Automats Now Recognized as Post Offices: A Game-Changer for Postal Services in Germany
Postal service has been officially expanded to include automated machines.
In an unprecedented move, the Federal Network Agency has officially approved the recognition of nine automated postal stations as branches, marking a significant shift in Germany's postal landscape. These so-called post stations now offer services such as parcel and package deposit and pickup, stamp purchases, and video consultations—all previously confined to traditional post offices.
Previously, automats have existed but were not officially recognized as branches. This new development enables automats to assist in fulfilling the post office's obligation to provide a dense network of branches, particularly in locations that have failed to meet this requirement for years. Specifically, this change affects nine locations across NRW, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.
The Post Office Faces Widespread Complaints and Inadequacies
The post office is mandated to establish a branch in communities with more than 2,000 inhabitants and ensure that the branch is no more than two kilometers away in contiguous residential areas. However, the post office has fallen short of these requirements for an extended period. In July 2024, there were 141 unoccupied mandatory locations in Germany where a branch should have been but was not.
The ongoing structural changes in retail have contributed to this issue, as kiosks, supermarkets, and other businesses that could also serve as post offices are diminishing, particularly in rural areas and on the outskirts of cities.
Post Office's Response to the Approval
A spokesperson for the post office expressed a positive outlook on the approval by the Federal Network Agency. "The post station is a customer-friendly automaton solution that is accessible around the clock and offers our customers the most essential letter and parcel services."
It is worth noting that DHL is also exploring the potential for expanding parcel automats, with plans to double their number in the future. This growth may put additional pressure on traditional post offices to Keep up with the evolving landscape of postal services.
Stay tuned for further developments, as the Federal Network Agency continues to examine applications for other locations. For the latest updates on the German postal industry, keep an eye on official communications from Deutsche Post AG or the Federal Network Agency or consult trustworthy news sources.
- The new recognition of automated postal stations as branches, such as those operated by Deutsche Post AG, will be deemed essential in meeting the community policy for the establishment of postal branches in areas with over 2,000 inhabitants.
- As DHL plans to double the number of parcel automats, it may create a competitive environment, compelling traditional post offices to enhance their vocational training programs and stay up-to-date with the rapidly changing landscape of postal services.
- To maintain a comprehensive network and cater to customers' growing needs, it is mandatory for postal services to incorporate these automated postal stations—like those approved by the Federal Network Agency—in strategic locations across various branches in Germany, including NRW, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.
