Deutsche Post tracking

What is Deutsche Post?

Deutsche Post is the historic postal operator of Germany, stemming from the privatization of the former German federal postal administration, the Deutsche Bundespost. Founded in 1995 during the transformation of this public administration into a public limited company, Deutsche Post quickly established itself as one of the world's largest logistics groups. Today, the company operates under the commercial name DHL Group on the international stage, while maintaining the historic Deutsche Post brand for its postal activities on the German market.

The Deutsche Post DHL group represents a genuine success story of European privatization. Starting from a national postal monopoly, the company transformed itself into a global logistics giant through an ambitious acquisition strategy, notably the acquisition of DHL in 2002 and the British company Exel in 2005. This international expansion enabled the group to diversify its activities far beyond simple mail delivery to become a key player in express transport, international freight, and contract logistics.

• Founding date: 1995, during the privatization of Deutsche Bundespost which gave rise to three distinct entities: Deutsche Post AG, Deutsche Telekom AG, and Deutsche Postbank AG
• Headquarters: Bonn, Germany, in Charles-de-Gaulle-Strasse, where the group maintains its historic headquarters
• Parent company: Since July 2023, the company officially operates under the name DHL Group, marking the completion of its transformation into a global logistics group
• Annual revenue: Over 80 billion euros in annual revenue, confirming the group's financial strength
• Worldwide workforce: Approximately 600,000 employees distributed across more than 220 countries and territories worldwide
• Operating profit: Several billion euros in annual operating profit, demonstrating the group's continued profitability

The group's organizational structure is based on several specialized divisions, each dedicated to a specific market segment. DHL Express manages international express messaging, DHL Global Forwarding handles international freight, DHL Freight ensures road and rail transport in Europe, DHL Supply Chain provides contract logistics solutions, while the Post & Paket Deutschland division focuses on mail and parcels in Germany. This organization enables the group to offer a complete range of logistics services, from simple letter delivery to managing complex supply chains for the world's largest companies.

The history of Deutsche Post goes back much further than 1995. The modern German postal service traces its roots to the Middle Ages, making it one of the world's oldest postal systems. This centuries-old tradition is reflected in the group's commitment to service quality and reliability, values that continue to guide its operations today. Despite the liberalization of the European postal market completed in 2008, Deutsche Post remains the main postal operator in Germany, processing tens of millions of letters and parcels daily across the entire country.

Which countries does Deutsche Post deliver to?

Deutsche Post, through its various brands and divisions, offers exceptional geographic coverage extending to all corners of the globe. In Germany, where the company maintains its historic brand, the distribution network serves all municipalities in the country, from major metropolitan areas like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg to the most remote villages in Bavaria or Schleswig-Holstein. This flawless national presence is supported by a dense network of post offices, automated sorting centers, and partner pickup points.

Internationally, it is primarily under the DHL brand that the group deploys its delivery services. The DHL Express network covers more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, making it one of the most extensive delivery networks on the planet. This global presence enables shipments to be delivered to virtually any destination, from major economic capitals to the most isolated regions of Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

• Germany: Complete coverage of national territory with distribution six days a week, including more than 29,000 pickup points of which more than 15,000 Packstations (automated lockers)
• Europe: Presence in all European Union and European Economic Area countries, with express and standard delivery services adapted to local needs
• North America: Dense network covering the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with major logistics platforms in key economic hubs
• Asia-Pacific: Strong presence in China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and ASEAN countries, with substantial air and maritime cargo capabilities
• Middle East and Africa: Coverage of major regional economies with solutions adapted to local constraints
• Latin America: Established network in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and most countries on the continent

For international shipments, Deutsche Post relies on Universal Postal Union agreements and close partnerships with national postal operators in destination countries. A parcel shipped from Germany to another European country will be handled by the local postal operator for final delivery, while a shipment to the United States will transit through the USPS network. This international cooperation enables optimized delivery times while pooling logistics infrastructure.

The Warenpost International service enables businesses to easily send small-format goods to more than 220 countries and territories. For business customers, Deutsche Post also offers the PACKET PRIORITY service which provides priority handling for parcels weighing up to 31.5 kg and measuring up to 120 x 60 x 60 cm. It is important to note that Deutsche Post's international services are primarily intended for businesses, with a minimum volume of 50 items per collection to access certain offers.

