Germany is the largest market for courier, express, and parcel (CEP) services in Europe. Thanks to its well-developed ecommerce sector and central location within the EU, the country has become a key logistics hub for international trade.
In 2025–2026, the German delivery market continues to grow, although the pace has slowed since the pandemic. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, 4.86 billion parcels were delivered in Germany in 2025, with the total market value reaching $29.45 billion.
The main driver of this growth is ecommerce, with approximately 60% of shipments coming from the B2C segment.
The market is dominated by several major operators: DHL, Amazon Logistics, DPD, Hermes, UPS, and GLS. Together, they handle about 98% of all parcels. Each carrier differs in pricing, delivery speed, and coverage. Below is a direct comparison based on performance, costs, and our operational experience.
Germany’s Courier Delivery Market in Numbers
- 4.86 billion parcels delivered in 2025
- $29.45 billion total market value
- 39.05% of demand comes from ecommerce
- 51.72% of parcels are B2C ecommerce shipments
- More than 13 million deliveries are made every day
Whether you are a business or a private individual, understanding the specifics of each courier service will help you save time and money while ensuring reliable deliveries across Germany and beyond. In today’s German parcel market, six delivery services hold leading positions: DHL, Amazon Logistics, DPD, Hermes, UPS, and GLS.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these companies and examine their strengths and weaknesses.
1.1. DHL Group
DHL Group is one of the world’s leading delivery services, offering a wide range of solutions for both domestic and international shipments. With around 600,000 employees across more than 220 countries, the company ensures reliable and fast deliveries worldwide. In Germany alone, DHL delivers about 7.5 million parcels every day.
The company began offering international delivery services in 1970. Given its leading position in the global parcel market, DHL Group can today be considered the leading international delivery service in Germany.
Its key competitive advantage is the Packstation network (automated parcel lockers): by 2025, the number of locations exceeded 17,000 across Germany, and the company plans to expand this network to 30,000 by 2030. DHL is also actively electrifying its fleet: by 2025, parcels in German cities are being delivered using zero-emission vehicles.
Market share in Germany
Packstation
Parcels in Germany per year
Group revenue (2025)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Global Worldwide Coverage | Higher average prices compared to competitors |
| Quality Service | Network congestion during peak seasons |
| Parcel Insurance of up to 500 Euros | Mass-market focus: not always flexible for specific requests |
| Wide Range of Services: From Express Delivery to Standard Options | |
| Fast Delivery Times | |
| Cost-effective options for small items | |
| Best parcel locker infrastructure | |
| Environmental responsibility |
DHL delivery options:
- DHL Paket – Domestic parcel shipments.
- DHL Express – Express delivery service for the fastest possible delivery of cargo and parcels worldwide.
- Warenpost (in cooperation with Deutsche Post) – a service that offers fast and economical delivery of small items.
DHL rates
You can view domestic shipping rates here.
You can view DHL international shipping rates here.
You can also quickly calculate the cost of international delivery using the DHL international shipping calculator.
Delivery times
Delivery times may vary depending on the urgency and destination. Standard delivery typically takes 1–2 business days within Germany, 2–3 days across Europe, and 2–6 business days to other countries.
With DHL Express, parcels are usually delivered the next business day across Europe or within 2–3 business days to destinations outside Europe.
Tracking system
DHL provides customers with an advanced tracking system that allows them to monitor the movement of their shipments from pickup to final destination. The tracking system can be easily accessed via the company’s website or mobile app, where customers simply enter the tracking number to view the delivery status.
DHL’s tracking system gives customers full visibility over their parcels. Users can check the estimated delivery date, track shipment status in real time, and receive updates via email or SMS.
1.2. Amazon Logistics
Amazon Logistics (AMZL) is the fastest-growing CEP operator in Germany. According to estimates, by 2025 the company handled around 20% of the total parcel volume in the country. Amazon is building its own last-mile delivery infrastructure, including more than 20 sorting centers and delivery stations across Germany.
Amazon Logistics (AMZL) delivers exclusively Amazon orders and does not work with third-party clients. Its key advantage is same-day delivery in major German cities and overnight delivery for Prime members. Amazon is also actively experimenting with drones and robotic warehouse systems in Germany.
