Deutsche Post continues to have problems complying with government regulations for its branch network. 125 mandatory locations are not occupied. Particular difficulties arise in rural areas.
Anyone who lives in the country may have difficulties finding a Deutsche Post branch. The group continues to have problems complying with government regulations regarding the branch network. According to the Federal Network Agency, 125 mandatory locations were not occupied, even though the post office should be on site.
Post does not respect distances
According to the currently valid postal law, Deutsche Post must have around 12,000 branches nationwide. These are often kiosks or supermarkets with a post office counter. According to the Federal Network Agency, this number is exceeded with 13,000 branches – but certain distance requirements are not met.
There must be at least one branch in communities with 2,000 or more inhabitants. With a population of 4,000, the nearest branch in contiguous residential areas must not be more than two kilometers away.
Not enough branches in the country
These requirements result in an obligation for the postal service to be present in the countryside, with which it has difficulties. According to the company, this is primarily due to structural changes in retail. Setting up post offices is particularly challenging, particularly in rural areas with a weak retail infrastructure.
Despite the lack of branches, a total of around 99 percent of the mandatory locations are covered, said a postal spokesman. We will continue to work on being present at all mandatory locations and offering customers a reliable supply of parcel and letter services.
This also includes the construction of additional post stations. These are machines where stamps can be purchased, letters can be dropped in, and packages can be dropped off or picked up. These machines have not yet been counted towards the branch network requirement. However, this is set to change in the current amendment to the Postal Act.