Hermes Germany expects to deliver more than 35 million parcels for Christmas this year, reachinglast year’s record level again and representing about 120% more than its average annual
volumes.Like in 2011, the company also claims to ensure a 99% delivery guarantee of shipments on timefor Christmas. It is hiring up to 500 additional workers at its hub and depot facilities to get theincreasing number of shipments during the Christmas period delivered in due time, company spokesmanMartin Frommhold told CEP-Research.
Depending on the volumes and the weather conditions, Hermes will also be delivering parcels onthe Sunday before Christmas, if necessary. During peak days, around 4,000 more deliverers areplanned to be deployed.
Frommhold declined to disclose any preliminary results for this year or make any preciseforecasts for 2013 ahead of the annual press conference next April. However, Hermes Germany expectsits shipping volumes to increase again next year thanks to the ongoing international e-commerceboom.
Due to the growing market requirements, however, the logistics operators are under pressure toprovide faster, more comprehensive and flexible services while also meeting social and ecologicalstandards, Frommhold explained. “And all this in the context of the much propagated ‘free delivery’, meaning with all extras but without extra charge. This commitment cannot be maintained this way inthe long term. The prices in the industry will go up, accordingly,” he stated.
“The working conditions for people deployed in parcel delivery will remain a further ongoingchallenge, especially in the context mentioned above. In this respect, Hermes already started thisyear a unique industry-wide certification model to provide transparency and security but also highstandards. We will continue these efforts in 2013,” Frommhold added.
Hermes Germany has urged its customers to submit their domestic parcel and packages at one ofits 14,000 parcel shops nationwide by midday on 21 December to ensure timely delivery beforeChristmas Eve. The company also advised shippers to pay attention to appropriate packaging to makesure their Christmas parcels reach their destination on time and undamaged.
“Thoroughly packaged parcels may look good but are a problem for the automated sorting machines.We therefore recommend stable cardboard boxes, firm wrapping paper and sufficient packing material.This way, the gifts are optimally protected on long transport routes,” Oliver Kuhn, Area ManagerLast Mile Monitoring at Hermes Germany, said.
Until the end of this year, Hermes is donating 2 cents from each sent private parcel to theGerman charity organisation ‘A Heart for Children’. The fund-raising campaign covers parcels andpackages as well as luggage, bicycles, skis, etc. shipped with Hermes. The proceeds will benefitchildren in need.
