GOFO

GOFO Deploys Automated Narrow-Belt Sorter at Rome Hub, Lifting Southern Italy Capacity by 40%

Ge, yijia — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:37:51 +0000

Rome, Italy, September 1, 2026

GOFO, a fast-growing, technology-driven last-mile delivery provider, today announced that its Rome sorting center has officially entered full production with a new automated narrow-belt sorting system featuring integrated singulation technology. The system began trial operation in May 2026 and, following more than three months of stable performance, is now fully operational, lifting the hub‘s overall efficiency by 40%.

The linear narrow-belt sorter’s integrated singulation technology automatically separates overlapping parcels before they enter the sort loop. Because the system relies on proven mechanical separation rather than AI-based vision recognition, it is designed to deliver consistent throughput day after day, reliability confirmed during the trial period and is now carried into full production ahead of the autumn peak season.

The system has a design capacity of 6,500 parcels per hour and 120 sorting chutes, providing routing coverage across southern Italy, including Bari, Catanzaro, Naples and surrounding areas. It integrates dimensioning and weighing in a single pass, with volume accuracy of ±10 mm and weighing accuracy of ±20 g. Around 80% of the sorting process is now automated, with manual handling limited to loading and exception processing.

“The Rome hub is our primary gateway to southern Italy, and this upgrade ensures we can meet the growing demand from our e-commerce partners without compromising on speed or accuracy,” said Jacqueline Chan, General Manager of GOFO Italy. “As we head into peak season, this investment gives us the reliability and sufficient processing capacity our customers need across the south.”

About GOFO

GOFO, founded in the United States in 2023, is a technology-driven last-mile logistics network serving merchants and consumers across the U.S., Canada, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain. Guided by the brand philosophy “Drive Efficiency, Deliver Trust,” GOFO combines advanced technology with localized operations to deliver precise, reliable, and scalable delivery solutions. Operating nationwide through sorting centers and delivery centers across the country, GOFO Italy serves a broad population with high-performance last-mile delivery solutions. Its operations are powered by automated sorting, intelligent routing, and disciplined execution. For more information, please visit www.gofo.com/it.

Media Contact:

Email: branding.eu@gofo.com

Website: www.gofo.com/it

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Back-to-School 2026: What Europe’s e-commerce data is telling retailers

Ge, yijia — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:56:39 +0000

A new school year means new routines and a long shopping list to match. From textbooks and trainers to laptops, headphones and sportswear, Back-to-School has grown into a shopping moment that reaches well beyond the stationery aisle.

Recent data from several European markets reveals three shifts worth watching and what they could mean for e-commerce retailers as orders move from checkout to the doorstep.

Bigger budgets, more selective shoppers

Back-to-School spending is rising in several European markets, but the numbers tell a more complicated story than stronger consumer demand.

In Spain, planned Back-to-School spending reached €478 in 2026, up 12% YoY. Yet 28% plan to spend less, while 69% of those spending more blame higher prices. In France, the average budget rose to €488, up €79 from 2025, even as 69% of parents say they need to tighten their budgets. In Germany, 47% of parents feel financially squeezed by summer holiday and Back-to-School costs, while 47% of consumers look for special offers.

Taken together, the message isn’t simply that Europeans are spending more. Higher prices are making value, comparison and prioritisation increasingly important parts of the Back-to-School decision.

The school shopping list is getting broader and more digital

The traditional image of Back-to-School shopping may be notebooks, pens and textbooks. The actual basket looks considerably broader.

In Italy, Back-to-School is moving well beyond school supplies: 59% planned to buy clothing, 52% shoes and 44% sportswear, while 52% planned to shop mainly online.

Spain shows a similar pattern, with 67% buying clothing and 55% backpacks.

In the UK, 36% of parents said social media influenced children’s Back-to-School “must-haves”, from laptops and headphones to premium water bottles and designer bags.

These are different national markets, but together they illustrate a broader opportunity: Back-to-School increasingly touches fashion, tech, sports and lifestyle and the journey between inspiration and purchase is increasingly digital. For e-commerce retailers, that opens the season to far more categories than those traditionally labelled “school supplies”.

The challenge is balancing protection, transport efficiency and customer experience while using only the packaging that’s necessary. That’s why PPWR has a much greater operational impact on e-commerce than many businesses initially expect.

Value doesn't always mean buying new

The pressure on household budgets is also changing how some European families shop.

In France, 41% of parents plan to buy second-hand for Back-to-School in 2026, up eight percentage points from 2025, while 44% plan to reuse items they already own.

Italy shows similar behaviour around textbooks. Research from Altroconsumo found that more than half of surveyed families with secondary-school children bought at least some textbooks second-hand. Saving money remains the main motivation, but 46% of second-hand buyers also cited reducing waste and environmental impact.

