Overview
- DHL advises domestic letters and parcels be sent by Dec 20, with DHL Express still possible on Dec 22; Hermes requires drop‑off by Dec 19 at 12:00; DPD needs standard parcels by Dec 19 and accepts express/priority until Dec 23, which it lists as the last binding delivery day; GLS sets Dec 19 for domestic standard.
- International cutoffs are earlier and tiered, with DHL recommending parcels by Dec 15 to neighboring countries, Dec 11 to other European destinations, and Nov 26 outside Europe, while GLS sets Dec 18 for neighboring EU, Dec 17 for other EU and Dec 15 worldwide, typically by noon.
- Major retailers flag last‑order guidance, including Amazon’s “Delivered before Christmas” label, Ikea parcel orders by Dec 17, MediaMarkt/Saturn’s package deadline on Dec 21, Otto orders by Dec 22 at 23:30, and Zalando by Dec 18 for standard or Dec 22 at 12:30 via express.
- Carriers report peak‑season scaling, with DHL adding about 10,000 temporary staff and roughly 11,000 vehicles, Hermes around 2,500 hires and 3,500 vehicles, and GLS up to 5,000 additional workers and about 2,000 vehicles.
- Customers are urged to use options like Packstations and Wunschzustellung, verify addresses and packaging, avoid decorative wrapping on outer boxes, and note that DHL Express refunds the surcharge if the guarantee is missed while DPD offers a money‑back guarantee for express.