The surge in parcel deliveries expected this holiday season is placing immense pressure on Deutsche Post’s logistics network, prompting internal discussions about operational limits and raising questions about the impact on delivery personnel. Deutsche Post anticipates shipping over 12 million parcels daily via DHL during peak Christmas periods, a significant jump from the usual 6.3 to 7 million packages handled on regular days.
To manage this expected volume, the company is deploying 11,000 temporary workers, highlighting the strain on existing infrastructure and staff. The stated deadline for standard parcel submission to guarantee Christmas Eve delivery is December 10th; express services allow for slightly later dispatch, up to December 22nd.
However, the situation has spurred a controversial proposal from Post board member Nikola Hagleitner: a reduction in the maximum permissible parcel weight from the current 31.5 kilograms to 23 kilograms. Hagleitner justified this proposal by citing the physical burden on delivery workers, acknowledging the strain heavy packages place on them.
The suggestion has drawn criticism from various quarters. While lauded by some worker advocacy groups as a necessary step to improve working conditions and reduce injury risk, others view it as a potential solution that unfairly penalizes consumers and businesses. Freight forwarders and smaller online retailers are concerned that the weight restriction could lead to increased shipping costs and logistical complications, particularly for items like furniture or larger appliances.
Furthermore, the proposal underscores a broader debate within Germany regarding the societal impact of the booming e-commerce sector. Critics argue that the relentless pressure to deliver ever-larger volumes and increasingly heavy goods is being placed squarely on the shoulders of postal workers, often at the expense of their health and safety. The decision about the parcel weight limit will likely be carefully scrutinized as a key indicator of Deutsche Post’s commitment to employee well-being amid continued commercial growth.