BdKEP Federal Association of Courier Express Post Services e.V.

What BdKEP Federal Association of Courier Express Post Services e.V. does

BdKEP (Bundesverband der Kurier-Express-Post-Dienste e.V.) is a Berlin-based registered association (e.V.) founded in 1990 to represent the commercial and political interests of small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany's Courier, Express, Package, and Letter (KEP) sector — an industry the association itself quantifies as over €27 billion in annual revenue and more than 500,000 employees. Membership-derived revenue funds four distinct service lines: (1) political advocacy at federal, state, and EU levels, including the Open Postal Alliance initiative (launched May 2014) and representation in DIN, CEN, and BVL working groups; (2) market intelligence, principally the LAE-KEP-Index co-published with Logistics Advisory Experts GmbH (LAE) as a monthly Laspeyres-style price index methodology developed with the University of St. Gallen; (3) a member benefits marketplace (Vorteilswelt) that aggregates group-negotiated terms with at least twelve vehicle OEMs, multiple EV and cargo-bike vendors, fuel-card and leasing partners, insurance brokers (KEP WiDi, Werksviertel), and route-planning software providers; and (4) compliance and certification products including the FairKEP code of conduct, GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification via DQS, and GDPR (DSGVO) implementation tools for KEP services.

Operationally, BdKEP runs as a national membership organization with a direct, sales-led go-to-market: prospective members complete a downloadable application PDF and contact the association by phone (+49 30 200 76 207) or email, with no public pricing for membership dues. Paid subscriptions exist on the LAE-KEP-Index (€299/6 months, €499/12 months, with a 15% member discount via 'bdkep-mitglied'). Marketing relies on a regularly updated blog, newsletter, expert network directory, and industry events. The association has no disclosed proprietary software platform, no external funding, and no parent company; it is governed by Chairman Andreas Schumann, Deputy Andreas Weinhut, and board members Achim Danner and Florian Jungmeier.

Name

BdKEP Federal Association of Courier Express Post Services e.V.

Legal name

Bundesverband der Kurier-Express-Post-Dienste e.V.

Website

https://bdkep.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

BdKEP is a Berlin-based German trade association founded in 1990 that represents small and medium-sized courier, express, package, and letter service companies through political advocacy, the LAE-KEP-Index market intelligence product, group purchasing benefits, and FairKEP and GDP certification programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services (Logistics Industry)

NAICS

Couriers and Express Delivery Services (492110), Local Messengers and Local Delivery (49221), Support Activities for Transportation (488)

SIC

Trucking (No Local) (4213)

akta.pro primary industry

Premium B2B Express & Scheduled Time-Window Delivery (TLAAABAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Financial & Legal Document Exchange (Banking, Courts, Law Firms) (TLAAAEAD)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Courier parcel logistics
• Postal market intelligence
• Transport certification programs
• Group purchasing benefits

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership dues: BdKEP operates as a trade association funded by membership fees. Companies apply for membership via a downloadable application form and pay dues to the association. The membership provides access to purchasing advantages (group-negotiated vehicle, fuel, insurance, software deals), political representation, expert network, certifications (FairKEP, GDP), and industry publications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BdKEP is a German trade association providing political representation, group purchasing benefits, market intelligence (LAE-KEP-Index), and certification programs (FairKEP, GDP) for small and medium-sized courier, express, package, and letter services companies in Germany. Members gain access to centrally negotiated terms with vehicle manufacturers, insurers, fuel card providers, and software vendors, as well as regulatory guidance on tachograph, GDPR, and postal market rules.

