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

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

Finishing, order picking, and packaging under customer contract.

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.

Delivery of express shipments on a specified day.

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

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

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.

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

In accordance with the German Postal Act, Deutsche Post AG has the exclusive license (which will expire at the end of 2007) to commercially transport letters and addressed catalogs individually weighing up to 50g and costing less than two and a half times the standard rate. Notable exceptions include higher-value services which can be separated from universal services and offer special service features.

Everyday consumer goods that sell quickly.

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

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

Shipments which completely fill a container.

Shipments which completely fill a truck.

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

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

International Air Transport Association.

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

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

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

The subcontracting of tasks to external service providers.

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

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

The study of stamps. Systematic collection of postage stamps.

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.

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

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 delivery of express shipments.

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

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

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

Delivery of express shipments at a specified time.

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