What are the Deutsche Post delivery services and timelines?

Deutsche Post and its various divisions offer an extensive range of delivery services adapted to all needs, from simple mail delivery to the most urgent express messaging. In Germany, the Post & Paket Deutschland division ensures the daily delivery of millions of letters and parcels, while DHL Express handles urgent shipments requiring guaranteed timelines internationally.

Delivery timelines vary considerably depending on the service chosen and the destination. For domestic shipments in Germany, standard letters are generally delivered within one to two business days. Parcels also benefit from competitive timelines thanks to the group's modern logistics infrastructure, which includes 18 automated sorting centers capable of processing several million items per day.

• DHL Express: International express delivery with timelines of 1 to 2 business days to major destinations worldwide, guaranteed delivery by specific date and time for the most urgent shipments
• DHL Economy Select: Cost-effective door-to-door service with delivery times between 2 and 5 business days, ideal for less urgent shipments at controlled cost
• DHL Same Day: Customized solution for the most critical shipments with same-day delivery in most major European cities, via a vehicle dedicated solely to your shipment
• DHL Express Envelope: Ready-to-send for documents under 300 grams anywhere in the world, ideal for sending contracts, invoices, warranties, or lightweight confidential documents
• DHL Extreme Urgency: Dedicated and customized solutions for the most critical and complex shipments, with personalized handling and enhanced tracking
• Warenpost International: Shipping small-format goods to more than 220 countries, suited to e-commerce with competitive rates
• PACKET PRIORITY: Priority handling for parcels up to 31.5 kg with increased comfort and speed for international shipments

For express deliveries, DHL generally promises distribution Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Weekend delivery is possible in major European cities for an additional charge, an option particularly appreciated by e-commerce merchants wishing to offer premium service to their customers. Specific hours may vary depending on regions and local delivery constraints.

The DHL Freight division, specializing in road and rail transport of goods in Europe, offers optimized timelines on intra-European routes. The DHL Freight Eurapid and DHL Freight EuroConnect services allow easy calculation of door-to-door transit times via the online Transit Times tool. This division primarily serves shippers of partial or full loads requiring reliable and economical land transport.

For shipments to the most distant destinations or difficult-to-access areas, timelines may extend from 5 to 20 business days depending on the transport methods used and any customs formalities. The group relies on its own cargo airlines grouped under the DHL Aviation entity, with a major European platform located in Leipzig, to guarantee rapid connections between major global economic centers.

What are the Deutsche Post rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Deutsche Post and DHL rates vary based on numerous criteria: shipment weight, dimensions, destination, service level chosen, and any additional options. The group offers a transparent pricing grid for its various services, with the option to obtain a personalized quote online via calculation tools available on official websites.

DHL Express regularly offers advantageous pricing on many European destinations, making shipments to Europe more accessible. New rates are presented as all-inclusive, including fuel surcharges and security fees, which facilitates comparison and budget planning for regular shippers.

• Maximum dimensions DHL Express: Length 120 cm x Width 80 cm x Height 80 cm per individual parcel
• Maximum weight DHL Express: 50 kg per parcel for standard shipments, with the possibility of shipments up to 300 kg or 1,000 kg depending on services
• Maximum dimensions palette: 300 x 200 x 160 cm or 300 x 200 x 180 cm depending on transport options
• DHL eCommerce standard parcel: Minimum dimensions L 15 x W 11 x H 3.5 cm, maximum L 120 x W 60 x H 50 cm, maximum weight 31.5 kg
• DHL Freight non-palletized items: Maximum 30 kg per parcel for international shipments
• DHL Freight palletized units: Up to 1,500 kg per palette for international shipments, 1,000 kg domestic, 750 kg with tail lift
• Capacity per trailer: Maximum 24,000 kg and 88 m³ per full trailer

The calculation of billable weight takes into account not only actual weight but also volumetric weight, with the higher of the two being used for pricing. The standard formula for calculating volumetric weight is: (Length x Width x Height in centimeters) divided by 5000. This rule prevents lightweight but bulky parcels from occupying a disproportionate space in transport vehicles.

