Deutsche Post also specifically criticizes the new instrumentsprovided in the law for artificially stimulating competition in adownward-trending mail market, such as the consistency requirementfor fees, the elimination of surplus revenue for infractions of feeregulation provisions, and network access for merchandise shipmentsand press products. By promoting competition in the letter mailsector, legislators have adopted special measures that have provento be abject failures in other EU countries. Comparable steps inother countries have led to higher prices and lower quality.Equally incomprehensible is the proliferation of bureaucracy in thenew Postal Act such as new reporting requirements.
Changes to letter mail
Starting next year, the new PostalAct will also impact letter mail delivery times. Approximately 95%of letters will now reach recipients within three business days ofposting instead of the current two days. Looking toward the future,customers can choose their desired delivery timeframe, with aprojected launch date of 2025.
Changes to parcels
According to the new postal law,parcels that weigh more than 10 kilograms or more than 20 kilogramsmust be labeled as such. The labeling must be clearly visible, easyto understand, and draw attention to the higher weight.
Impact on the retail outlet network
The new law alsorequires the company to continue to operate 12,000 post officesacross Germany. To that extent, it ensures that the nation'scustomers will continue to have access to local brick-and-mortaroptions. The company is not restricted to universal servicebranches but may also operate automated postal stations. Thismodernization course is good news for Deutsche Post customers sinceautomated stations are usually universally accessible and highlypopular. It is becoming increasingly difficult in some areas tofind suitable shops or retailers to operate retail outlets. Asalways, Deutsche Post will ensure that every community has thelegally required postal services it needs.