Spain adds another signal: among consumers planning to reduce their Back-to-School spending, 36% intend to reuse existing materials and 33% plan to shop second-hand.

Across these markets, circular consumption isn’t replacing new retail. But it is becoming another way consumers balance cost, usefulness and sustainability during a financially demanding season.

From checkout to the last mile

For Back-to-School purchases, timing matters. A backpack or laptop arriving after the first day of school can quickly turn a successful sale into a poor customer experience.

And delivery expectations start before checkout: 48% of European online shoppers have abandoned a cart because of delivery-related issues, while 76% prefer stores that show a specific delivery date at checkout. Interestingly, 76% are also willing to wait longer to avoid delivery fees showing that certainty, choice and value can matter just as much as speed.

GOFO: Your trusted last-mile partner in Italy

Seasonal shopping moments like Back-to-School put the last mile to the test. As order volumes rise, retailers need a delivery network that can scale without losing the reliability customers expect.

Growing reach, built-in capacity —

GOFO now reaches 90% of the Italian population and more than 5,000 ZIP codes, with an average delivery time of 1.4 days and a 99.5% final delivery rate. The network processes an average of 150,000 parcels per day. Our automated sorting hubs in Milan and Rome provide a combined daily capacity of 420,000 parcels, supported by a growing network of transit depots across Italy.

From Back-to-School to peak season —

With strong local capacity and an expanding national network, GOFO helps e-commerce businesses turn seasonal demand into a reliable delivery experience from today’s Back-to-School orders to tomorrow’s peak-season volumes.

What the EU’s new packaging rules(PPWR) really mean for E-commerce sellers

Ge, yijia — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:58:32 +0000

Why the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is about far more than packaging and what it means for every parcel you ship

Why is everyone talking about PPWR now?

If you sell products online in Europe, you’ve probably heard about the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). While it’s often described as a packaging regulation, its impact extends well beyond the box itself.

Much of the recent attention comes down to timing. Because many of the headline requirements focus on future targets, businesses often assume PPWR is mainly something to prepare for closer to 2030. In reality, the regulation entered into force in February 2025, with most provisions applying from 12 August 2026, meaning preparation is already underway for many businesses.

And that’s the key point. The biggest challenge is updating the processes behind it. Reviewing suppliers, collecting documentation and adapting warehouse or ERP systems all take far longer than changing a carton design. That’s why businesses are no longer asking “When does the regulation apply?” but “Are our operations ready?”

PPWR is changing more than packaging

Although PPWR is introduced as a packaging regulation, its impact extends far beyond packaging itself. Requirements such as packaging minimisation and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) don’t just influence packaging design—they also affect how products are packed, how packaging data is managed and how businesses demonstrate compliance.

For manufacturers, much of this work begins during product development. For e-commerce businesses, however, it continues every time an order is packed. Every parcel reflects a series of operational decisions—from carton selection to fulfilment and reporting—making packaging part of a much broader operational process. The question is no longer simply “Are our boxes compliant?” It’s “Are the processes behind every parcel compliant?”

Why e-commerce is different

Unlike traditional retail, where packaging decisions are largely made during product development, e-commerce businesses make those decisions every time an order is packed. Every shipment involves choices about carton size, protective materials, order consolidation and shipping packaging—decisions that have traditionally been driven by speed, cost and operational efficiency, but are increasingly shaped by compliance as well.

What PPWR changes behind every parcel

From the customer’s perspective, nothing has changed. An order is still placed, packed and delivered just as before.

Behind the scenes, however, making that parcel PPWR-compliant now involves much more than choosing the right box. Businesses need to make informed packaging decisions, collect supporting data and coordinate across multiple teams throughout the fulfilment process. PPWR doesn’t change the parcel, but it changes everything that happens behind it.

Beyond the box: where businesses need to adapt

PPWR doesn’t just introduce new packaging requirements—it changes the way different parts of the business work together. Decisions that were once made independently now rely on shared data, closer collaboration and more consistent processes. For most e-commerce businesses, the biggest changes fall into four areas.

Procurement: buying packaging means buying information

For procurement teams, cost, availability and product protection remain important. What’s changing is the need for better supplier information. Businesses increasingly need reliable documentation on packaging materials, recycled content and other supporting information to meet regulatory requirements. Packaging suppliers are becoming compliance partners, not just product suppliers.

Warehouse: Packing smarter, not just faster

Warehouse teams have always focused on speed and efficiency. PPWR doesn’t change that—but it does encourage more consistent packaging decisions. Choosing the right carton, reducing unnecessary empty space and using appropriate protective materials are no longer just operational choices; they can also support compliance while reducing transport costs and packaging waste.