Market share in Germany
Logistics centers in Germany
Delivery in major cities
Customer type
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Fastest delivery for Amazon orders | Not available for third-party shippers |
| Active adoption of new technologies | |
| Expanding coverage in major cities |
Delivery options:
- Standard Delivery — delivery within 1–2 business days inside Germany.
- Same-Day Delivery (evening delivery) — accelerated delivery available in major cities on the same day the order is placed.
- Amazon Locker Delivery — parcels are delivered to an automated Amazon Locker pickup point, where customers can collect them at any convenient time.
- Delivery via Courier Partners — Amazon uses a network of independent courier companies and the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program to handle last-mile delivery.
Amazon Logistics rates
Amazon Logistics does not publish standard shipping rates as a standalone courier operator. Delivery costs are usually included in the purchase conditions on the Amazon platform. For Amazon Prime subscribers, delivery is typically free.
For marketplace sellers, shipping costs are calculated within Amazon’s logistics programs, such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
Delivery times
Delivery times depend on the region and the selected service:
- Standard delivery — 1–2 business days
- Next-day premium delivery
- Same-day delivery
1.3. DPD (Dynamic Parcel Distribution)
DPD is part of the GeoPost/La Poste group and holds about 15% of the parcel delivery market. The company provides a wide range of delivery services for both business customers and private individuals in more than 220 countries worldwide. In 2025, DPD delivered approximately 2.1 billion parcels to its customers globally.
One notable aspect of DPD’s delivery service is its strong focus on innovation and high-quality customer service. Among the company’s innovative solutions is contactless delivery, which allows customers to arrange a deposit location and receive their parcel without direct personal contact. This is particularly relevant today, when safety and convenience are top priorities.
In 2024–2025, DPD actively strengthened its position in cross-border ecommerce. For businesses, the operator offers services such as DPD Business and DPD Home, as well as API integrations that enable automation of shipments, tracking, and returns management.
Market share in Germany
Pickup points across Germany
Parcels per year
Company revenue (2024)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Flexible delivery options | Higher delivery costs on weekends |
| Strong B2B infrastructure | Parcel locker network smaller than that of competitors |
| Parcel insurance up to €520 | |
| Real-time parcel tracking | |
| Focus on environmental sustainability |
DPD delivery options:
- DPD Shop2Shop – an affordable delivery service from one Pickup parcel point to another.
- DPD Classic – standard parcel delivery across Germany and beyond with the option to choose the time and place of parcel receipt.
- DPD Express – expedited delivery worldwide.
DPD Rates
You can view DPD shipping rates here.
Delivery times
Standard delivery times range from 2 to 7 business days, depending on the destination. With DPD Express, the company offers next-day delivery across Germany, 1–3 business days across Europe, and 2–5 business days to other countries worldwide.
Tracking system
Using the mobile app or website, DPD customers can easily track the location of their parcels in real time and even personalize delivery options. You can redirect the parcel or specify your preferred delivery time.
1.4. Hermes
Hermes is one of Germany’s leading logistics and delivery companies, operating both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1972 in West Germany, it is now a major part of the Otto Group. Over the past five years, the company has improved its financial performance by approximately €860 million. In 2025, Hermes reported €1.63 billion in revenue.
The company develops partnerships with online stores and marketplaces, providing them with ecommerce fulfillment services. Thanks to its distributed network of parcel processing centers and pickup points, Hermes can offer customers convenient and flexible options for sending and receiving parcels. In 2024–2025, the company expanded its network of partner pickup locations (Paketshops) across Germany to more than 17,000. This allows Hermes to offer a competitive alternative to DHL Packstation in the B2C segment.
Market share in Germany
PaketShops across Germany
Parcels per year
Group revenue (2025)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Flexible delivery options | Frequent parcel returns |
| Parcel insurance up to €500 | Climate-neutral delivery available only for furniture and household appliances |
| Customized solutions for business clients (from 300 parcels per year) | |
| Online tracking | |
| FUp to 4 delivery attempts |
Hermes delivery options:
- Delivery to ParcelShop – the most economical option for delivering parcels to one of the 17,000 delivery points across the country.
- Courier delivery – parcel delivery services to your home throughout Germany and to more than 140 countries around the world.
Hermes rates
Delivery times
Delivery within Germany typically takes 1–2 business days, depending on the distance. If the parcel is sent to islands served by ferry connections, delivery may take 2–3 business days. International delivery usually takes 4–7 business days.
