Hermes Germany to take on 5,500 extra staff to boost peak capacity

Parcel carrier Hermes Germany is taking on 5,500 additional workers to help boost its capabilities in the run-up to Christmas. The company said it is once again expecting to handle a record volume of parcels during this year’s peak season.

Forecasts are for a 10% increase on last year’s festive season volumes as the boom in online shopping continues. The company is expecting to handle 35m shipments in Germany and Austria in the Christmas season, up on the 30m seen last year.

Hermes, which is owned by catalog retail giant Otto Group, said it will also expand its vehicle fleet by 3,000 vehicles during the peak period to handle the volume.

Dirk Rahn, the director of operations at Hermes Logistics Group Germany, said: “For Hermes, Christmas is by far the most important time of year.

“In particular our efforts will focus on the final 10 days before Christmas Eve, when our couriers will be knocking on 1.5m doors each day across Germany.”

The 5,500 additional full-time and part-time staff being recruited for the peak season will include 3,000 delivery staff, with other jobs in warehouses and in long-haul transport operations.

Along with 3,000 additional delivery vehicles, about 150 extra 7.5-ton trucks and 300 tractor-trailer units will be added to the trunking system to boost long haul transport capacity by 35%.

Rahn said: “With the expanded capacity we are very well positioned even if shipment volumes are higher than expected. The only weakness could be the weather: just around Christmas the weather conditions are crucial for a smooth process.”

The Hermes Germany director of operations said in snowy weather, drivers would be urged to shift down a gear, prioritising safety.

“If December is as mild as last year, however, there’s nothing to prevent a successful business at Christmas,” he added.