3PL

Third party logistics provider primarily using its own equipment and resources.

Container

Sealed, reusable metal box for carrying goods by ship or rail.

Co-pack services

Finishing, order picking and packaging under customer contract.

Contract logistics

Performance of complex logistics and logistics-related tasks along the value chain by a service provider. Services tailored to the particular industry and customer are provided under contracts lasting several years.

Day Definite

Delivery of express shipments on a specified day.

Dialogue marketing

Market-orientated activities which draw on direct communications to selectively reach target groups through a personal, individualised approach and to enter into dialogue.

Distribution

Process flows in the sales channel from producers via wholesalers/retailers to consumers.

Downstream access

As the dominant company in the market, Deutsche Post is obliged to make parts of the mail value chain available separately to customers and, under certain conditions, other postal service providers.

EU Postal Directive

Legal framework for the postal markets in the member states of the European Union.

Exclusive licence

In accordance with the German postal act, Deutsche Post AG had the exclusive licence until the end of 2007 to commercially transport certain items. The exclusive licence expired with effect from 1 January 2008.

Fast-moving consumer goods

Everyday consumer goods that sell quickly.

Federal Network Agency

(Bundesnetzagentur)
National regulator for electricity, gas, telecommunications, post and railway. Previously the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (Regulierungsbehörde für Telekommunikation und Post).

First Choice

Group-wide programme aimed at improving service quality and enhancing customer focus.

Full-container load (FCL)

Shipments which completely fill a container.

Global Customer Solutions

Account management organisation for the Group’s largest global clients.

Hub

Main transshipment base. Collection centre for the transshipment and consolidation of flows of goods.

IATA

International Air Transport Association.

Intermodal transport

Transport chain integrating different modes of transport, often combining road and rail.

Less-than-container load (LCL)

Loads that will not fill a container by themselves and are therefore grouped for ocean transport.

Logistics campus

Location where several distribution centres share certain resources such as staff and means of transport to save time and maximise cost efficiency.

Outsourcing

The subcontracting of tasks to external service providers.

Packstation

Parcel machine where parcels and small packets can be deposited and collected around the clock.

Paketbox

Postbox for franked parcels and small packets (maximum dimensions: 50 x 40 x 30cm).

Philately

The study of stamps. Systematic collection of postage stamps.

Postal act

(Postgesetz)
The purpose of the German postal act, which was adopted on 1 January 1998, is to promote postal competition through regulation and ensure the nationwide provision of appropriate and sufficient postal services. The postal act includes regulations on licensing, price control and the universal service.

Preferred periodical

A press product of which more than 30% consists of journalistic reporting.

Price-cap procedure

Procedure whereby the Federal Network Agency approves prices for key mail products. The agency approves prices on the basis of parameters it stipulates in advance, which set the average changes in these prices within baskets of services defined by the agency.

Same Day

Same-day delivery of express shipments.

Standard letter

Letter measuring max. 235 x 125 x 5mm and weighing up to 20g.

Standard periodical

A press product of which no more than 30% consists of journalistic reporting.

Supply chain

A series of connected resources and processes from sourcing materials to delivering goods to consumers.

TEU

Twenty-foot equivalent unit. Standardised container unit measuring 20 feet in length (1 foot = approximately 30cm).

Time Definite

Delivery of express shipments at a specified time.

Value-added services

Services which go beyond core services offered and thus create added value.