Belgium Post – Bpost – The Belgian Postal Service and Its Tracking

Belgium Post (Bpost): The Heartbeat of Belgian Deliveries

 

Belgium Post (Bpost / bpost) is the leading and official postal service operator of Belgium, providing essential mail, parcel, and financial services to citizens and businesses throughout the country. As a publicly traded company with a significant state shareholding, Bpost holds the universal service obligation for postal delivery in Belgium, ensuring comprehensive coverage and connectivity across the nation.

Bpost has successfully transitioned from a traditional postal service to a modern, diversified logistics and e-commerce player, adapting to the digital age while maintaining its core commitment to reliable and accessible communication.

 

A Long History of Connecting Belgium to the World

 

The history of postal services in Belgium dates back centuries. The modern Bpost, formerly known as De Post/La Poste, was established as an autonomous public company in 1992 and subsequently underwent further privatization, becoming Bpost in 2010.

Key aspects of Bpost’s evolution and operations:

• Adaptation to Digitalization: Bpost has proactively responded to declining letter volumes by heavily investing in parcel logistics and e-commerce solutions, becoming a key player in Belgium’s growing online retail market.
• Extensive Network: Operating a vast network of post offices, postal points (PostPunten / Points Poste), and parcel lockers (Pakjesautomaten / DistriPost) for convenient sending and receiving.
• International Hub: Leveraging Belgium’s central location in Europe, Bpost acts as an important transit and delivery hub for international e-commerce parcels entering and exiting the continent.
• Innovation: Exploring and implementing innovative delivery solutions, including smart lockers and sustainable delivery methods.
• Diversified Services: Beyond traditional mail and parcels, Bpost offers a range of services from banking to specialized logistics.

Bpost is not only critical for domestic deliveries but also an important link in the European and global e-commerce supply chain.

 

Core Services Offered by Belgium Post (Bpost)

 

Bpost offers a wide and diversified range of services:

• Mail Services (Domestic & International):
  • Standard Mail (prior / non-prior): For letters and postcards with varying speeds.
  • Registered Mail (Aangetekende Zending / Envoi Recommandé): For important documents and valuable items requiring proof of sending and receipt.
  • Express Mail: For urgent letter delivery.
• Parcel Services (Domestic):
  • Standard Parcel (Standard Pakket / Colis Standard): Reliable delivery within Belgium.
  • Bpack 24h Pro: Express parcel delivery within 24 hours.
  • Delivery Options: Delivery to home, post office/postal point, or parcel locker.
  • Returns Services: Facilitating easy returns for online purchases.
• International Parcel Services:
  • Bpack World: For sending parcels globally with different priority options.
  • Bpack Europe: Specialized services for deliveries within Europe.
  • International e-commerce solutions: Handling inbound and outbound cross-border shipments, including customs clearance assistance for businesses.
  • Bpost is a frequent last-mile delivery partner for parcels from other European countries and beyond.
• Financial Services: Through Bpost Bank (a joint venture), offering banking and insurance products.
• Retail and Other Services: Selling stamps, packaging materials, and offering various public services at post offices.

 

Monitoring Your Delivery: Mastering Belgium Post (Bpost) Tracking

 

Bpost provides a comprehensive and reliable tracking system for all its registered mail, parcels, and express services, offering good visibility into your shipment’s journey, both domestically and internationally.

 

How to Track Your Bpost Package:

 

1. Locate Your Bpost Tracking Number:
   • Format: Bpost tracking numbers are typically 13 alphanumeric characters (e.g., CD123456789BE for international parcels, EE123456789BE for EMS, 24-digit numeric for some domestic parcels like 000000000000000000000000).
   • Where to find it:
     • Your shipping receipt from a Bpost office or point.
     • The shipping confirmation email/SMS from the sender or online retailer.
     • The shipping label itself.
2. Use the Official Bpost Website:
   • Go to track.bpost.be/btr/web/#/home (or navigate to the “Track & Trace” section from their main page, www.bpost.be).
   • Enter your tracking number into the designated field.
   • Click “Search.” The website provides detailed updates, including the current location and estimated delivery date.
3. Utilize the My bpost app:
   • Download the official My bpost app for your smartphone (iOS or Android).
   • The app offers convenient tracking, push notifications, and allows you to manage delivery preferences.
4. Third-Party Universal Tracking Sites (Highly Recommended for International):
   • For international shipments, using universal tracking platforms is often very effective. They can automatically detect the transition from an international carrier to Bpost (or vice-versa) and provide a more seamless view of your package’s entire journey.
   • Popular options include: 17TRACK, AfterShip, ParcelsApp, PKGE.net, etc.

 

Decoding Common Bpost Tracking Statuses:

 

Bpost provides clear and comprehensive tracking updates in multiple languages (Dutch, French, English).

• “Shipment is being prepared” / “Zending wordt voorbereid”: The sender has electronically registered the shipment, but Bpost has not yet physically received it.
• “Item accepted at Post Office / Depot” / “Zending aangenomen in Postkantoor/Postpunt/Depot”: The package has been physically handed over to Bpost.
• “In transit” / “In transit”: The package is moving through the Bpost network.
• “Arrived at sorting centre” / “Aangekomen in sorteercentrum”: The package has reached a Bpost sorting facility.
• “Departed from sorting centre” / “Vertrokken uit sorteercentrum”: The package has left a sorting facility.
• “Received at Destination Country” / “Aangekomen in het land van bestemming”: For international inbound, the package has arrived in Belgium.
• “Customs cleared” / “Douaneafhandeling afgerond”: The package has successfully cleared customs.
• “Out for delivery” / “In verwerking voor levering”: The package is with the delivery person and is expected to be delivered today.
• “Delivered” / “Geleverd”: The package has been successfully delivered.
• “Not delivered – recipient absent” / “Niet geleverd – afwezigheid ontvanger”: Delivery was attempted but failed. A notification card is usually left.
• “Available for collection at Post Office / Parcel Point” / “Klaar voor afhaling in Postkantoor/Postpunt”: The package is ready for pickup at a designated location.

Important Considerations for Bpost Tracking:

• Customs: For international shipments, customs clearance can sometimes cause delays.
• Delivery Preferences: Bpost offers options to specify delivery preferences (e.g., leave at a safe place, deliver to a neighbor, redirect to a pickup point) via their app or website.
• Language: While English is available, understanding the Dutch or French statuses can sometimes provide quicker clarity.

 

The Reliable Connector for Belgium and Beyond

 

Bpost is a modern and efficient postal and logistics operator, deftly navigating the demands of the digital age while upholding its commitment to universal service. Its comprehensive range of services, coupled with a robust and user-friendly tracking system, ensures that it remains an indispensable part of daily life in Belgium and a crucial link in the international e-commerce landscape.