BPEX Association Calls for Constructive Discussion with the Parcel Industry

On the occasion of today’s meeting of the Bundestag Committee for Labor and Social Affairs regarding a proposal for the implementation of parcel delivery for packages weighing 20 kilograms and above, the Federal Association of Parcel and Express Logistics (BPEX) emphasizes the necessity of entering into a constructive and solution-oriented discussion with the industry.

(Berlin) “The parcel industry is ready to start the dialogue process outlined in the coalition agreement together with politics and social partners,” explains Marten Bosselmann, Chairman of BPEX. “Our goal is a practical and socially responsible solution that relieves employees and ensures the supply of citizens and the economy.”

The BPEX has already presented the federal government with a pragmatic proposal for such a regulation. Accordingly, the use of suitable aids such as hand trucks for ground-level delivery should be explicitly provided for heavy shipments. This proven support in practice allows for genuine relief for delivery personnel without jeopardizing processes in the field.

Two-Person Handling Would Not Be Practical

At the same time, the association warns against blanket regulations that would be unfeasible in practice. A mandatory two-person handling is not a viable solution for the companies in the industry. “Even today, it is challenging to recruit enough delivery personnel. A mandatory two-person team for individual shipments would drastically exacerbate the personnel shortage,” the chairman continues. From the perspective of both the economy and consumers, such a regulation would also be problematic. Consumers expect fast and uncomplicated delivery. A two-person handling would lead to significant delays and higher costs.

Consequences for the Economy and Supply

Numerous sectors of the economy – such as the automotive industry, retail, or agriculture – rely on reliable parcel logistics. Restrictions on the delivery of heavy packages would severely impact production and supply chains. Additionally, the use of larger vehicles or extra trips would increase CO₂ emissions. An outcome that clearly contradicts the shared climate goals.

Finally, a one-sided regulation only for the parcel industry would not be consistent. In many other sectors, lifting heavy loads is a normal part of everyday work. Additional restrictions solely for the parcel industry would create unjustified unequal treatment and distort competition.

Ready for Industry Dialogue

The BPEX welcomes that the federal government has now initiated the announced dialogue process to develop a practical and appropriate regulation together with all stakeholders. The association will actively participate and contribute its practical experiences and proposals. “We do not need symbolic politics, but a solution that ensures the safety of employees as well as the supply of the population and the economy equally,” says Marten Bosselmann.

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