Product overview

BdKEP is a trade association representing the German KEP (Courier, Express, Parcel) industry, operating since 1990. The organization does not offer a unified software platform but provides a portfolio of member services centered on advocacy, market intelligence, and member benefits. The core market intelligence product is the LAE-KEP-Index, a monthly price index for the German KEP market. Additional offerings include certification programs (FairKEP, GDP for pharma transport), the Vorteilswelt member benefits marketplace offering preferential terms on vehicles, fleet services, insurance, and software, and GDPR compliance tools for KEP services. The organization also provides political lobbying, expert network coordination, and industry event organization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LAE-KEP-Index (Premium Subscription) A monthly market intelligence product jointly published by BdKEP and Logistics Advisory Experts GmbH (LAE) that tracks real price developments in the German KEP (Courier, Express, Parcel) market. Provides real-time pricing data, market segment indices, big-data-based price forecasts, and expert commentary for strategic decision support. Targeted at logistics managers, procurement leads, and strategy teams at KEP shippers, LSPs, and industry consultancies. Premium subscription priced at €299 for 6 months or €499 for 12 months, with a 15% discount for BdKEP members.
• FairKEP Certification Program A certification program with a FairKEP Code, background documentation, and accreditation process to establish fair standards for KEP (Courier, Express, Package) services. Targeted at KEP operators seeking to demonstrate ethical and fair business practices.
• GDP (Good Distribution Practice) Certification Good Distribution Practice certification for pharmaceutical transport companies, ensuring proper handling and distribution of medicinal products. Delivered via DQS as the certification partner. Targeted at KEP operators transporting pharmaceutical goods who need to demonstrate compliance with GDP standards.
• Vorteilswelt (Member Benefits Program) A member benefits program offering preferential pricing on vehicles (conventional and electric), fleet services, hardware/software, transport insurance, and other operational services negotiated centrally through the association with partners including Peugeot, Opel, FIAT, Ford, IVECO, Nissan, Volkswagen, MAN, Polestar, B-ON, Cenntro, LEVC, citkar, MG Mobility, UTA, JITpay, and others. Exclusively available to BdKEP members.
• DSGVO Tools for KEP Services GDPR (Datenschutz-Grundverordnung / DSGVO) implementation tools and resources specifically tailored for KEP (Courier, Express, Package) services, including FAQ sections, a dedicated KEP data protection forum, and step-by-step implementation guidelines. Targeted at KEP operators needing to comply with EU data protection requirements.
• Group-Negotiated Transport Insurance (KEP WiDi / Werksviertel) Transport insurance offered jointly to BdKEP members via KEP Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH (KEP WiDi) and Werksviertel Versicherungsmakler GmbH. Covers commercial vehicles up to 3.5t total weight at approximately €10.91/month, including a 40 SDR liability corridor clause, €150 deductible, parcel liability clause from €5/month, and negligence clause. Quantity discounts available from 3+ units; quote-based pricing subject to 3-year claims history.

