Amazon has started to employ its own drivers in Germany and plans to open 11 more distribution centres. The company is developing a transport network to reduce costs and improve service quality.
The e-commerce giant wants to focus on its own transport – including road transport – and for this reason, employs drivers in Germany who will handle the last mile transport. Thanks to this move, the company wants to reduce shipping costs, which are constantly increasing, and speed up deliveries, informs Reuters news agency.
If we have last-mile in our own hands we can offer more services like same-day delivery,” said Bernd Gschaider, Germany director for Amazon Logistics at a distribution centre outside Mannheim.”
Gschaider said its move was designed to help it cover increased volumes, but it poses a challenge to major logistics firms like Deutsche Post DHL, Hermes and DPD.
Amazon’s recruitment starts in Munich, where the company plans to hire 200 drivers.
Amazon started its logistics operations in Germany in 2015 and currently operates 4 sorting centres and 13 distribution centres that prepare shipments for delivery.
Along with 11 additional distribution centres, the company is also planning to open two sorting plants this year, which will be launched to keep up with the deliveries during the Christmas rush as it expands its area of deliveries beyond just the main cities.
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