DHL urges law requiring two‑person delivery for packages over 23 kg

DHL, the German market leader in parcel delivery, is calling for a binding legal rule that any package weighing more than 23 kilograms must be delivered by a team of two couriers. The company argues the measure is needed to protect workers’ health – about one‑third of DHL’s sickness reports are for musculoskeletal problems. Over 90 % of heavy parcels could be split into lighter items, and such parcels represent only 1.1 % of DHL’s total volume.

DHL warns that without an industry‑wide rule its competitors would gain a cost advantage, risking loss of corporate clients. The transport union Verdi says the proposal does not go far enough, while rival carriers Hermes, GLS and DPD oppose it, citing staff shortages, higher costs and potential environmental impacts. The proposal would affect the whole German parcel sector and would require legislative amendment.