Tracking system
Hermes offers several tracking options. Customers can use standard real-time tracking via the website or mobile app, as well as premium tracking with additional personalization features and signature confirmation upon delivery. Customers can also subscribe to receive delivery status notifications via SMS or email.
1.5. GLS (General Logistics Systems)
GLS traces its origins to the founding of German Parcel in 1989. Today, it is a subsidiary of the British Royal Mail Group and provides a wide range of delivery services both within Germany and internationally. In 2025 alone, GLS handled 926 million parcels.
In 2021, the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) ranked GLS among the top three parcel delivery services in Germany, highlighting its competitive delivery conditions and high-quality service.
Since 2019, the company has also strengthened its commitment to environmental responsibility by implementing measures to reduce CO₂ emissions. Recipients can choose the delivery day, time, and location, and they can also redirect parcels to another address or a parcel shop, helping reduce unnecessary courier trips.
Market share in Germany
ParcelShop locations in Germany
Parcels per year
Group revenue (2025)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Standard domestic delivery within 24 hours; within Europe in 24–96 hours | Delivery limited to Europe, the United States, and Canada |
| Flexible delivery options | Relatively small number of pickup points |
| Competitive shipping rates | |
| Insurance coverage up to €750 | |
| Online parcel tracking | |
| Wide range of additional services | |
| Environmental responsibility |
GLS delivery options:
- GLS Express – an express delivery service from GLS that ensures fast and reliable parcel delivery on a national and international level.
- Business Parcel – a service for business clients for delivering parcels within the country.
- FlexDelivery – a service that allows you to manage the delivery process of your parcels. Management is done through the GLS online platform, providing maximum flexibility and convenience for customers.
GLS rates
You can view the current GLS shipping rates here.
Delivery times
The company stands out for its short delivery times. Even with standard delivery, GLS delivers parcels across Germany within 24 hours. International delivery times vary from 1 to 6 days, depending on the destination country.
Tracking system
GLS provides customers with the ability to track their parcels in real time via its website or mobile app. Using a tracking number, customers can check the status and location of their shipments throughout the entire delivery process.
1.6. UPS (United Parcel Service)
UPS is a globally recognized logistics and transportation company with an extensive logistics network, providing reliable delivery services worldwide. It began its operations as a telegraph messenger service in the early 20th century. Today, UPS is one of the leading providers of freight, overnight, two-day, and ground shipping services, serving more than 11 million customers across over 220 countries and territories.
UPS stands out for its strong customer focus and its commitment to providing services in simple and efficient ways. The company is actively developing its digital infrastructure, including an intelligent logistics network, to ensure seamless customer service.
Market share in Germany
Drop-off locations in Germany
Parcels per day
Group revenue (2025)
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Global coverage | Higher service costs |
| Reliability | Additional fee for climate-neutral delivery |
| Flexible delivery options | Strong focus on the U.S.; relatively few parcel drop-off points in Germany |
| Same-day delivery options | |
| Parcel insurance up to €510 | |
| Convenient parcel tracking tools |
UPS delivery options:
- UPS Standard – Standard delivery service at both national and international levels.
- UPS Express, Express Saver, Express Plus – expedited delivery options worldwide with the ability to choose delivery times, providing additional flexibility for customers.
- UPS Express Critical – the service for the fastest possible delivery, where UPS delivers the parcel on the same day it is sent.
- UPS Freight – a service for shipping goods over 70 kg within the country and internationally.
UPS rates
You can view the current UPS shipping rates here.
Delivery times
Delivery times vary depending on the distance between the sender’s and recipient’s addresses. UPS aims to provide customers with maximum flexibility and accommodate a wide range of delivery time requirements. You can choose expedited delivery and receive their shipment on the same day it is sent, or select a more economical option for non-urgent shipments, which typically arrive within 5–12 days at a lower cost.
Tracking system
UPS offers multiple channels for tracking shipments. Through the company’s official website, customers can easily track the status and location of their parcels in real time. The UPS mobile app extends these capabilities by allowing users to manage their shipments and find the nearest parcel drop-off locations.
For more advanced parcel management and personalized notifications, UPS offers the UPS My Choice service. With it, you can manage all your shipments in one place, change the delivery address, choose a preferred pickup location, and receive delivery status updates via SMS or email.
UPS offers multiple channels for tracking shipments. Through the company’s official website, customers can easily track the status and location of their parcels in real time. The UPS mobile app extends these capabilities by allowing users to manage their shipments and find the nearest parcel drop-off locations.
For more advanced parcel management and personalized notifications, UPS offers the UPS My Choice service. With it, you can manage all your shipments in one place, change the delivery address, choose a preferred pickup location, and receive delivery status updates via SMS or email.
| DHL | DPD | GLS | UPS | Amazon Logistics | Hermes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum parcel weight | 31,5 kg | 31,5 kg | 40 kg | 30 kg | 120 kg | 31,5 kg |
| Express delivery services | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Delivery beyond Europe | + | + | USA and Canada only | + | + | + |
| Delivery on weekends | + | + | – | For an additional fee within some packages | + | + |
| Parcel insurance | up to 500 euro | up to 520 euro | up to 750 euro | up to 510 euro | via Amazon order | up to 500 euro |
| Online tracking | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Environmental sustainability | + | + | + | For an additional fee | + | Delivery for furniture and household appliances only |
| Services for business clients | + | + | + | + | + | + |
It is important to remember that there is no universal solution, and what works for one business may not be suitable for another. Each courier service in Germany offers different services at its own pricing structure. Some may provide faster delivery at a higher cost, while others offer more affordable rates but longer delivery times. Your choice should depend on the specific needs and priorities of your business. It is important to consider the type of products, shipping volumes, customer expectations, and your budget.
Working with multiple carriers can be a beneficial strategy. Fulfillment-Box has been cooperating with many of the German delivery services mentioned above for more than five years. During this time, our company has gained extensive experience shipping parcels and product batches both within Germany and internationally—across the EU and worldwide.
Fulfillment-Box Expert Comment:
“Our first choice in terms of speed and quality of delivery within Germany for standard-sized parcels is DHL. For shipping small items, the Warenpost service is more cost-effective. Kühne&Nagel offers fast and reliable delivery services for items such as pallets or large and bulky items such as bathtubs.
DHL Group is the best option for shipping parcels outside Germany to the EU and worldwide. DHL Express guarantees punctual and high-quality international parcel delivery (provided all international shipping regulations are met).”
Understanding the German parcel market and knowing its key players will help you provide high-quality service to your customers. With the experience of Fulfillment-Box, you can find efficient and reliable solutions to optimize your logistics processes even faster.
1. Which courier service is the largest in Germany?
DHL Paket is the clear leader of the German parcel market. According to CEP-Research and Bundesnetzagentur data for 2024, DHL handles more than 40% of all parcels in the country. Second place is held by Amazon Logistics, with a market share of around 20%.
2. How many parcels are delivered in Germany each year?
In 2025, carriers delivered 4.86 billion shipments, making Germany the largest parcel delivery market in Europe.
3. How important is sustainable delivery for German consumers?
60% of German consumers are willing to wait longer for a parcel if it helps reduce the carbon footprint of delivery. Another 40% of shoppers are willing to pay extra for environmentally friendly packaging.
4. Which delivery service is the cheapest in Germany?
It is difficult to name a single “cheapest” carrier in Germany, as the final price depends on many variables: the size and weight of the shipment, shipping frequency, and delivery destination.
Typically, Hermes and DPD offer the lowest rates for private senders. However, for businesses, corporate tariffs from DHL and GLS are often more cost-effective. Companies that ship parcels regularly usually negotiate individual contract rates, which often provide the greatest savings regardless of the chosen carrier.
5. Which courier service is best for ecommerce in Germany?
The best courier services for ecommerce in Germany are:
✔ DHL — the widest logistics and pickup network
✔ DPD — strong presence in the B2B segment
✔ GLS — convenient for shipping across Europe
✔ Hermes — cost-effective option for B2C deliveries
6. How do I choose a courier service for my business in Germany?
To choose the right courier service for your business, consider these key factors: shipping volume, average parcel weight, delivery geography (domestic vs. international), price and speed requirements, and return frequency. Matching these criteria to each carrier’s strengths will help you find the most cost-effective and reliable option.
Get in contact with Fulfillment-Box
Our managers will answer any questions you may have
