Winter temperatures affect not only people’s daily routines but also the functioning of ecommerce delivery chains. Many consumers may not realise that low temperatures and sudden temperature changes can damage goods if they are stored in unsuitable conditions.
Frost and precipitation are not just theoretical threats. They can significantly impact the quality of the contents of a shipment. Every damaged parcel is a disappointment not only for the sender but also for the service provider. This is why both logistics companies and retailers are paying increasing attention to the conditions in which shipments are stored.
According to Dace DauģeZālīte, Head of Sales at SmartPosti, the goods most sensitive to cold are cosmetics, food supplements, medicines and electronics. The quality and usability of these products can be severaly affected if they are kept outdoors or exposed to temperatures below 0°C.
“Convenience is important in ecommerce, but in winter we must also think about the safety of the shipment. It is essential to consider where the parcels are delivered, because temperature fluctuations can be just as critical for a product as transportation. These coldrelated risks can be reduced by storing shipments in an environment where temperatures remain stable,” reminds Dace.
“Indoor parcel lockers provide more stable conditions for shipments, reducing the impact of cold, heat and humidity when the goods are temperaturesensitive,” she adds.
During the winter season, pharmacies also see increased demand for medicines and food supplements, and these products are often ordered for delivery to a parcel locker. This means that pharmacy staff must also be prepared to adapt to temperature changes that may affect product quality.
“We are increasingly seeing that customers in our online pharmacy buy not only medicines but also food supplements and cosmetics. That is why it is especially important for us to ensure that these products reach customers safely and retain all their properties,” says Tīna Gailuma, Marketing Manager at InternetAptieka.
Tīna emphasises that great attention is paid to the impact of temperature and to the correct preparation of products for transportation.
“The most sensitive items are liquid food supplements and gelbased cosmetics, whose quality is most affected by temperature fluctuations. Therefore, delivery solutions that protect goods from direct exposure to weather conditions are also very important to us. In our cooperation with SmartPosti, we can offer delivery to indoor parcel lockers, which are a safer option for more sensitive products, especially during the coldest or hottest times of the year. This helps to preserve the structure of the products and the stability of active ingredients,” Tīna highlights.
Successful parcel delivery is a shared responsibility between the sender and the recipient. A public opinion survey conducted by SmartPosti* shows that people are increasingly paying attention to safe delivery: 63% of respondents consider the impact of weather conditions on their shipments. Meanwhile, 55% agree that indoor parcel lockers are safer for sensitive goods, while 36% consider the option to choose an indoor locker as a significant advantage.
These findings indicate that safety and convenience are becoming increasingly important factors when choosing a delivery method. A thoughtful decision helps not only protect the shipment, but also ensures a more pleasant delivery experience.
*The survey was conducted by the market research company Norstat in cooperation with the logistics company SmartPosti in June 2025, with 935 respondents participating.