Quantifiable outcome

• Group-negotiated transport insurance at €10.91/month for vehicles up to 3.5t (~27% less than 2024 rates)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Open Postal AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2014Launched by BdKEP in May 2014, the Open Postal Alliance is an initiative inviting technology providers, KEP companies, institutions, and consumer representatives to work together for non-discriminatory access to postal markets for all market participants. It promotes open standards such as carrier-independent tracking numbers, standardized labels, and data exchange formats.
• Logistics Advisory Experts GmbH (LAE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLAE and BdKEP jointly publish the LAE-KEP-Index, a monthly index tracking real price developments in the German KEP market. The index is based on real KEP prices from logistics service providers and shippers, calculated using a Laspeyres index methodology developed with the University of St. Gallen. BdKEP members receive a 15% discount on the premium subscription.
• KEP Wirtschaftsdienst GmbH (KEP WiDi)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerKEP WiDi (KEP Wirtschaftsdienst) is a key BdKEP partner providing vehicle procurement, fleet management, and related services to members. It is also the contact for acquiring the LAE-KEP-Index premium subscription. Jointly with Werksviertel Versicherungsmakler GmbH, it offers transport insurance to BdKEP members.
• Werksviertel Versicherungsmakler GmbHcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance broker jointly offering transport insurance solutions to BdKEP members with KEP WiDi. The insurance covers commercial vehicles up to 3.5t, parcel liability, and other KEP-specific risks at rates reportedly ~27% below 2024 levels for BdKEP members.
• TachoGuardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTachoGuard is BdKEP's partner for tachograph compliance solutions. As of July 2026, vehicles 2.5–3.5t in international commercial transport require Smart Tachograph G2V2. TachoGuard offers a complete solution from €79/month including hardware, software, and a TachoGuide manual.
• DIE WIRTSCHAFTSMACHER / LogistikheldenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDIE WIRTSCHAFTSMACHER is a premium partner of BdKEP, operating the Logistikhelden initiative. It provides content and marketing support for the KEP industry.
• Vehicle Manufacturers (Conventional)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBdKEP has centrally negotiated purchasing conditions with multiple vehicle manufacturers for members: Citroën, FIAT, Ford, IVECO, KIA, MAN, Maxus, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, and Volkswagen. These group purchasing arrangements are a core member benefit.
• Electric Vehicle and Last-Mile PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBdKEP offers group purchasing for electric and last-mile vehicles: Polestar, ANTRIC, B-ON, Cenntro, LEVC, Nissan (electric), citkar, and MG Mobility Green (last-mile cargo bikes). These partnerships support the transition to e-mobility.
• Fuel and Fleet Service PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFleet service partners include UTA | Edenred (fuel cards), JITpay | JITfuel (fuel management), SIXT (corporate fleet rates), CARGLASS, COMCO (leasing), e-cuno, Green-Zones, tiramizoo (last-mile delivery), truckoo, VANDATA, and HHB Versicherungsmakler (insurance broker).
• Certification Partners (DQS, FairKEP)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBdKEP offers GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification via DQS and the FairKEP code of conduct with accreditation. These are key differentiators for members operating in pharma transport and ethical standards.
• HUSS-VERLAGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHUSS-VERLAG is a B2B publisher partner offering BdKEP members discounted access to industry publications and the book 'Fit für die KEP-Branche' (€27.90 with BdKEP discount code).
• IMB Privates Institut für MittelstandsberatungminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIMB provides Mittelstandsberatung (SME consulting) services to BdKEP members from its location in Herten (Lise-Meitner-Straße 7-11, 45699 Herten).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Ecommerce Europe: European federation of e-commerce associations. Indirectly comparable to BdKEP as a Brussels-based trade federation representing the demand side of KEP services, with overlapping regulatory interests on postal market access and cross-border delivery.

Regional players

• AMÖ Bundesverband Möbelspedition und Logistik: German national association for moving and logistics companies. Comparable to BdKEP as a SME-focused transport association with a similar member-services-and-certification model, though specialized in the household/commercial moving segment.
• Logistics UK: UK trade association for logistics businesses. Comparable to BdKEP as a SME-focused national logistics association offering policy advocacy, training, and member benefits, but operating in the UK rather than Germany.

Broad incumbents

• BVL Bundesvereinigung Logistik: Germany's largest logistics network and knowledge platform. Comparable to BdKEP as a cross-industry logistics association but broader in scope, spanning supply chain management, SCM education, and events rather than the SME KEP niche.
• DIHK Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag: German Confederation of Chambers of Commerce. Comparable to BdKEP as a publicly-mandated representation body for German SMEs with extensive policy and member-service reach, but far broader in scope and statute-based.
• Federal Association of German Industry (BDI): Germany's apex industry association representing the full industrial base. Comparable to BdKEP as a Berlin-based registered association with policy advocacy and member services, but at a vastly broader industry scope and scale.

Direct peers

• BGL Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung: German national trade association for road freight haulage, logistics, and disposal. Directly comparable to BdKEP as a sectoral lobbying and member-services body for SME transport operators in Germany, with overlapping political advocacy on driving time, toll, and vehicle regulations.
• DSLV Deutscher Speditions- und Logistikverband: German association for freight forwarders and logistics service providers. Directly comparable as a national trade body representing logistics intermediaries, with parallel member services, group purchasing, and policy advocacy at federal and EU level.

Emerging players

• IPC International Post Corporation: Brussels-based association of 25+ national postal operators. Comparable to BdKEP as a postal-sector association providing market intelligence, benchmarking, and policy advocacy, but international and dominated by incumbent postal operators rather than SME KEP companies.
• PostEurop: European postal-sector association representing universal service providers. Comparable to BdKEP as a Brussels-based lobbying and knowledge-sharing body for postal operators, though its members are typically designated national postal operators rather than independent couriers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bdkep
• Facebookfacebook.com/BdKEP
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bdkep-bundesverband-der-kurier-express-post-dienste-e.v.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BdKEP Federal Association of Courier Express Post Services e.V.