DPD developing parcel shop network in UK
UK parcel carrier DPD UK has announced plans to set up its own network of parcel shops, to begin operations on 1st June. The firm said the new DPD PickUp service will be based from a head office in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, initially creating 22 jobs this year.
DPD, part of La Poste’s international parcel business GeoPost Group, said it plans to establish a unique network of 2,500 outlets, with a DPD PickUp point within ten minutes of “most people in the UK”.
As with rival parcel shop networks including CollectPlus, myHermes and UPS Access Point, the DPD versions will be run in existing retail outlets.
Numark Pharmacists, a network of more than 3,000 independent pharmacies throughout the UK, has been named as the first retail member of the DPD PickUp network.
DPD said online shoppers will be able to have purchases delivered to their local DPD PickUp point through the checkout process as an alternative to home delivery.
The parcel shop network will also be an option for parcel recipients when they wish to redirect an existing delivery via the DPD text or email message notification system.
And, DPD said consumers would be able to manage their returns via DPD PickUp points.
“Choice”
(left to right) DPD CEO Dwain McDonald, Stoke City Football Club player Peter Odemwingie and Head of DPD Pickup Des Travers unveil the new DPD PickUp head office in Stoke
Dwain McDonald, the DPD UK chief executive, said the new parcel shop network was about offering customers alternatives to the company’s existing delivery services, which include the possibility of a one-hour delivery window at home.
“We know that some customers can’t be at home for deliveries and they currently use our in-flight options to leave parcels with a specific neighbour or in their chosen safe place, but DPD PickUp will give them another option,” he said.
“With DPD they will get real-time communication via text or email so that they know exactly where their parcel is and when they can collect it. Many online shoppers are used to Click-and-collect as an option these days, so DPD PickUp gives retailers another great option for their customers at the point of sale.”
DPD said it is already recruiting staff for the new DPD PickUp headquarters at Etruria Office Village, Stoke-on-Trent.
The company has also received planning permission for a new 60,000 square foot “Super Depot” at the head office location. The project is expected to create 92 new jobs, with 100 further staff being moved from the existing depot in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Work on the new Super Depot is set to begin in February, for planned completion in September.
DPD currently employs about 9,000 people across the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from more than 50 sites to deliver 1.6m parcels per week.
