As the volume of letters sent in Germany continues to decline, Deutsche Post is considering a major shakeup of its system by implementing a so-called two-class postal system. However, the new system would require a law change. 

Germany considers introducing first and second-class postage stamps

Deutsche Post is reportedly weighing up the possibility of introducing a two-class postal system - which is already common in other countries across Europe - whereby consumers would have the choice between two different “posting speeds”: first-class post would cost more and guarantee that the letter would be delivered the next working day, while second-class post would be the cheaper, and slower, option. 

“The consumer can decide at what speed their letter is transported,” said Deutsche Post HR director Thomas Ogilvie in an interview with the Funke Media Group. “In terms of the range of offers, I think that’s a good step.” 

Currently, Deutsche Post is bound by law - in theory, at least - to deliver 80 percent of its letters the next working day. In order to implement the two-class system, this law would need to be changed. However, the Federal Ministry of Economics recently commented in a report that the law was “hardly helpful” anyway since the sender does not know if their letter is included in that 80 percent. 

A two-class system would, it is argued, help to better manage expectations about postal delivery windows, following a record rise in complaints about the company. Last year, a record 43.500 complaints were made about Deutsche Post to the Federal Network Agency. 

Packages and letters could be delivered by regular postmen under new system

Although postal volumes in Germany have long been on the decline, Ogilvie said he did not believe the letter would ever completely disappear. “Ultimately, the state needs a functioning letter service,” he said. 

However, he said that Deutsche Post could improve efficiency and compensate for declining volumes by incorporating small packages into the letter postal system rather than having them handled separately. “In rural areas, parcels and letters are already delivered by one person,” he told the Funke Media Group. “We could also extend the principle to more regions to keep the mail service more affordable.” 

He said that the current system was enshrined in law more than 25 years ago when the prime target was to promote competition. Nowadays, he argued, other factors are more important, like promoting sustainability and upholding worker rights. Reducing the volume of letters that have to be delivered the next day could, for example, cut down on the number of flights used by Deutsche Post and help spread weekly working hours for postal workers. 

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