Bpost tracking

What is Bpost?

Bpost is the national postal operator of Belgium, heir to a long postal tradition dating back to the creation of the Belgian postal service in 1830 under the name of Administration of the Post. Over the decades, the company has undergone several major transformations: it became Régie des Postes in 1971, then adopted the name "La Poste" in 1992 as part of an image modernization. It was in 2010, in the context of the complete liberalization of the European postal market, that the company definitively took the name "bpost" and unveiled a modernized logo reflecting its ambition to become a major player in contemporary logistics.

Organized as a joint-stock company under public law, bpost remains majority-owned by the Belgian State at 51.04% of capital, a stake managed jointly by the State and the Federal Investment and Participation Company (SFPI). This shareholding structure guarantees the continuity of the public service mission while allowing the company to develop in competitive markets. The remainder of the capital has been listed on Euronext Brussels since June 2013, allowing private and institutional investors to participate in the group's development.

Bpost's headquarters is established in Brussels, at the heart of the Belgian capital. From this central position, the company coordinates all its national and international activities. The bpostgroup, which encompasses all subsidiaries and investments, employs more than 40,000 employees worldwide, making bpost one of Belgium's largest employers and a significant player in employment in the European logistics sector.

• Date of creation: 1830, with the founding of the Belgian Post Administration, then transformation to bpost in 2010
• Parent company: bpostgroup, an international logistics group listed on Euronext Brussels
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• Shareholding: 51.04% held by the Belgian State via SFPI, the remainder in public float
• Annual revenue: Over 4 billion euros annually
• Workforce: More than 40,000 employees worldwide
• Package volume: Up to 813,000 packages distributed in a record day in Belgium

In recent years, bpost has considerably expanded its scope of activity beyond Belgian borders. The acquisition of Radial in 2017 for approximately 750 million euros marked a decisive step in the group's internationalization. Radial, an American specialist in e-commerce logistics solutions, brought valuable expertise in e-commerce fulfillment. The group also acquired Landmark Global, a company specializing in cross-border logistics, as well as Staci, strengthening its position as a leading European omnichannel logistics player. These strategic acquisitions enabled bpostgroup to position itself as a leading logistics expert, active in Europe, North America, and Asia.

In which countries does Bpost deliver?

Bpost ensures exceptional geographic coverage, combining very dense territorial network in Belgium with an international network extending to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. This dual dimension, local and global, makes bpost a versatile logistics partner capable of meeting the needs of both individuals and businesses, whether for nearby shipments or intercontinental shipments.

In Belgium, bpost has unparalleled logistics infrastructure. The company is present in more than 3,500 locations throughout the country, comprising more than 650 traditional post offices, more than 670 Partner Post Points, more than 900 Parcel Points and more than 1,260 automated parcel dispensers called bbox. This density of contact points guarantees permanent proximity with users, regardless of their location on Belgian territory. Regional sorting centers located in Brussels, Liège, Charleroi, Ghent and Antwerp ensure efficient processing of all mail and package flows.

Internationally, bpost relies on solid partnerships with the national postal operators of each destination country as well as with private logistics networks. This collaboration ensures service continuity from beginning to end, from shipment in Belgium to final delivery abroad. The group is directly established in more than ten countries on four continents, which gives it in-depth knowledge of local markets and the regulatory specificities of each region.

• Belgium: Complete territory coverage with more than 3,500 service points and next-day delivery as standard
• Neighboring countries: France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany with delivery times of 1 to 4 business days
• European Union: All member countries with delivery times of 3 to 5 business days
• International: More than 220 countries and territories served worldwide with delivery times of 4 to 10 business days
• International pickup points: Delivery in France, Luxembourg and Netherlands via the bpack @bpost international pickup network

Bpost's international pickup point network deserves special attention. For deliveries to France, the carrier offers pickup point delivery within 3 business days from Tuesday to Saturday. Shipments to Luxembourg benefit from only one business day, Monday to Saturday. As for the Netherlands, pickup point delivery is within 2 business days, also Monday to Saturday. These options offer appreciated flexibility for recipients who cannot receive their packages at home.

