DHL Tests Newly Developed Post Stations for 24/7 Services

The Deutsche Post DHL Group is testing 20 newly developed post stations in North Rhine-Westphalia. Customers can access around 90 percent of the postal services typically requested at branches at the post station. The first post station was officially put into operation in Würselen. The stations are an addition to the existing network of branches and parcel stations.

(Bonn) Customers of the Deutsche Post DHL Group can use a new, innovative machine at 20 locations in North Rhine-Westphalia starting February 2021, which offers similar services to a small post office – and that around the clock. Purchasing letter and parcel stamps is possible at the new “post station,” as well as sending letters and parcels. From the end of February, customers can also receive individual advice on various products via video chat from a service employee. In a few months, receiving parcels at the post station will also be possible; for this service, prior registration will be required, just like at the parcel station. Thus, customers can access around 90 percent of the postal services typically requested at branches at the post station. The first post station was officially put into operation today in Würselen.

In Urban and Rural Areas

The test of the initially 20 post stations in North Rhine-Westphalia takes place in both urban and rural areas, including cities like Cologne, Aachen, and Euskirchen. “With the post station, we want to offer our postal services at even more locations – and in the most convenient way possible. The new machine can be used around the clock and is easy to operate. This directly addresses the wishes of our customers, who regularly report these needs to us in surveys,” explains Holger Bartels, Head of Multichannel Sales Post & Parcel Germany at Deutsche Post DHL Group. The new machines are operated via a touchscreen and have between 18 and 106 parcel compartments for sending and receiving parcels, in addition to an integrated mailbox. Letter and parcel stamps can be purchased at the post stations cashless with all common debit cards, Visa and MasterCard, as well as with Google Pay and Apple Pay. Using the post station does not incur any additional costs and does not require additional registration, except for the parcel receiving service that will be offered in the future.

24/7 Parcel Service

With its range of services, the post station complements the extensive stationary network of Deutsche Post DHL, consisting of around 24,000 branches and DHL parcel shops, over 6,500 DHL parcel stations, and about 110,000 mailboxes across the country. Currently, around 80 percent of households within a one-kilometer radius can reach a partner branch of Deutsche Post, a DHL parcel shop, or a parcel station. The new machine offers a significant opportunity, especially for rural areas. “Especially where there are no branches or only branches with short opening hours, the post station can represent a real service improvement for people. But even at other locations, the new machine can complement the branch offerings with its 24/7 service,” explains Holger Bartels. “Machines make our lives easier in many areas today – be it ATMs, ticket machines, or our parcel stations. Therefore, we are optimistic that our customers will also respond positively to the offerings of our post stations.”

Part of the Digitalization Program

With this first test phase, Deutsche Post DHL hopes to receive useful feedback from its customers. Subsequently, the machine will be further improved based on this feedback, and the range of services may be expanded. It will also be decided to what extent and at which locations the post station will be used in the future. The post station is part of the digitalization program presented by Deutsche Post DHL Group in March 2020. The company is investing in new digital services and substantial improvements to existing solutions in the letter and parcel sector. Photo: © DHL www.dpdhl.de/post-paket-digital      www.dhl.de/poststation