Easing for SMEs: Logistics Services Expand Footprint Across Europe

Lalamove’s on-demand delivery platform is expanding into Germany as SMEs in the country face ongoing logistical challenges, including inflexible services, high operating costs, and limited access to transparent, easily traceable on-demand delivery without long-term contracts. The company officially began operating in Germany, marking a milestone in its expansion across the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. ‘We are introducing an on-demand delivery model that allows businesses to scale delivery capacity more flexibly without bearing fixed costs for managing their own fleet,’ said Paul Loo, Chief Operating Officer of Lalamove, on Wednesday 20 May 2026. The service starts in the Berlin metropolitan area, providing fast, practical and affordable logistics for businesses and consumers in Germany, while offering solutions to daily operational challenges, especially for SMEs. The service is available 24/7 with instant booking and scheduling up to 30 days in advance, helping Berlin-based businesses organise their routine delivery needs while remaining responsive to sudden requests. ‘Various local businesses are using the service, from pet-food stores to ship spare parts, bicycle workshops, universities and research institutions that send important documents, to catering companies serving multiple daily customers,’ Loo added. During delivery, customers can track the shipment in real-time via GPS tracking and receive help via live chat if they have questions about the delivery. ‘For businesses with multiple destinations, we also enable up to 20 drop-off points in a single order, allowing deliveries to be consolidated into one trip more efficiently, saving time and delivery costs,’ he said. Since starting operations, Lalamove has built a customer base across various sectors in Berlin. Some businesses have even integrated the service into their daily operations, reflecting a strong demand for flexible and reliable on-demand delivery. He emphasised that operations in Berlin are supported by a growing network of driver partners. Through a flexible working model, partners choose their working hours and order types according to their preferences, opening up additional income opportunities and giving greater freedom to work. The model, he added, helps SMEs access delivery services that are ready to use when needed. ‘Offices and SMEs in Germany number over 3.4 million, and they need logistics solutions that can keep up with day-to-day operational dynamics. The Berlin launch is an important first step in strengthening our presence in Germany,’ he stated. He added that they aim to provide flexible and affordable on-demand delivery solutions to help businesses ship goods and documents faster, face peak demand periods more efficiently and maintain visibility from pickup to receipt. With more driver partners supporting operations in Berlin, the company is optimistic about continued growth as local market demand rises and as it expands to other German cities and the wider EMEA region. ‘This step reaffirms our commitment to building a strong regional logistics network to support SMEs while contributing to economic growth in the countries where we operate,’ he concluded. In related news, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is modernising the MT Pagerungan sea fleet with environmentally friendly technology to boost the efficiency of national energy distribution. Rising logistics costs remain a focus amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. PT Pertamina Patra Niaga relies on MT Balongan to maintain energy supply stability in NTB, East Java and Bali, with volumes of 26,000 kilolitres per month. Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, CEO of Perum Bulog, underscored the company’s broader vision of transforming into an international logistics orchestrator. The official launch of the Indonesia Supply Chain Exhibition & Conference Powered by CeMAT and CargoNOW was announced at a launching event held at The Westin Jakarta.