What are Bpost's delivery services and timeframes?

Bpost offers a complete range of shipping services suited to all needs, from standard shipments to express deliveries, including specialized solutions for e-commerce. This diversity of offerings allows both individuals and professionals to find the most appropriate solution based on their time constraints, budget and type of merchandise to ship.

For domestic shipments in Belgium, the flagship service is bpack 24h, which guarantees delivery on the next business day after package drop-off. This service is available for home delivery, office delivery, or from one of the many pickup points in the bpost network. Professionals can opt for bpack 24h PRO or bpack 24h Business, which include additional features such as Saturday delivery and compensation in case of loss or damage. The express courier service even allows same-day delivery for urgent shipments.

International shipments are mainly ensured by the bpack World service, offered in several variants depending on desired delivery times. bpack World Standard offers indicative delivery times of 2 to 10 business days depending on destination, these times not accounting for possible customs clearance procedures. For urgent shipments, bpack World Express aims for delivery within 5 business days to all destinations worldwide. Neighboring countries benefit from shorter delivery times, with 2 to 4 days for France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany.

• bpack 24h: Delivery in Belgium the next business day, at home or at pickup point
• bpack 24h PRO: Professional service with 24-hour delivery including Saturday and guarantee in case of loss
• bpack 24/7: Delivery in a bbox automated dispenser accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• bpack World Standard: International shipment with delivery times of 2 to 10 business days depending on destination
• bpack World Express: International express delivery within 5 business days
• bpack @bpost international: Delivery at pickup points to France (3 days), Luxembourg (1 day) and Netherlands (2 days)
• Express courier service: Same-day pickup and delivery for the most urgent shipments

Saturday delivery is a significant advantage of the bpost offering. This option is available for domestic shipments in Belgium, for both home and pickup point deliveries. It allows recipients who work during the week to receive their packages on the weekend, thus avoiding problems related to absence during delivery attempts. For shipments to neighboring countries, some services also include Saturday delivery in the distribution schedule.

The bbox network represents a major innovation in bpost's offering. These automated parcel dispensers allow recipients to pick up their shipments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bpost continues to install new dispensers and aims to deploy 2,500 units in the long term, providing 150,000 lockers available throughout Belgium. This expansion responds to growing demand for flexibility from consumers who want to pick up their packages on their own schedule.

What are Bpost's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Bpost's rates are structured according to several criteria: package weight, dimensions, destination, and options chosen. This modular pricing grid allows each shipper to find the formula most suited to their shipment, whether it is a small lightweight package or a bulky parcel. The company provides an online price calculator that allows you to instantly obtain the exact cost of a shipment based on its characteristics.

For domestic shipments in Belgium, packages are classified into different weight categories. Light shipments up to 2 kg benefit from an advantageous "Economy" rate under certain dimension conditions. For packages from 2 to 10 kg, an additional "Extra Weight" charge of 2.90 euros is added to the base price. Packages from 10 to 30 kg are subject to 21% VAT and automatically include basic coverage and signature upon receipt. The year-end period, from November 28 to December 25, is subject to a seasonal surcharge of 1 euro per package for individuals, or 1.21 euros for packages over 10 kg.

The maximum dimensions accepted by bpost are clearly defined. For domestic shipments in Belgium, a package must not exceed 30 kg in weight and 1.5 meters in length. For international shipments, the same weight limits apply, but an additional constraint concerns the sum of dimensions: the formula 1 x length + 2 x width + 2 x height must not exceed 3 meters. These restrictions guarantee compatibility of packages with automated sorting equipment and delivery vehicles.