For air freight managed by DHL Global Forwarding, the calculation formula is slightly different: (Length x Width x Height in centimeters) divided by 6000, multiplied by the number of parcels. This method reflects the specific constraints of air transport where available cargo space is particularly valuable. Freight shipments are billed according to meter of loading, actual or volumetric weight, with the higher always being retained.

Rates also vary according to the geographic destination zone. DHL classifies countries in different tariff zones, generally with more favorable prices for European destinations than for intercontinental shipments. To obtain a precise quote suited to your shipment, it is recommended to use the online calculator available at mydhl.express.dhl or to contact DHL sales directly. Companies shipping regular volumes can negotiate preferential rates under commercial contracts.

What are the Deutsche Post delivery options?

Deutsche Post and DHL offer remarkable flexibility in delivery options, allowing recipients to choose the reception method that best matches their constraints and preferences. In Germany, where the group has its most developed infrastructure, the possibilities are particularly numerous thanks to its vast network of pickup points and automated lockers.

Packstations represent one of Deutsche Post's major innovations in flexible delivery. These self-service vending machines allow parcels and oversized mail to be collected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering a practical alternative to home delivery. The service started as a pilot project in 2001 and quickly developed into an essential element of the German logistics landscape.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution to the address provided by the sender, with the possibility to reschedule delivery if absent
• Packstation: More than 15,000 automated lockers in Germany enabling the collection and shipment of parcels in self-service 24/7
• DHL Paketshop pickup points: Partner retail stores where parcels can be deposited or collected during business hours
• Post offices: Traditional post offices offering all postal and parcel services
• Paketbox: Private parcel boxes installed at individual homes for deliveries in the recipient's absence
• Delivery to a neighbor: Option allowing the parcel to be handed to a neighbor if absent, with notification to the recipient
• Preferred deposit location: Possibility to designate a specific location for secure parcel deposit in the recipient's absence
• Preferred delivery date: Choice of a specific delivery day according to recipient's availability

To use Packstation services, customers must register and create a DHL customer account, which assigns them a personal postal number (Post Number). This number, associated with the chosen Packstation number, must be provided at checkout so the parcel is routed to the appropriate locker. Many e-commerce merchants now offer dedicated input fields to facilitate this delivery option.

Parcel collection at Packstation is done via the Post & DHL application, available on smartphone. Once the availability notification is received, the recipient opens the application and uses the collection function. The phone connects to the Packstation via Bluetooth, then the recipient scans the barcode from their notification to open the compartment containing their parcel. This secure system guarantees that only the legitimate recipient can retrieve the shipment.

DHL also offers service points worldwide, allowing customers to have their parcels rerouted for collection at their convenience. These service points are generally located in strategic, easily accessible locations such as shopping centers or business zones. This flexibility meets modern lifestyles where being home during delivery hours is not always possible.

Since early 2023, DHL automatically transports shipments with CO2 compensation at no additional cost, reflecting the group's environmental commitment. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of logistics activities while offering quality service to environmentally conscious customers.

What should I do if my Deutsche Post parcel is lost or damaged?

Faced with a lost or damaged parcel, Deutsche Post and DHL have well-established claims procedures to help customers resolve their issues. The speed of reporting is crucial to maximize the chances of compensation, which is why it is important to know the steps to take and deadlines to meet.

If a parcel is damaged, the first step is to note the damage at the time of delivery. If the packaging shows visible signs of deterioration, it is recommended to immediately report the problem to the driver and, if possible, open the parcel in their presence to verify the condition of the contents. This precaution allows establishing evidence that will facilitate the subsequent claims procedure.

