What Is a Relay Point?

A relay point (also called a point relais or parcel locker / pickup point) is a physical location — typically a local shop, supermarket, pharmacy, or dedicated locker station — where parcel carriers deposit packages on behalf of recipients. Instead of requiring you to be home for a delivery, your parcel is dropped at a nearby relay point where you can collect it at your convenience.

Relay point networks have become a cornerstone of modern European e-commerce logistics, offering a flexible, cost-effective alternative to home delivery.

How the Relay Point Process Works

  1. Choose a relay point at checkout: When shopping online, most European retailers give you the option to select a relay point near your home, workplace, or any convenient location.
  2. Carrier delivers to the relay point: Instead of coming to your door, the carrier (e.g., Mondial Relay, DPD Pickup, Colissimo, GLS, or InPost) deposits your parcel at the chosen location.
  3. You receive a notification: Once your parcel arrives, you get an SMS or email with a collection code or barcode.
  4. Collect at your convenience: Visit the relay point during its opening hours and present your collection code or ID to receive your parcel.
  5. Storage window: Most relay points hold parcels for between 7 and 14 calendar days before returning them to the sender.

Types of Relay Points

Staffed Pickup Points

These are partner businesses — newsagents, dry cleaners, convenience stores, florists — that agree to accept and store parcels on behalf of a carrier. Staff manage the handover and verify your identity or code before releasing your package.

Automated Parcel Lockers

Self-service locker stations (such as InPost Paczkomaty in Poland, Amazon Locker, or DHL Packstation) allow 24/7 collection without speaking to anyone. You enter a PIN or scan a barcode to open your assigned locker compartment.

Why Use a Relay Point?

  • No missed deliveries: You never need to wait at home for a parcel.
  • Flexible collection times: Pick up during the relay point's operating hours, which often extend into evenings and weekends.
  • Often cheaper: Relay point delivery is frequently less expensive than home delivery for senders and e-commerce merchants.
  • Eco-friendly: Consolidated deliveries to one location reduce the number of individual vehicle trips in residential areas.
  • Secure: Your parcel stays with a responsible party rather than being left on a doorstep.

Finding a Relay Point Near You

Each carrier operates its own network of relay points across Europe. To find one:

  • Use the carrier's official website or mobile app and enter your postcode.
  • Many e-commerce platforms integrate relay point maps directly at checkout.
  • Google Maps searches for "[carrier name] pickup point" also surface nearby locations.

Key Things to Remember

  • Always bring a valid ID alongside your collection notification, especially for staffed pickup points.
  • Check the parcel's maximum dimensions — relay points typically accept standard-sized parcels, not oversized freight.
  • Collection deadlines vary by carrier; check your notification email for the exact deadline.
  • If you cannot collect in time, contact the carrier to request an extension or redirect.

Relay point networks continue to expand across Europe, with thousands of new locations added every year as e-commerce volumes grow. Understanding how they work puts you in full control of your deliveries.