DHL Adjusts Package Fees: Heavier Packages Become More Expensive

A service note for all those ifun readers who regularly send packages, for example, because they trade on auction and sales platforms. DHL is restructuring its fees for particularly heavy shipments. Packages over 20 kilograms will become more expensive, while those under 20 kilograms will become slightly cheaper. Starting today, DHL will have a total of five weight classes for package shipping, instead of the previous four.

For the three most commonly used basic variants with a maximum weight of 2 kilograms, 5 kilograms, or 10 kilograms, everything remains the same. However, the highest weight class up to 31.5 kilograms is now being divided.

The shipping of packages up to and including 20 kilograms will now be offered at 18.99 euros instead of 19.99 euros, making it slightly cheaper. According to DHL, this accounts for around 80 percent of all packages with a weight between 10 and 31.5 kilograms. For packages weighing more than 20 kilograms, the price will increase from 19.99 euros to 23.99 euros starting today. The maximum weight for packages sent via DHL remains unchanged at 31.5 kilograms.

Legal Change as a Harbinger

Changes in this area have already been hinted at. Last week, the Bundesrat approved the so-called Postal Law Modernization Act (PostModG), which not only extends letter delivery times but also prescribes special transport conditions for heavy packages.

Packages weighing more than 10 kilograms must now be appropriately marked. If a package weighs more than 20 kilograms, it must be delivered either by two people or with the help of technical aids in the future. The additional effort that may arise here is now likely to be indirectly charged by the post office with the additional price increase.

Merchandise Shipments Now Up to 2 Kilograms

Since the beginning of the month, there have also been adjustments to book and merchandise shipments. These are now generally referred to as “Merchandise Shipments” and can now weigh up to 2 kilograms. The standard price remains at 2.55 euros; if the shipment weighs more than 1 kilogram, a weight surcharge of 0.85 euros will be applicable.

source: https://www.ifun.de/dhl-aendert-paketgebuehren-sehr-schwere-pakete-werden-teurer-235871/