• Maximum weight: 30 kg for all types of domestic and international shipments
• Maximum length: 1.5 meters for the longest side of the package
• Sum of dimensions: Maximum 3 meters according to the formula L + 2w + 2h for international shipments
• Economy rate: Available for packages up to 2 kg with maximum length of 60 cm and dimension sum of 90 cm
• Economy rolls rate: Maximum 60 cm long and 20 cm in diameter
• bbox return dimensions: Maximum 42 x 31 x 58 cm for returns via automated dispenser

Several options and surcharges can be added to the base rate depending on the shipper's needs. Printing a label at a post office costs 0.75 euros per label. Cash on delivery payment by the recipient is available from 8.15 euros. Delivery confirmation by SMS or email can be added for 0.68 euros. The home pickup option by bpost starts at 10.45 euros. For registered shipments from 2 to 10 kg, registration fees are 33 euros, offering enhanced traceability and coverage in case of loss.

Rates for shipments abroad vary considerably depending on the destination zone. Belgium's neighboring countries benefit from preferential rates, while distant destinations such as the Americas, Asia, or Oceania are charged at higher rates. Dimensional weight may also apply to light but bulky packages, the rate then being calculated based on volume rather than actual weight. It is recommended to use bpost's online calculator to obtain an accurate quote before each shipment.

What are Bpost's delivery options?

Bpost stands out for the diversity of its delivery options, offering shippers and recipients maximum flexibility to adapt to all lifestyles and professional constraints. This variety of choices reflects the evolution of consumer expectations, who increasingly want to decide where, when, and how to receive their packages. The company has invested heavily in developing solutions alternative to traditional home delivery.

Home delivery remains the most traditional and widely used option. The bpost mail carrier visits the indicated address and delivers the package directly to the recipient or someone present at home. If absent, a delivery notice is placed in the mailbox, indicating collection procedures or options. For packages under 10 kg without signature option, the delivery person may leave the package in a secure location if the shipper has authorized this practice.

The network of pickup points and Post Points represents a practical alternative for people frequently absent from their home. With more than 2,800 pickup points distributed across Belgium, there is always a nearby solution. These points are located in partner retail stores with extended opening hours, allowing collection in the evening after work or on weekends. The package remains available at the pickup point for 14 days before being returned to the shipper.

• Home delivery: Delivery in hand at the indicated address, with option to deposit securely if absent
• Office delivery: Possibility of delivery at your workplace during business hours
• Post Points and Parcel Points: More than 2,800 pickup points in partner retail stores with retention for 14 days
• bbox dispensers: More than 1,260 automated lockers accessible 24/7 with retention for 5 days
• Post offices: More than 650 offices for collection of non-delivered packages
• MyPreferences service: Default choice of alternative delivery point for all packages

The bbox automated dispensers are bpost's flagship innovation for flexible delivery. Recently renamed "bbox" to simplify communication, these automated lockers allow sending, receiving and returning packages at any time of day or night. When a package is ready, the recipient receives an email containing a QR code that they simply scan in front of the dispenser to open the corresponding locker. For bbox without a screen, opening is done via the My bpost app which communicates via Bluetooth with the dispenser. The package remains available for 5 days, after which it is transferred to a post office.

The MyPreferences service allows registered users to set their default delivery preferences. Via the My bpost app or website, it is possible to systematically choose a favorite pickup point for all packages, authorize secure placement if absent, or request delivery to a neighbor. These preferences automatically apply to all shipments, greatly simplifying daily delivery management. Email or SMS notifications allow real-time tracking of package transit and notification as soon as it is ready for collection.

Rescheduling delivery is also possible for packages where an initial attempt has failed. The recipient can choose a new delivery date, opt for collection at a post office or pickup point, or request delivery to a bbox dispenser. This flexibility avoids unsuccessful back-and-forth trips and optimizes the chances of receiving the package on the second attempt. All these operations can be performed online, without having to contact customer service.

What should I do if my Bpost package is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage during transport of a bpost package, specific procedures allow shippers and recipients to obtain compensation. The level of compensation depends on the type of shipment chosen and the options taken at the time of shipment. It is essential to understand these mechanisms in order to assert your rights and be compensated appropriately in case of problems.

For light packages up to 2 kg sent without the "custom insurance" option, no reimbursement is provided in case of loss or damage. This limitation is explained by the economical rate of these shipments which does not include coverage. It is therefore strongly recommended to take out the custom insurance option for valuable shipments, even if they are light. With this option, reimbursement is made based on the amount of the declared value at the time of shipment.

