Deutsche Post’s parcel delivery service DHL has announced that it will double the number of collection hubs in the country, with other delivery services following suit.

DHL, GLS and DPD to expand parcel collection hubs

DHL, which is responsible for delivering parcels and packages sent using Deutsche Post, has announced that it will double the number of parcel collection hubs in Germany from 15.000 to 30.000 by 2030.

Parcel collection hubs (Packstationen) mean that parcel recipients do not always receive their post at home or collect it at a pick-up point like a shop or post office. Instead, they scan a QR code at the Packstation, which is often located at a petrol or train station, and a locker opens to make their parcel available for collection.

DHL competitors GLS and DPD will also jointly increase the number of Packstationen they operate in Germany, from 100 to 3.000 by 2027.

The Austrian company myflexbox and DHL subsidiary DeinFach will open more pick-up points. Myflexbox plans to have a total of 5.000 hubs across Germany by 2023 and DeinFach is aiming for more than 1.000 by the end of 2025.

Why do delivery companies use Packstations?

The expansion of Packstationen in Germany means that DHL will make fewer home deliveries to save money. Instead of postal workers delivering parcels to multiple individuals, multiple packages can be dropped at the Packstation, saving DHL money and passing part of the time burden to package recipients.

Other motivations to expand Packstationen include reducing traffic and ensuring packages are less likely to be lost or stolen than if they are left with a neighbour or outside a front door if the recipient is out when a parcel is delivered.

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