July 15, 2022, 10:30 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Parcel lockers are convenient because you can have packages delivered directly there if you’re not home. However, DHL is now changing the pickup process.
To ease its own shipping structure and offer customers an additional delivery option, DHL once introduced parcel lockers. If you’re not home, you can have your packages delivered there and pick them up at your convenience. According to Statista, one in five Germans has already used DHL’s parcel lockers. Previously, a customer card and a four-digit pickup code were required for collection. But now, DHL has changed the pickup process at the parcel lockers.
Overview
Pickup only with “Post & DHL” app and QR code
As early as March 2022, DHL announced that customers must now download the “Post & DHL” app on their smartphones to continue picking up packages from parcel lockers. Those who already have the app should update it accordingly. The shipping service provider is now informing via email about another innovation. In the future, a scannable code provided by DHL through the app will be necessary for package pickup. The four-digit pickup code that customers previously received via the app or email will no longer be available.
All available shipments are listed in the “Post & DHL” app. Customers can find the necessary QR code for pickup by clicking on the relevant delivery in the “Parcel Locker” section. As mentioned, they no longer need the customer card. According to DHL, the adjustments at the parcel locker are intended to make package pickup even easier and more convenient. DHL lists three reasons for the switch from the customer card to the smartphone app:
- Faster to the package–just scan the pickup code
- One app for everything–find all information in the app, not just about parcel lockers
- No customer card needed anymore
Read also: DHL increases prices: How much packages will cost starting July 1, 2022
Customers without smartphones are at a disadvantage
At first glance, everything seems to be getting better, one might think. But people are creatures of habit, and the forced switch to an app is likely to annoy some customers. Especially since you still have to register there. Customers without smartphones are left out.
As a DHL spokesperson confirmed to TECHBOOK, the customer cards will lose their function: “Our goal is for all customers to use the Post & DHL app to pick up shipments addressed directly to the parcel locker. We have been informing our customers about the switch to the app and its benefits since September 2021 in various communication waves–such as making receiving shipments more convenient and also safer. In this context, we will gradually phase out the old procedure. However, there will still be a transition period for all customers who have not yet switched to app usage. Newly registered customers will use the new procedure directly.”
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How customers use the “Post & DHL” app for parcel lockers
The following steps are necessary to use the “Post & DHL” app on your Android or Apple smartphone:
- Install or update the app via the App Store/Play Store
- Activate the smartphone in the app. Tap the Activate button in the “Post & DHL” app in the Parcel Locker section.
- Scan the pickup code. Find your shipments in the “Post & DHL” app in the Parcel Locker section. Then tap on the parcel locker you are standing in front of, and your pickup code will be displayed. Select the Pick Up menu item on the parcel locker screen and scan your pickup code. You can then directly open the compartment with your shipment.