Deutsche Post DHL is testing same-day parcel delivery between Berlin and Hamburg using its Postbus long-distance passenger coaches under the name ‘Postbus Courier’ and could extend the new service to other German cities next year.
Consumers and small business customers can now send urgent shipments by coach between the two German cities, making Postbus the first long-distance bus travel provider in Germany that also offers parcel transport in addition to its passenger service. Parcels can be dropped in the morning and collected late afternoon.
“Postbus Courier is a new same-day delivery option that gives our customers another choice, using our intercity bus network for shipping particularly urgent items. Berlin and Hamburg are the first cities offering the new service but we are currently considering others for next year,” said Achim Dünnwald, current CEO of Mail Communication at Deutsche Post and designated head of DHL Parcel.
The way Postbus Courier functions is quite simple, the company explained: First, customers print out the shipping documents they filled out onscreen (www.postbus.de/postbus-kurier) and take them together with their parcel(s) to the Postbus Courier service point at the main omnibus station in Berlin or Hamburg. There, they hand over their parcels to the service staff member, who then places the item in a bag, seals it and stows the bag securely in the Postbus. These latter steps protect the parcels from damage and theft during transport.
Recipients can personally pick up items on the same day at the arrival destination or have a nominated person collect the items after proving their legitimacy through appropriate identification or providing the right parcel TAN.
During its introductory phase, the Postbus Courier service will cost €20 and must be paid for in cash at the parcel drop-off location at the service point. Same-day parcel transport using Postbus Courier will be offered once per day (Monday to Friday) on every line during the introductory phase.
Parcels can be no larger than the size of Packset L (i.e. 45.0 x 35.0 x 20.0 cm) and the maximum weight is 10 kgs. Roll-shaped formats are allowed but animals, explosive/hazardous materials or perishable goods are not permitted.
Postbus operates nationwide passenger transport services between cities and towns across Germany and also has services to neighbouring countries through cooperation partners.