Data: Packaging becomes part of the operational record

Perhaps the biggest change isn’t physical—it’s digital. Packaging information can no longer sit separately from the rest of the business. As companies grow, packaging specifications, shipment data and reporting requirements increasingly need to flow through ERP and warehouse management systems alongside product and inventory information.

3PLs: From fulfilment partner to compliance partner

Brands may hold the legal responsibility for PPWR, but many rely on 3PLs to execute packaging decisions every day. That means fulfilment providers need to follow packaging specifications consistently, capture the right operational data and support customers’ compliance processes. For logistics providers, this creates an opportunity to add value beyond transport and warehousing.

The opportunity beyond compliance

PPWR may be introduced as a packaging regulation, but for e-commerce businesses, its impact extends far beyond the box itself. As packaging decisions become more closely connected to fulfilment, data and compliance, preparing for PPWR is no longer just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about building more efficient and resilient e-commerce operations.

This shift also highlights the growing importance of logistics and fulfilment partners. As brands adapt their packaging and fulfilment processes, reliable last-mile delivery becomes an essential part of ensuring those efforts translate into a consistent customer experience.

Why the right last-mile partner matters

As e-commerce operations become more interconnected, businesses also need partners that understand the unique demands of parcel delivery. Unlike pallet distribution, e-commerce logistics is built around high-volume, small-parcel shipments, where speed, visibility and delivery reliability directly influence the customer experience.

At GOFO, we specialise in e-commerce parcel delivery and scalable last-mile solutions across Europe. As regulations and customer expectations continue to evolve, our focus remains the same: helping brands deliver efficiently, reliably and at scale.

GOFO expands Italian presence with a new sorting center in Rome, strengthening southern network

Ge, yijia — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:57:12 +0000

Rome, Italy, March 31, 2026

GOFO, a fast-growing, technology-driven last-mile delivery provider, announces the launch of a new sorting center at Logistic Park Roma on Via di Salone. This strategic hub is set to significantly strengthen GOFO’s distribution network in Italy, particularly boosting its southern operations across key regions including Bari, Catanzaro, Naples and more.

The new facility is ideally located for last-mile logistics and cross-docking operations, just 2 km from the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA) and 10 km from the A1 Milano-Napoli motorway. This location provides a crucial link between the Italian capital and the broader southern network, enabling 15-minute transit times to Rome’s city center and direct access to major transit corridors. Its proximity to Salone railway station (3 km) and Rome’s international airports further integrates it into a seamless logistics chain.

The 5,500 m² facility is designed to meet the demands of modern urban logistics. Built to exacting technical standards, the building features an internal clear height of 11–11.9 m and a floor load capacity of 5,000 kg/m². It supports efficient logistics operations through eight loading docks and a ground-level access point, ensuring rapid throughput. Located in a secure, non-residential industrial area, the hub is monitored 24/7 for enhanced safety and peace of mind.

Reflecting GOFO’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the facility has earned BREEAM Excellent certification. Sustainable features include a high-efficiency photovoltaic system, electric heat pumps for climate control, dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging points for low-emission fleets, and rainwater recovery systems. Energy efficiency is further optimized with LED lighting equipped with twilight sensors and a Building Management System (BMS) to maximize performance across the hub.

“The launch of our new sorting center in Rome marks an exciting step forward for GOFO in Italy,” said Jacqueline Chan, General Manager of GOFO Italy. “We are introducing a state-of-the-art sorting machine, which will transform this warehouse into another major sorting center within our national network. This facility reinforces our confidence in providing expansive coverage and maintaining high operational efficiency across Italy, while continuing to deliver fast, sustainable, and reliable services to our customers.”

About GOFO Italy

GOFO, founded in the United States in 2023, is a technology-driven last-mile logistics network serving merchants and consumers across the U.S., France, the Netherlands, and Italy. Guided by the brand philosophy “Drive Efficiency, Deliver Trust,” GOFO combines advanced technology with localized operations to deliver precise, reliable, and scalable delivery solutions. Operating nationwide through two sorting centers and twelve delivery centers, GOFO Italy serves a broad population with high-performance last-mile delivery solutions. Its operations are powered by automated sorting, intelligent routing, and disciplined execution. For more information, please visit www.gofo.com/it

Media Contact:

Email: branding.eu@gofo.com

Download high-resolution logos and images

Vehicle/Transport Dispatch Specialist

Ge, yijia — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:52:19 +0000

QC Specialist

Ge, yijia — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:21:46 +0000

Station Head

Ge, yijia — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:02:52 +0000

Terminal Sourcing Manager

Ge, yijia — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:06:57 +0000

Terminal Specialist

Ge, yijia — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:03:07 +0000

IT Support Engineer

jessie — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:59:04 +0000