Severe weather conditions in Germany including freezing rain and up to 20 cm of fresh snow haveled to traffic disruption and thousands of accidents across the country, with some parcel operators
also experiencing partial delivery delays.Deutsche Post DHL spokeswoman Dunja Kuhlmann told CEP-Research that the company’s operationshave been well adjusted for cold weather conditions. “There is sufficient protective equipmentavailable for the delivery drivers while the vehicles were fitted with winter tyres long ago.However, some supply chain disruptions might occur in individual regions due to weather conditionswhich could ultimately lead to delivery delays, e.g. caused by delays on highways because ofweather-related traffic jams, accidents and possibly closures.”
DHL Germany’s flight operations at its major European air hub in Leipzig have been minimallyaffected, as contingencies have been implemented in the case of any delays and cancellations overthe weekend, she added. Some delays in pick-up and delivery services may occur due to the heavysnow and icy conditions in certain areas, however.
She stressed though that no major disruptions with a network-wide impact have been registered sofar in terms of operational processes.
DPD Germany is also experiencing some delivery delays, Peter Rey, DPD Germany spokesman, toldCEP-Research. “Due to severe weather conditions, delays in parcel deliveries can currently occurall over Germany. Regions in the west and in the south of the country are affected in particular.The delivery times of parcels might be extended by one day in some cases,” he said.
He stressed, however, that DPD is generally well prepared for winter conditions due to winterservices in the depots. “The safety of the drivers in road traffic is our top priority.”
