How do you send a package?
In addition to Deutsche Post, companies such as Hermes and DPD also offer parcel deliveries. You should be aware of the pros and cons of the companies.
First of all, you should address the package correctly. Deutsche Post offers stickers on which you write the address. To the safety write this on the package as well.
Whether you really need a package depends on the items to be shipped. Smaller objects or items of clothing often fit into a maxi letter or large letter from Deutsche Post. A maxi letter may weigh a maximum of one kilo. Hermes or DPD do not offer these letters.
Send package with DHL
Deutsche Post's parcel service is called DHL. You can post your parcel in post offices, post agencies, parcel boxes and packing stations. A home pick-up is subject to an additional charge.
As the recipient, you can indicate that the deliverer should deliver your package to a packing station. Packstations are DHL parcel stations. Register online for a Packstation near you. With your customer card you can collect your parcel around the clock.
If you want to receive your package at home, please note that the DHL courier will only attempt to deliver it once. Then he either hands it in at the neighbor's or at the post office. Alternatively, you can give DHL a parking permit so that the messenger can park the parcel in the garage, for example.
There are many well-known parcel senders. They all work according to about the same ...
The shipping costs are between 6 and 15 euros. DHL delivers from Monday to Saturday.
Send parcels with DPD
An alternative to DHL is the German parcel service DPD. If the messenger is unable to deliver the package here, he usually tries again the next working day and leaves a note for the recipient.
As the sender, you can only hand in your parcel in DPD parcel shops. Free collection is also possible. In contrast to DHL, the price depends on the size of the package, which is why the price policy is more transparent. A parking permit is also possible with DPD.
The deliverer does not bring the parcel of multiple non-deliveries to a packing station, but has it sent back to you. Shipping on Saturdays costs an extra charge.
DPD is priced between 4.50 and 18 euros. DPD delivers Monday to Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Parcel shipping with Hermes
Another big company that ships packages is Hermes. The messenger tries three times to deliver the package and, if requested, makes a fourth attempt. In addition, the recipient has the option of agreeing an alternative delivery location with Hermes.
You can only post your parcel in Hermes parcel shops. A collection from home is chargeable at Hermes.
Hermes is the cheapest. Depending on the size, shipping costs between 4 and 10 euros. If all attempts have failed, the package will be returned to you here. The Hermes drivers work freelance and are mostly underpaid. The delivery time therefore varies, so that punctual delivery cannot always be relied on.
This is how a package is sent
Follow these steps:
- Pack your package neatly. If you don't have a suitable box at hand, buy one from DHL. This costs between 1.50 and 2.50 euros, depending on the size.
- If you send your package with DHL, then bring it to a DHL parcel shop. There you fill out the parcel label and pay the postage.
- Alternatively, you can also use the parcel label fill in online and take it to the shop to save time.
- With DHL, you can conveniently drop off your package at the post office.
- DPD and Hermes also have parcel shops. There you fill out the parcel label on site, online is not possible here.
All three providers also offer the package to be picked up. This is associated with additional costs, which vary from provider to provider.
All shipping companies offer the option of shipping tracking. You can check online to see where your package is after you've shipped it. To do this, enter the tracking number on the DHL homepage or from DPD / Hermes and the page will show you where your parcel is at the moment.
Tips for sending parcels
Also note the following:
- To secure your goods, you should wrap them with bubble wrap.
- Fill the box with filling material such as styrofoam so that the goods do not fly around loosely.
- Especially if the contents are fragile, you should pad the package well. You have to assume that your package will be thrown around carelessly.
- Weigh your package before shipping. How to find out the shipping costs. It is best not to hand in your package right before a public holiday. Your shipment will not be moved on one of these and shipping will take a day longer.
- Shipping with DHL is the most convenient, as this responds individually to your wishes. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at the competition, especially Hermes, as it is cheaper and tries to deliver the package more often.
If you follow these tips, you can't go wrong with shipping.
