The rise in e-commerce fulfilment rates in Belgium is becoming a hot topic in 2026. Between the increase in bpost rates, the new European tax on small parcels and the constant pressure on delivery times, shipping costs are eating into the margins of online merchants. In this article, we take stock of what is concretely changing this year, and above all the levers to activate to keep your logistics costs under control.
What is changing for your shipping costs in 2026
The year 2026 marks a turning point for all e-merchants who ship from or to Belgium. Several developments are stacking up and mechanically inflating the logistics bill.
The rise in bpost rates
On 1 January 2026, bpost adjusted its parcel rates with an average increase of around 6 % compared with 2025. This rise aims to offset the structural decline in mail volumes (around 10 % drop per year) and the increase in wage and energy costs. A further increase of around 3 % could even apply during the year if inflation exceeds forecasts.
For a merchant shipping several hundred parcels a month, these few percent quickly turn into thousands of euros over the year.
The new European tax on small parcels
In December 2025, the European Union finance ministers agreed on a flat customs duty of 3 € for small parcels worth less than 150 € entering the EU from a third country, with entry into force planned for 1 July 2026. If you import products or ship outside the EU, this measure will have a direct impact on your costs and your margins.
Ever more demanding consumers
At the same time, the pressure on delivery times is not letting up: nearly 80 % of consumers now expect delivery within 24 to 48 hours. Reducing your costs must therefore not come at the expense of speed, on pain of losing sales.
Why e-merchants' margins are under pressure
The problem is not limited to official rate increases. Many merchants suffer from hidden costs that erode their profitability without their always being aware of it.
Many logistics providers apply a margin on carrier rates, with no transparency on the actual negotiated price. The result: you pay more than necessary for shipping, on every parcel. Others impose fixed-term commitments, minimum monthly volumes or high fixed fees that penalise small businesses and seasonal activities.
Added to this is the lack of optimisation: using a single carrier for all parcels, regardless of weight, destination or delivery time, almost always means paying too much. Yet every shipment has its most economical carrier.
The levers to protect your margins
Faced with this context, several strategies allow you to regain control of your logistics costs without sacrificing service quality.
Compare and combine carriers
The first mistake is to depend on a single carrier. By spreading your parcels across bpost, DPD, DHL, GLS and PostNL according to the profile of each shipment, you systematically pay the best available rate. A small lightweight parcel in Belgium, an express delivery to France or a bulky shipment do not share the same optimal carrier.
Demand transparency on rates
Ask your provider for the actual carrier rate, with no hidden margin. This transparency changes everything: it lets you know exactly what you are paying and make informed decisions. It is one of Yaslan's strong commitments: transparent carrier rates, with no hidden margin on the shipping price.
Outsource to pool volumes
By entrusting your logistics to a 3PL, you benefit from rates negotiated on aggregated volumes, far more advantageous than what an isolated merchant can obtain. You also turn fixed costs (warehouse, staff, equipment) into variable costs that follow your actual activity.
Choose a strategic geographic location
The location of your stock directly influences your delivery times and your costs. From a warehouse on the Brussels-Antwerp axis, you reach a large part of the Belgian market and the north of France within 24 to 48 hours. This is precisely Yaslan's position, in Willebroek, at the heart of the densest logistics triangle in Europe.
The Yaslan approach: transparency and flexibility
Yaslan Logistics is a 3PL specialising in e-commerce fulfilment in Belgium, based in Willebroek, between Brussels and Antwerp. Our model was designed to respond directly to the margin problems merchants are facing in 2026.
We offer transparent carrier rates, with no hidden margin, and multi-carrier shipping (bpost, DPD, DHL, GLS, PostNL) that selects the most economical option for each parcel. We impose no minimum volume: your logistics adapts to your growth, not the other way round. Our services cover storage, order fulfilment (picking & packing), shipping and returns management, with direct integration to Shopify, WooCommerce and Prestashop.
Founded by a former e-commerce merchant, Yaslan knows the reality on the ground: every cent of shipping counts, and every day of delay weighs on customer satisfaction. It is this twofold demand that guides our service, with customer support backed by a guaranteed SLA.
FAQ — Rate increases and e-commerce logistics 2026
By how much are bpost rates rising in 2026?
bpost raised its parcel rates by around 6 % on average on 1 January 2026, with a possible further increase of around 3 % during the year depending on how inflation develops.
Does the new European parcel tax concern me?
If you import or ship parcels worth less than 150 € from or to a non-EU country, the flat customs duty of 3 € planned for 1 July 2026 will apply. Intra-EU sales are not affected by this measure.
How can I reduce my shipping costs without losing quality?
The most effective combination is to use several carriers, to demand transparent rates and to outsource to a 3PL that pools volumes. You lower your costs while keeping short delivery times.
Do I need a minimum volume to outsource my logistics?
Not at Yaslan. We impose no minimum volume, which makes outsourcing accessible to small businesses and fast-growing merchants alike.
Conclusion
The 2026 rate increases are not inevitable. By combining transparency on rates, multi-carrier shipping and outsourcing to a well-located partner, you can absorb these increases without cutting into your margins or your customers' satisfaction.
Would you like to know how much you could save on your e-commerce logistics? Request your free quote and discover what a transparent 3PL, based in Willebroek, can change for your business.