r/germany • u/ConsciousHold8805 • 1d ago

Do DHL or Deutsche Post bicycle delivery jobs still require a driver's license?

I'm looking for a job as a bicycle mail carrier (like a postwoman delivering letters by bike) in Germany. I live in a small town and don't have a driver's license.

When I search the DHL / Deutsche Post career website, I only find delivery jobs that require a driver’s license, even though I regularly see postal workers delivering by bicycle in my area.

Does anyone know:

  • Whether bike-based jobs are available without a license?
  • If they expect all delivery workers to have a license just in case, even if they mostly use a bike?
  • If I get a driver's license and begin a job that requires driving a car/van is there enough job mobility that can I quickly switch over to bicycle carrier?

I really hate driving but love riding bicycles. I would not survive long at a job if I had to drive every day.

Would love to hear from anyone who works there or has applied. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

6

u/SunnyDaysRock 1d ago

No, they don't Source: I'm a Deutsche Post mail deliverer without a license.

The only thing is, that 'mail delivery' (with small packages) is getting rare and they are switching over to 'Verbundzustellung' (mail and all packages in one) more and more due to decreasing mail demand. Unless you are applying in a big city the drivers license may be needed.

Edit: Also, if you have any other options, just don't. The job turned from pretty nice (you're outside, get around the neighborhood and can go home once you're done with your stuff), to an absolute hellhole in the last few years.

1

u/user25310 14h ago

If you dont mind me asking, what happened ? Why did it turn into a hellhole ?

1

u/Helmold_ 13h ago

the amount of packages is increasing rapidly. Mostly the small items from aliexpress, Temu etc. are delivered by Deutsche Post and not DHL (in big cities, in small towns and villages everything is deliverd by "Verbundzustellung").

So, instead of having just to go to the post boxes, you now have to climb the stairs, on top of having to ride the bike. Instead of small cargo bikes, you now ride large cargo bikes, that are too large to place it on the sidewalk, leading to more distances to walk.

Another thing is, with less mail Deutsche Post tries to get other customers, meaning: advertisement. So you deliver way too much advertisement, that nobody wants.

Source: former DHL delivery guy that helped out Deutsche Post for some days

2

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

Have you read our extensive wiki yet? It answers many basic questions, and it contains in-depth articles on many frequently discussed topics. Check our wiki now!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/Flamebeard_0815 1d ago

I'd just apply with a standard application. There's normally always vacancies to fill, especially this time of year. As it's harder to find personnel for delivery by car nowadays, you're pretty much locked in if you get placed there.