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Starting 1 January 2025, DHL will replace Warenpost with its new DHL Kleinpaket service. This marks a significant shift for e-commerce businesses. While the new shipping option comes with various benefits, it also brings challenges that retailers need to prepare for.

Benefits of DHL Kleinpaket

Many advantages of Warenpost will carry over to DHL Small Parcel, including:

  • Cost-Effective for Small Items: Although prices are set to increase, DHL Small Parcel will remain an affordable solution for lightweight shipments up to 8 cm in height.

  • Improved Tracking and Liability: Unlike Warenpost, which lacked liability coverage, DHL Kleinpaket will include tracking and liability up to €20 per shipment.

  • Additional Services: Services such as delivery notifications, safe-place drop-offs, and neighbour delivery will be included free of charge.

  • Flexible Delivery Options: Retailers can send items directly to parcel lockers or arrange store-based delivery, minimising return costs.

  • Sustainability: DHL offers GoGreen services (+€0.01) and GoGreen Plus (+€0.03), helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

  • Transparency: DHL Kleinpaket provides multiple tracking points during delivery, including:
    1) Delivery notification.
    2) Scanning at distribution centres.
    3) Delivery confirmation (e.g., mailbox drop-off, direct handover, or redirection to a pickup point).

By the way, Warenpost International already offers some of these benefits - such as liability of up to €20 and climate-neutral shipping. 

Shipping Specifications for DHL Kleinpaket


DHL has confirmed that the shipping specifications for Small Parcel will remain consistent with Warenpost. Key details include:

  • Dimensions: Minimum size of 10 x 7 x 0.1 cm and maximum size of 35.3 x 25 x 8 cm.

  • Weight: Up to 1 kg per shipment.

  • Delivery Time: Standard transit time of two business days (Monday to Saturday).

  • Collection and Delivery: Collection is included for businesses with over 6,000 shipments per year.

Integration and Usage

DHL Kleinpaket will integrate seamlessly into the existing DHL business customer portal, where retailers can:

  • Generate shipping labels

  • Track shipment status

  • Manage returns efficiently

IT system updates will be minimal, primarily limited to reflecting the new product name.

Labelling and Handling Requirements

Proper labelling and handling are essential to ensure smooth delivery processing. DHL has outlined the following requirements:

  • Common Label: Use the standard Common Label, sized 10 x 20 cm.

  • Small Parcel Label: For small shipments, use the special label in 7 x 10 cm format.

Separate Delivery Instructions

  • Separation from Other Shipments: Ensure that DHL small parcels are kept separate from other types of shipments.

  • Sorting by Height: Sort parcels based on their height into two categories: less than 3 cm and between 3-8 cm.

  • Container Labeling: Clearly label containers for Kleinpaket deliveries.

 

 

When Will DHL Kleinpaket Be Available?

The new service launches on 1 January 2025, automatically replacing Warenpost for existing customers. Retailers can continue using Warenpost labels until 1 April 2025.

Key Differences Between Warenpost and Kleinpaket

With the shift from Warenpost to Kleinpaket, several key conditions will change, particularly for retailers with small margins or high shipping volumes:

Pricing: The costs for DHL Kleinpaket will be significantly higher compared to Warenpost:

  • 200–999 shipments: €3.19 each
  • 1,000 - 2,999 shipments: €3.09 each
  • From 3,000 shipments: €2.99 each

(By comparison, Warenpost from €2.95. Note that the prices may vary depending on individual contracts or be changed over time.

Additional Charges:

  • Energy Surcharge: 1.25% per shipment
  • Peak Surcharge: €0.19 per package (applies in November and December)
  • Returns Shipments: €2,00 per shipment

Delivery Time: Delivery time extends from one to two working days.

Availability and Network Structure: It remains unclear whether Small Parcels will continue to use the mail network or shift to DHL’s parcel network, which may impact delivery availability and speed.

Customer Confusion: The transition may cause temporary confusion among customers, particularly if multiple delivery options overlap.

Is DHL Kleinpaket the Right Choice for Your Business?

DHL Kleinpaket is ideal for e-commerce retailers shipping compact, lightweight goods within Germany. Businesses in the following industries stand to benefit:

  • Electronics: Accessories like charging cables, phone cases.

  • Pet Supplies: Toys and treats.

  • Jewellery: Earrings, necklaces.

  • Supplements and Cosmetics: Small containers or sample sizes.

Important: A minimum shipping volume of 200 parcels per year is required to use this product.

Conclusion

DHL Kleinpaket offers a forward-thinking solution for e-commerce retailers, with added insurance, sustainability options, and enhanced tracking features. However, businesses must weigh these benefits against the higher costs and extended delivery times.

As e-commerce continues to evolve, DHL’s latest offering ensures that shipping small parcels remains secure, sustainable, and convenient—meeting the needs of modern businesses.

For further details, visit here.