DPD extends Saturday deliveries as standard to 90% of German population

DPD Germany says it has now rolled out Saturday deliveries as a standard option for parcels for around 90% of the German population. The carrier said the offering was available for rural areas as well as cities.

Over the next few months, DPD said it will extend the offering to the rest of the country, offering the service throughout Germany.

The company has been pushing to improve the convenience of parcel delivery, and add alternatives for recipients who cannot be at home during the working week to receive items.

DPD, part of La Poste Group’s DPDgroup, is currently attempting to double its market share in German business-to-consumer parcels to 15% by 2020.

Boris Winkelmann, the DPD Germany chief executive, said: “The successful introduction of Saturday delivery completes our offer when sending parcels to private recipients.

“For many, B2C mail order delivery on Saturdays is essential — not only as a reliable service, but as a standard for all. As a result DPD is opening up further growth potential in the B2C market.”

DPD has been gradually rolling out Saturday deliveries as part of its standard B2C delivery service since May 2014. Last September coverage was at about 30% of Germany.

Now, the company claims its upgraded service can potentially reach 65m people.

Previously, Saturday deliveries were available only as a premium express service at DPD Germany, its Monday to Friday schedule reflecting its roots as a business-to-business parcel delivery specialist.