I did not say that Otto is innocent in this case. Most of the bad press is a result of Hermes' overdependence of contractors, who often have contractors themsel

I did not say that Otto is innocent in this case. Most of the bad press is a result of Hermes' overdependence of contractors, who often have contractors themselves. Of course, each link in the chain of contractors is obligated to make profit from the already low shipping price. DHL has this problem too (see the small "On behalf of" at the logo). Even though, DHL has another history (Deutsche Post) and therefore some advantages. The logistic companies are working on this. As a result you find more and more pickup shops. It is even discussed to make door-to-door delivery a premium service, so less delivery wo/men are needed and prices for direct shipping can be raised. The standard service will then be to pickup shops or automated packet stations only. Of course, this can be prevented if customers would accept higher shippings costs...