the convenience, but the infrastructure has not kept pace.Both GLS and DPD had established out-of-home presences, but scaling further while avoiding duplication of effort required a different approach. Rather than competing for the same street corners, they chose to build together.

The challenge was then finding a technology partner capable of matching that ambition: one who could deploy at pace, handle the complexity of a shared multi-carrier network, and deliver a consistent experience for customers of both brands.

The Partnership

Bloq.it is the strategic partner for inboxx, bringing its full end-to-end capability to bear: NEXT smart lockers, the Bloq.OS software platform, and a proactive maintenance and operational services model designed to ensure high uptime at scale. 

“Germany is one of the most important markets for out-of-home delivery in Europe, and being selected as strategic infrastructure partner for inboxx is a defining moment for Bloq.it. Our battery-powered NEXT lockers give GLS and DPD the flexibility to place lockers in locations that were previously out of reach, accelerating network density across the country.” — Miha Jagodic, CEO at Bloq.it

The vision driving inboxx extends beyond logistics infrastructure. GLS frames it as a utility-level ambition: out-of-home delivery that works the way mobile telecoms does: invisible, reliable, and simply there when you need it.

“With inboxx, we are fundamentally reshaping how out-of-home delivery works in Germany. For the first time, two leading carriers are building a truly open, shared network that puts consumer and customer convenience at its core. Our ambition is to make out-of-home delivery the default choice – simple, intuitive, and consistently available wherever people live and move. Together with Bloq.it, we are removing traditional infrastructure constraints and scaling this vision across the country.”— Jascha Waffender, Director Out of Home at GLS Germany

The Product

At the core of the inboxx network is Bloq.it’s flagship NEXT smart locker. Its battery-powered design eliminates the need for fixed electrical infrastructure, meaning lockers can be placed in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. Built-in touchscreens and full connectivity ensure that battery-powered units perform on par with traditionally wired alternatives, no compromise on user experience. The durable design and swappable battery system are built for long-term, low-maintenance operation at scale.

Running across all inboxx lockers is Bloq.it’s software platform. Designed with native multi-carrier management, it is purpose-built for exactly this kind of shared network, giving both GLS and DPD full visibility and operational control, while presenting a unified, seamless experience to end users.

“Our target is 20,000 out-of-home access points by 2027, and we knew we could not do that alone. Bloq.it gives us the technology to scale at the pace this market demands. We know we chose the right partner.” — Michael Knaupe, Chief Customer Experience & Business Development Officer at DPD Germany

Looking Ahead

The first phase of the inboxx network is already deployed and operational. Throughout 2026, the rollout will continue to expand across Germany. The long-term target, 20,000 shared OOH points by the end of 2027, would make inboxx one of the most significant locker networks in Europe. For Bloq.it, it marks a decisive entry into the German market and reinforces its position as the infrastructure partner of choice for carriers building at continental scale.

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About inboxx

inboxx is the shared out-of-home network jointly operated by GLS Germany and DPD Germany, giving both carriers' customers open access to the same parcel lockers and parcel shops. Building on an already-large footprint of over 10,000 shared parcel shops, the network is expanding toward 20,000 out-of-home points, including up to 6,000 parcel lockers, by the end of 2027.