DPD: food and NHS deliveries to increase rapidly

Parcel delivery firm DPD says it is making 200,000 food deliveries a week and DPD is planning for that number to rise significantly in the coming weeks.

DPD has teamed up with supermarket giant Morrisons to deliver food boxes in addition to handling an increase in deliveries for existing food and recipe box shippers.

On 30 March the Department for Transport’s (DfT) clarified that the work of the logistics sector is essential and should continue during the Covid-19 crisis.

DPD is also now making thousands of additional deliveries for the NHS including hospitals, GP surgeries, out of hours centres, pharmacies, adult care homes and hospices.  DPD has recently delivered 10.3 million masks, 6.7 million gloves and 5.2 million aprons for the NHS.

Protecting DPD’s workforce and customers remains the number one priority.  As part of its response to Covid-19, the firm has introduced full social distancing measures throughout its operation which includes everyone staying two metres apart during briefings and for all processes such as loading and unloading vehicles.  Driver start times have also been staggered to ensure there are far fewer drivers in the depot at any time and extra cleaning measures have been introduced at all depots and parcel hubs.  Meanwhile, on the doorstep, all deliveries are contactless, with the driver maintaining a distance of at least two metres at all times.

DPD have meticulously followed social distancing protocols throughout the operation with widespread changes to processes, a complete remodelling of the depot buildings and analysis of the movement of people.  The firm has also repurposed resources in each depot to continuously monitor and improve the steps being taken.  For example, new entrance and exit points have been created to remove potential bottle necks and DPD has introduced concept of chevrons, similar to those used on parts of the motorway network, to help keep people two metres apart on walkways.

Dwain McDonald, DPD’s CEO commented: “At a time when many people are still struggling to safely get hold of fresh produce and essential supplies, we have partnered with Morrisons to provide next-day delivery for their food boxes, with our full one-hour delivery slot service.  It is hugely reassuring for people to see that they can order these goods easily and know exactly when they will be arriving.

“I’m delighted to see the Government confirm the essential status of our industry at this difficult time.  It is recognition of the role we are all playing in keeping supplies moving, while keeping our customers and our people safe.

“Our depot and hub teams have been fantastic. They are doing an incredible job and the feedback the drivers are receiving from their customers has been amazing.  They are doing an essential job and it is hugely appreciated.”