We all know the challenges of last mile delivery, usually associated with the need for speed and managing costs.
But a new press release from German delivery giant DHL provides some interesting examples of unusual situations and solutions that have been deployed across the globe.
Below are five such examples:
Gondolas in Venice
Delivery by car or bicycle is hardly feasible in the historic city of Venice. Instead of streets, Venice has a network of canals. DHL utilizes this network to deliver packages in the Italian city via gondolas. While the gondolas are slightly wider than the slender boats used to row tourists through the canals, they are an integral part of the water traffic on the Grand Canal. DHL also relies on a delivery gondola in only one other city worldwide: the canals (Grachten) of Amsterdam.
Cable Car to Germany's Highest Post Office
DHL Group operates Germany's highest post office – on the Zugspitze in the Alps, at an altitude of about 2,600 meters. Postal worker Andreas Oberauer delivers letters and packages daily to one of the most remote locations in the country and empties the mailbox on the mountain plateau – via cable car. Whether in sunshine or stormy weather, he reliably brings the mail via the Zugspitzbahn to the restaurants and viewing platform. "The breathtaking view makes up for a lot, even if the weather is sometimes stormy," says Oberauer.
Boats in the African River Region
For deliveries in the West African city of Lagos in Nigeria, DHL uses two boats. They operate daily between the mainland of Lagos and the southern district of Victoria Island. The water crossing takes only about 18 minutes. In contrast, the journey by road could take up to three hours due to heavy traffic and poor roads.
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Snowshoes in Norway
Measuring approximately 50 cm long and 20 cm wide, the snowshoes used by delivery personnel in regions with heavy snowfall in Norway help them reach their customers. These specialized shoes are employed in remote areas that cannot be accessed by regular delivery vehicles. They are secured with Velcro straps. The flat and large surface of the shoes stabilizes the stance and prevents sinking into the snow.
DHL Solar Boat in Berlin
In Berlin, DHL delivery personnel also serve as captains on a solar-powered boat on the Spree River. "Our customers were very amused when I first started crossing the river," says Captain Dirk Braumann. "Everyone is friendly, and I've never experienced a package falling into the water!" Since the boat operates on solar energy, it is not only practical but also environmentally friendly—an example of how DHL is committed to sustainable and innovative logistics.
“Delivering packages in various regions around the world often requires creative and tailored solutions,” DHL says.
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