For packages up to 30 kg, basic coverage is automatically included. Maximum compensation is 40 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per package, plus shipping fees and 4.5 SDR per kilogram. The SDR is an international unit of account used by the International Monetary Fund, whose value fluctuates slightly but is approximately equivalent to 1.25 euros. For international registered shipments, standard coverage provides up to 30 SDR per shipment in case of theft, loss, or damage.

• Light packages without insurance: No compensation provided
• Light packages with custom insurance: Reimbursement according to declared value
• Packages up to 30 kg: Maximum 40 SDR per package + shipping fees + 4.5 SDR per kg
• International registered shipments: Coverage of 30 SDR per shipment
• Claim deadline: Maximum 7 calendar days after receipt for damaged packages
• Customer service contact: 02 278 51 27, Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:30 and from 13:00 to 17:30

The claims procedure differs depending on whether you are shipper or recipient of the package. As a general rule, it is the shipper who must file the complaint with bpost. If you are a recipient of a damaged package sent from Belgium, you must contact the shipper within 7 days of receipt. They usually have an agreement with bpost to handle these situations and can offer you a replacement or refund. For a damaged package from abroad, it is necessary to contact both bpost at 02 278 51 27 and the shipper within 7 days.

Building the claims file requires several elements: photos of the damaged packaging and contents, the package tracking number, and any evidence of the value of the contents (purchase invoice, proof of payment). The compensation request can be submitted via an online form available on the bpost website. File processing typically takes several weeks, during which bpost investigates to determine the circumstances of the loss or damage. Once the investigation is complete and responsibility is established, compensation is paid to the shipper.

Does Bpost handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Bpost offers a complete solution for international shipments to more than 220 countries and territories, including customs clearance for destinations outside the European Union. This expertise in cross-border transport allows Belgian individuals and businesses to ship goods worldwide while benefiting from support on regulatory and administrative aspects of international commerce.

For shipments within the European Union, formalities are simplified thanks to the single market. Packages circulate freely between member states without customs controls or specific declarations. Delivery times are thus more predictable, generally 2 to 5 business days depending on the destination country. This fluidity of intra-European trade is a major advantage for Belgian shippers who do business with their European neighbors.

Shipments to destinations outside the European Union, however, require particular attention to customs formalities. The shipper must attach the required documents to their package, in particular the CN22 or CN23 customs declaration depending on the value of the contents, as well as two copies of the commercial or pro forma invoice. These documents should be placed in a transparent pocket glued to the outside of the package, allowing their inspection by customs authorities without having to open the shipment.

• Required documents outside EU: CN22/CN23 declaration and invoices in duplicate
• Required information: Clear designation of goods, value in euros, country of origin
• Customs clearance timeframe: Most shipments are cleared within one week
• Customs inspection: Allow 3 to 7 additional days if the package is subject to inspection
• Rights and taxes: Responsibility of the recipient for commercial shipments from outside the EU
• Payment deadline: 14 days to settle import fees after notification

Responsibility for payment of customs duties, import VAT, and any excise taxes generally falls on the package recipient. In accordance with European legislation, any commercial shipment from outside the European Union is subject to these taxes. Bpost notifies the recipient of the amounts due and grants them 14 days to make payment. Until fees are paid, the package is held at the customs processing center. Administrative processing fees may also be added to customs duties and taxes proper.

It should be noted that shipments to the United States may be subject to temporary restrictions due to changes in US regulations requiring prepayment of duties and taxes. Bpost regularly adapts its procedures to remain compliant with US customs requirements. This situation illustrates the complexity of international trade and the need for carriers to constantly adapt to regulatory changes in each country.

For shipments of value or merchandise subject to specific regulations, bpost recommends inquiring beforehand about restrictions applicable in the destination country. Certain products are prohibited from export or import depending on countries, and their presence in a package may result in seizure by customs. Companies that regularly ship internationally can benefit from support from bpost's commercial teams to optimize their logistics flows and customs compliance.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Bpost package online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: