Here's a look at the biggest parcel carriers in Germany, what sets them apart, and the customer expectations they need to meet.
Fast, reliable shipping shapes the customer experience and leaves a lasting impression. Picking the right parcel carrier is essential for the long-term success of your e-commerce business. But which parcel services are out there? And which provider fits your business best? Here are the six biggest parcel carriers in Germany and what makes each one stand out.
In this post, you'll learn which parcel carriers are the biggest in Germany, what sets them apart, and which customer expectations they need to meet.
E-commerce is booming, and Germany is firmly part of the upward trend: B2C e-commerce revenue hit around €73 billion in 2020, a 23 percent jump on the previous year. The Covid pandemic has been a major catalyst here. With brick-and-mortar stores closed and distancing rules in place, more and more people have shifted their shopping online. Younger generations are leading the behavior shift.
The result: more online purchases means more parcel shipments every year. According to the 2021 CEP study from the German Parcel and Express Logistics Association (BIEK), shipment volume in Germany crossed the 4 billion mark for the first time in 2020. That's an average of more than 13 million shipments per day.
The driving force behind this growth is primarily B2C shipments, which jumped 18.6 percent in 2020. And there's no end in sight: total shipment volume is forecast to reach around 5.7 billion shipments per year by 2025.
So which delivery services are out there in Germany? And which are the big players? According to the Parcel Shipping Index, the German CEP market (courier, express, and parcel services) is dominated by six providers:
These carriers handle 99% of shipments in Germany. DHL is clearly in the lead, delivering nearly half of all parcels at 48%. Hermes comes in second (16%), closely followed by UPS (12%) and DPD (10%). Bringing up the rear are Netherlands-based GLS (7%) and US-based FedEx (6%).
DHL also leads on total revenue: the Deutsche Post carrier dominates with a 52% market share. One interesting note: while Hermes is second on parcel volume, it sits in fifth place by revenue, behind UPS, DPD, and FedEx.
As e-commerce sales grow, so do customer expectations: alongside the product itself, reliable parcel delivery is a major factor when consumers pick an online store.
According to a study by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH), 91% of customers place high value on free delivery, and 90% want a way to do package tracking. It also matters whether customers already know the offered carrier and have had good experiences with it in the past (83%). On top of that, 72% want to be able to receive the order within a self-selected time window.
Less weight is placed on extra-fast shipping within 24 hours (59%) and on last-minute delivery changes like address or delivery window (56%).
The graphic below shows customer expectations of e-commerce and parcel carriers in Germany:
Tip: A smooth returns process also boosts the customer experience. More on that in our post on returns management.
Every parcel carrier brings different pros and cons for an e-commerce business. To find the right provider for your shop, work through these questions first:
Below is an overview of key facts on the six biggest parcel carriers in Germany:
Founded in San Francisco in 1969, the logistics and shipping company has been part of Deutsche Post AG since 2002. The name comes from its three founders, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn: their last initials spell out DHL.
The company is the biggest parcel carrier in Germany and operates in more than 220 countries worldwide. DHL stands for reliable shipping at fair prices. The Bonn-based provider was rated Germany's best parcel carrier in a study by the German Institute for Service Quality, earning a "good" grade.
With around 29,000 locations across Germany, DHL has a particularly dense network of packstations, post offices, and parcel shops, making it even easier to send and pick up parcels. Business customers shipping more than 200 parcels per year benefit from professional shipping and a broad service offering.
Shipping with DHL:
The Hamburg-based shipping provider was founded in 1972 and is part of the Otto Group. Hermes is the second-biggest parcel carrier in Germany with 16,000 parcel shops nationwide. Hermes also serves business customers shipping 300 or more parcels per year.
Its focus is primarily on Europe: Hermes ships to more than 20 EU countries. International shipping for e-commerce retailers is available through Hermes BorderGuru.
Shipping with Hermes includes tracking and €500 transit insurance on all parcels. The carrier puts in extra effort to deliver successfully: it makes up to four delivery attempts in Germany and three internationally.
Hermes loses points on climate neutrality, though. Under its "WE DO! CO2-neutral delivery" banner, Hermes lets customers offset emissions caused by transport. But the program only covers furniture and large appliance shipments via the Hermes home delivery service. Compared to other carriers, Hermes is behind in this area.
Shipping with Hermes:
The US parcel carrier is one of the largest shipping providers in the world and, thanks to its global footprint, is also well connected internationally. The company was founded in Seattle in 1907 as American Messenger Company. It was later renamed United Parcel Service.
Today the Atlanta-based carrier operates in more than 220 countries worldwide. In Germany, UPS offers around 5,000 pickup points. Business customers benefit from fast shipping within Europe and flexible delivery options for recipients. Carbon-neutral shipping is available through UPS's "carbon neutral" option for an extra fee.
Shipping with UPS:
The carrier was founded in 1976 as DPD Deutscher Paketdienst and today belongs to French La Poste. After the acquisition, the company was renamed in 2008 to Dynamic Parcel Distribution.
DPD's German headquarters is in Aschaffenburg, with around 7,000 parcel shops nationwide. Business customers can ship with DPD starting at 10 parcels per month. The provider scores with attractive shipping rates and fast transit times. Its service portfolio covers standard and express parcels and offers tailored shipping solutions for every requirement.
Beyond Germany, DPD operates in more than 230 countries worldwide. Since 2012, all parcels have shipped carbon neutral at no extra cost to customers.
Shipping with DPD:
Founded in 1989, the carrier was originally known as German Parcel. After the acquisition by Britain's Royal Mail, GLS today stands for General Logistics Systems and is headquartered in the Netherlands.
With around 6,000 parcel shops, the logistics company is one of the biggest parcel carriers in Germany. The focus is on domestic shipping and shipments within Europe: GLS offers next-day delivery within Germany. For parcel shipments within the EU, the delivery window is between 24 and 96 hours. Worldwide shipping to more than 160 countries is also possible with GLS — including express.
Business customers shipping 250 or more parcels can use GLS's various shipping methods. Since 2019, the carrier has shipped all parcels 100% carbon neutral. Another plus: GLS takes safety seriously and insures every shipment up to €750.
Shipping with GLS:
The company was founded in 1971 in the US as Federal Express. A few years later, it was renamed to today's FedEx Corporation. The Memphis-based logistics company handles international shipping between more than 220 countries worldwide. In 2016, FedEx also acquired Dutch parcel carrier TNT.
The carrier shines especially with its fast express shipping at home and abroad: parcels within Germany are delivered by the next business day. International shipments reach recipients within 2 to 4 business days, depending on the region.
There's catching up to do on climate neutrality, though. The company aims to become carbon neutral worldwide by 2040, an ambitious goal. For now, FedEx ships its parcels without CO2-saving solutions and lags its competitors here.
Shipping with FedEx:
As you can see, there are plenty of parcel carriers in Germany. Which provider best meets your needs is something you'll have to weigh up yourself. One thing's certain: with the right parcel carrier, you can give consumers a positive buying experience and noticeably increase customer satisfaction. Long term, this also drives the growth of your e-commerce business. So don't put off the decision for too long!
Germany has a wide variety of parcel carriers serving the shipping market. The bulk of the volume, however, is handled by a small number of large providers. Market analyses show DHL, Hermes, UPS, DPD, GLS, and FedEx together handle around 99% of all shipments. Between them, they shape the shipping landscape in Germany.
DHL takes a leading role here, thanks to its dense delivery network, integration with Deutsche Post, and the many packstations that make sending and receiving very flexible for end customers. Hermes has a strong presence in B2C, while DPD and GLS are well connected internationally and a good fit for Europe-wide deliveries. UPS and FedEx tend to focus on international and express shipping.
Beyond these market leaders, there are also regional providers and courier services, especially in cities or for same-day delivery. Their market share is smaller, but they often offer specialized services that can be valuable for specific industries.
So while the number of relevant parcel carriers in Germany is manageable, they differ widely in focus, service offering, and target audiences.
The question of the best parcel carrier in Germany can't be answered with a blanket statement, since the assessment depends heavily on a business's or end customer's individual needs. DHL, Hermes, DPD, GLS, UPS, and FedEx are the key providers in any case.
In a study by the German Institute for Service Quality, DHL came out as the test winner. The carrier was praised in particular for reliability, a high next-business-day delivery rate, and the large number of packstations and branches. DHL delivers high customer satisfaction and is the preferred choice for many retailers in domestic shipping.
That said, other providers may be the better option depending on need. UPS is particularly strong in express and international shipping, while DPD and GLS are known for solid Europe coverage and flexible delivery options. Hermes wins on B2C bulk shipping and partners closely with major online retailers.
Which parcel carrier is "the best" therefore depends on factors like shipping volume, target regions, delivery speed, and add-on services. Many retailers go with a multi-carrier strategy to combine the strengths of multiple providers and offer customers the best possible service.
There's no blanket answer to the cheapest parcel service in Germany, since costs depend on multiple factors. Key drivers include parcel weight and size, shipping volume, and the destination country.
For small, light shipments, Hermes often offers very competitive rates, especially in B2C. DHL stands out with a transparent pricing model and attractive terms for private customers and small businesses, particularly when domestic shipments are the focus. DPD and GLS are interesting for mid-sized to larger retailers, since they often offer tiered pricing that pays off at higher volumes.
For international deliveries, providers like UPS or FedEx can be cheaper despite higher base rates when fast transit, specialized services, or combined logistics solutions matter. Retailers with steady shipping volumes often benefit here from individually negotiated framework contracts, which can significantly cut shipping costs.
Fulfillment providers like Zenfulfillment also let online retailers benefit from economies of scale. Through pooled shipping volumes, they get better rates from carriers and pass those on to their customers.
So the cheapest parcel carrier always comes down to the individual situation. Comparing prices between providers and analyzing your own shipping needs is the best way to find the optimal solution.
Germany has several major parcel carriers that dominate the shipping market and are relevant to both private customers and businesses. Among the most well-known and most popular are DHL, Hermes, DPD, GLS, and UPS. These providers have established themselves over many years and offer different services for different audiences.
DHL in particular plays a leading role in Germany. The carrier benefits from a very dense delivery network, high service quality, and tight integration with Deutsche Post. Many online retailers therefore prefer DHL, since deliveries are usually fast and reliable.
Hermes has a strong B2C presence and works closely with major mail-order companies and online retailers. DPD and GLS stand out with their international reach and are often the preferred choice for cross-border deliveries. UPS is smaller in Germany than DHL but is considered a reliable partner for express and international shipping.
The popularity of parcel carriers depends heavily on the specific requirements. For domestic shipments, many retailers go with DHL, while multi-carrier strategies are often used for international deliveries to optimize cost and speed.
The biggest parcel carriers in Germany — including DHL, Hermes, DPD, GLS, and UPS — differ mainly in their strengths, infrastructure, services, and market positioning.
DHL is considered the market leader in Germany. The carrier convinces with a very dense delivery network, numerous packstations, and a strong tie-in with Deutsche Post. For domestic shipments in particular, DHL is often the first choice, since deliveries usually go fast and reliably.
Hermes has firmly established itself in B2C and works closely with major online retailers. Hermes offers flexible delivery options, including parcel shops as a convenient alternative to home delivery for end customers.
DPD and GLS are known for their international focus. They have strong European networks and are particularly attractive for cross-border deliveries. They also lean into innovative tracking and flexible delivery options.
UPS stands out for its specialization in express and international shipments. Companies that need fast, time-critical delivery often turn to UPS.
The differences are less about basic service and more about focus areas: while DHL dominates domestic shipping, DPD, GLS, and UPS are particularly strong on international, and Hermes excels in B2C bulk shipping.
Finding the right parcel carrier for a business depends heavily on individual needs. The first step is to analyze your own shipping volume and target markets. A retailer that mainly delivers within Germany has a different focus than one that ships most orders abroad.
For domestic shipments, DHL is often the preferred choice, thanks to the densest delivery network and many packstations. Retailers heavily focused on international shipping, on the other hand, often benefit from providers like DPD, GLS, or UPS, which stand out with their international networks.
Another criterion is delivery time. Some parcel carriers offer standard shipping with delivery in 2–3 days, while others enable express options or even same-day delivery. Companies should consider whether speed is a critical competitive factor.
The cost structure also plays a central role. Depending on shipping volume and weight, prices between providers can vary significantly. Retailers should request comparison quotes and check which terms best match their business model.
Finally, add-on services like real-time tracking, flexible delivery options, and sustainable shipping should factor into the decision. Many companies also use a multi-carrier strategy to take advantage of multiple providers' strengths at once.
Choosing the right parcel carrier is a critical factor for businesses to ensure customer satisfaction and efficiency. Several criteria should factor into the decision.
A central criterion is delivery time. Customers today expect fast delivery, often within 24 hours. Companies should check whether the parcel carrier offers standard, express, or same-day options and how reliably these are executed.
Delivery quality also plays a major role. This includes not just punctuality but also low damage and loss rates. Carriers with high quality standards deliver a better customer experience and reduce overhead from complaints.
The cost structure is also critical. Depending on shipping volume, parcel size, and destination, prices can vary considerably. Retailers should compare offers and check whether tiered pricing or discounts for higher volumes are available.
Service offerings matter, too. These include real-time tracking, flexible delivery options like parcel shops or safe-place authorization, and customer-friendly returns management. Modern carriers also score points with digital interfaces that integrate seamlessly into shop systems.
Finally, the topic of sustainability is becoming more important. More and more parcel carriers are offering carbon-neutral shipping or using alternative vehicles, which is especially relevant for brands with environmentally conscious audiences.
Several parcel carriers in Germany offer fast delivery times, both for standard and express shipping. For standard shipping, most major providers — including DHL, DPD, GLS, Hermes, and UPS — deliver in one to two business days. DHL stands out in particular here, since the company has the densest delivery network and a very high next-day delivery rate.
For retailers who want to offer their customers especially short delivery times, express and same-day services come into play. UPS and DHL Express lead this segment and guarantee, depending on the tariff, next-day delivery or even within a few hours. DPD also offers next-day deliveries and stands out with flexible delivery options like same-day delivery window announcements.
Beyond that, there are dedicated solutions like Zenrush from Zenfulfillment, which lets online retailers deliver orders within Germany in just 24 hours. Services like this give retailers a clear competitive edge, since fast delivery is critical for customer satisfaction and repeat business in e-commerce.
Alongside the classic parcel carriers, regional providers in major cities also focus on same-day delivery, working with courier services or local networks.
So the fastest delivery times within Germany depend on both the chosen parcel carrier and the service level (standard, express, or same-day).
What add-on services do modern parcel carriers offer (e.g. tracking, same-day delivery)?
Domestic parcel carriers and international parcel carriers differ mainly in their delivery network, the services they offer, and the logistics processes required for cross-border deliveries.
A domestic parcel carrier like DHL, Hermes, DPD, or GLS primarily focuses on shipping within Germany. The advantage lies in a very dense delivery network, short transport routes, and flexible services like packstations, parcel shops, or next-day deliveries. Domestic providers can usually deliver orders within one to two business days, often faster.
International parcel carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL Express, on the other hand, have global networks. They specialize in moving shipments across borders, taking customs formalities, country-specific requirements, and longer transport routes into account. That makes them the first choice for retailers who regularly ship orders abroad.
While domestic providers stand out with regional coverage and lower costs, international parcel carriers offer broader reach and add-on services like express and air-freight solutions. Retailers often combine both models to serve domestic customers quickly and international markets reliably.
How do the prices of different parcel carriers affect e-commerce businesses?
Modern parcel carriers today do far more than transport from A to B. They round out their core business with numerous add-on services that make the shipping process more efficient and customer-friendly.
A central feature is tracking (Track & Trace). Both retailers and end customers can see in real time where a parcel is and when it's expected to arrive. This is complemented by email or app notifications that update at every step of the shipping process.
Another key add-on is flexible delivery options. Customers can redirect deliveries to parcel shops, packstations, or neighbors, or choose individual delivery times. This reduces missed deliveries and boosts customer satisfaction.
Same-day delivery and express options are also part of the modern service set. While providers like DHL Express and UPS deliver fast premium solutions, specialized services in major cities focus on same-day delivery. Combined with fulfillment providers, even more options open up — like Zenrush, which lets online retailers deliver within Germany in 24 hours.
Beyond that, many parcel carriers offer add-on services like insurance, carbon-neutral shipping, returns portals, or interfaces to shop systems that make the entire logistics process digital and transparent.
The prices of various parcel carriers directly affect the profitability of e-commerce businesses. Shipping costs are one of the central cost blocks in online retail and have a direct impact on margins, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction.
A key factor is shipping volume. Larger retailers often benefit from better terms, since high volumes let them negotiate discounts and special tariffs with parcel carriers. Small and mid-sized shops, on the other hand, often pay higher per-shipment prices. Fulfillment providers can help here, since they get better tariffs through pooled shipping volumes and pass those advantages on to their customers.
The pricing structure of parcel carriers varies by weight, parcel size, target region, and desired delivery speed. While domestic standard deliveries are often inexpensive, international or express shipments can quickly get expensive.
For e-commerce businesses, customer perception also plays a role. Many shoppers expect free or heavily discounted shipping. Retailers therefore have to calculate carefully whether to absorb shipping costs or pass them on to customers.
Prices also influence the choice of shipping strategy. Some companies stick with a single parcel carrier, while others use a multi-carrier solution to pick the cheapest or fastest option for each order.
The topic of sustainability is playing an increasingly important role for parcel carriers in Germany. With shipping volumes in e-commerce climbing, pressure from consumers and businesses for more climate-friendly solutions is growing too.
Many providers have therefore developed programs for carbon-neutral shipping. DHL, for example, offers "GoGreen" as a way to offset CO2 emissions through investments in climate-protection projects. DPD, Hermes, GLS, and UPS also use similar models that let customers ship carbon neutral.
Another approach is the use of alternative drives. More and more parcel carriers are investing in electric vehicles, cargo bikes, or even hydrogen trucks to cut CO2 emissions in delivery. Micro depots and bike-based delivery in particular ease traffic and environmental impact in urban areas.
Beyond delivery, packaging also plays a role. Many providers work with partners to use recyclable materials or reusable packaging solutions.
Sustainability isn't just a marketing argument here — it's increasingly a competitive factor. More and more end customers value eco-friendly shipping. For e-commerce retailers, that means choosing a sustainable parcel carrier can also have a positive impact on brand perception.
The cover image is by lovelyday12 on stock.adobe.com. The infographics and individual graphics are free to use and share. Please credit this post or zenfulfillment.com as the source.
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