This is the first time that Germany's number one postal service provider has made it to the top of the ranking list. In past years, Deutsche Post always came in second or third place. The international study examines four criteria: reliability, international network reach, relevance of the postal portfolio and resilience (robustness and willingness to innovate). Additional points were also awarded for shipment tracking, data quality and carbon savings. Deutsche Post secured top marks in all categories.  

Despite being pleased with the result, the company points out the challenge of maintaining quality with the high price pressure caused by regulation. The standard letter postage in Germany is now around 43 percent below the European average, and even below the price level in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. And this despite the fact that Germany is one of the front runners when it comes to wage costs.

The award will be presented to Deutsche Post today in Bern, where the Universal Postal Union is headquartered, as part of the festivities for World Post Day. Today is also cause for double celebrations as the UN specialized agency celebrates its 150th anniversary. The Universal Postal Union was founded as the result of suggestion by German Postmaster General Heinrich von Stephan and has been regulating the flow of international mail since 1874.