• Damaged parcel reporting deadline: Reporting must be done immediately upon receipt if damage is visible, or within 7 days following delivery if damage was not apparent upon receipt
• Lost parcel reporting deadline: A claim can be filed after a reasonable time following the scheduled delivery date, generally 10 to 15 days for domestic shipments and up to 30 days for international shipments
• Required documentation: Tracking number, proof of purchase or invoice, photos of damaged parcel and packaging, detailed description of contents and condition
• Contact channels: Telephone customer service at 0228 4333112 (Germany), online form on deutschepost.de or dhl.com website, Post & DHL application
• Schadensanzeige form: Official damage declaration form available on DHL website for formal claims

Compensation in case of loss or damage is subject to regulatory ceilings. For standard shipments, the compensation amount can reach up to 500 euros after presenting documents proving the actual value of the goods. Without proof of value, a flat-rate compensation based on weight may apply, generally around 10 euros per kilogram.

For high-value shipments, it is highly recommended to subscribe to additional insurance at the time of shipment. DHL offers different coverage options allowing parcels to be insured at their declared value, which guarantees full compensation in case of loss. The cost of this insurance generally represents a small percentage of the declared value and offers valuable peace of mind for valuable shipments.

It is important to note that Deutsche Post or DHL can only be held responsible if the parcel was properly packaged according to current standards. A parcel with insufficient protection or poor conditioning may have its claim rejected, even in case of proven damage. Shippers must therefore ensure they use packaging appropriate to the contents and chosen transport method.

In Germany, if the dispute persists after the customer service response, consumers can contact the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency) which oversees postal services. This regulatory authority can intervene in cases of repeated failures and has a free schlichtung (mediation) procedure for individuals. Complaints can be submitted by email to [email protected] or via the dedicated online form.

Does Deutsche Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Deutsche Post and its international divisions, notably DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding, have recognized expertise in cross-border shipments and customs formalities management. Whether for urgent documents or voluminous merchandise, the group offers complete solutions integrating transport and customs clearance at destination.

For any shipment of goods outside the European Union, customs documents are mandatory. Careful preparation of these documents is essential to avoid delays and additional costs related to customs inspections. An increasing number of countries now require that incoming international parcels be accompanied by advance electronic customs clearance data, under penalty of refusal or penalties on arrival.

• Commercial or pro forma invoice: Mandatory document for any goods shipment outside the EU, detailing the nature, quantity, value, and origin of products
• Shipping note: Document accompanying each shipment and comprising all information necessary for transport and customs clearance
• Customs nomenclature: Harmonized tariff code (HS code) of each product, facilitating customs clearance and avoiding classification errors
• Proof of origin: Document certifying the country of manufacture of goods, which may allow benefiting from reduced customs duties under trade agreements
• Specific licenses and authorizations: Additional documents required for certain regulated product categories (food, medical, technological, etc.)
• ATA Carnet: Document for temporary exports or imports allowing avoidance of customs duty payment

DHL offers a dematerialized customs clearance service that allows documents to be transmitted electronically to customs, eliminating the need to print and manually attach them to shipments. This fully online solution facilitates the creation of certificates of origin, commercial or pro forma invoices, while reducing the risk of errors related to manual document transcription.

For express shipments, DHL Express handles customs formalities as part of its door-to-door service. Teams of specialized experts manage the entire process, from presenting documents to customs authorities to releasing goods. This integrated handling accelerates customs clearance and guarantees announced delivery timelines.

Regarding payment of import duties and taxes, the recipient is legally responsible for customs clearance of their goods. DHL generally advances duties and taxes to customs to quickly release parcels, then sends a notification to the recipient containing a secure link to the payment platform. Payment can be made by credit card online or by phone, including customs duties, import VAT, and customs handling fees.

DHL Global Forwarding, the division dedicated to international freight, offers even more comprehensive services for large-scale commercial shipments. The group's freight forwarders coordinate the entire logistics chain, from booking cargo space on cargo flights or ships to customs clearance at exit and entry points of the various countries crossed. This expertise is particularly valuable for companies regularly importing or exporting goods worldwide.

It should be noted that customs clearance formalities for temporary exports or for repair and return cannot always be handled directly by DHL Express. In these specific cases, it is recommended to use a specialized customs broker capable of managing these particular procedures. Deutsche Post and DHL can nevertheless direct their customers to appropriate partners for these exceptional situations.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Deutsche Post or DHL parcel online, various statuses may appear as it progresses. These standardized messages allow you to understand precisely where your shipment is located and what the next step in its logistics journey is. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: