Snow forces DHL to delay shipments, picnic stops deliveries; travel, train issues remain

Heavy snowfall across the Netherlands on Wednesday forced widespread disruptions to deliveries and transportation, with online supermarket Picnic canceling all shipments, DHL warning of package delays, and Dutch rail operator NS running a reduced timetable. Road conditions caused major traffic slowdowns and closures, while authorities urged residents to avoid travel whenever possible.

Picnic announced it would not deliver any orders nationwide, citing safety concerns. “Because we are advised from all sides not to go on the roads, we have decided not to deliver anywhere in the country,” a spokesperson said.

In recent days, Picnic had continued deliveries despite delays, allowing drivers extra time to navigate snowy roads. Staff shortages also worsened, as many delivery personnel could not reach their workplaces. The spokesperson did not provide a timeline for when deliveries would resume, saying it depends on guidance from agencies like Rijkswaterstaat and the conditions they observe on site.

DHL also cautioned customers about delays. “The heavy snowfall Wednesday morning makes delivering packages to recipients much more difficult,” a company spokesperson said. While deliveries in recent days had generally proceeded without issues, the current weather requires extra care. “Safety comes first,” the spokesperson emphasized. DHL is updating recipients on expected delivery times through its app.

Traffic was heavily affected, with authorities reporting roughly 120 kilometers of congestion by late morning, compared with the typical 16 kilometers on a Wednesday. A nationwide orange alert was issued.

Hazardous conditions forced temporary closures, including tunnels and key connections, and repairs continued in places like Wolvega, where a truck had been removed from the median and guardrail restoration was expected to last until mid-afternoon.

Train services faced similar challenges. NS switched to a reduced winter timetable after snowfall triggered switch malfunctions and cancellations. The operator warned that continued heavy snow could cause further delays, urging passengers to plan journeys close to departure times, expect longer travel times, additional transfers, and crowded trains.