This press release was originally published by DPD.
Leading parcel delivery firm DPD has partnered with global smart locker specialist Quadient to access a new nationwide network of smart parcel lockers.
Quadient will initially install 500 contactless, secure locker stations in the UK this year, with a plan for 5,000 in the coming years. 200 of the initial installations will be 24/7 outdoor facilities, and locations could include shopping precincts, housing estates, serviced car parks and higher education sites.
Parcel recipients will be able to select a locker delivery from their DPD delivery notifications or the inflight options on the DPD app. They will then receive a confirmation once the parcel is in the locker and can access their parcel using a one-time PIN or by scanning the bar code in the notification to open the correct locker door.
The initiative is in addition to DPD’s existing nationwide network of 6,000 Pickup shops, which includes big names like the Post Office, Sainsbury’s, Homebase, Argos, Morrisons, Go Outdoors, Matalan and the Coop as well as a network of independent convenience stores including Collect+.
Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, comments: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Quadient to utilise this new parcel locker network. Our parcel recipients already have the option to divert a delivery to their chosen Pickup shop using the DPD app or from their parcel notifications, but now they will also be able to select a smart locker delivery. We know that, for some people, a secure and convenient out-of-home parcel pickup point is going to be desirable.
“For people who are at home or have a reliable safe place or a good relationship with their neighbours, home deliveries will remain the number one preference, but parcel recipients always tell us they also want choice and control over their deliveries. Many households have become more reliant on deliveries post-pandemic, but not everyone is at home all the time now. So, it is important that we continue to develop new smart, safe and secure delivery options. It is really exciting to think about the kind of locations that could be most convenient for people, going forward such as libraries or maybe even pubs. Whichever option parcel recipients choose, our market leading technology, including the DPD app, will keep them informed and in control every step of the way.”
Ian Caminsky, SVP & MD Parcel Locker Solutions DACHIT/UKI at Quadient added: “We are very proud indeed to be partnering with DPD in the UK, giving more people than ever before access to secure, self-service electronic parcel lockers. Our Parcel Pending smart lockers are a natural extension to DPD’s fantastic range of delivery options, and our software integrates perfectly to enhance their real-time customer notifications.
“As the volume of parcels sent in the UK continues to grow, people need to be given more delivery options that fit alongside their everyday lives. Parcel lockers have an increasingly important part to play in the mix: preventing theft, supporting 24/7 availability, and helping cut the cost and environmental impact of repeated redelivery attempts. We cannot wait to see DPD customers using these parcel lockers across the UK.”
Notes to editors
About DPD
DPD was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2015 in the Innovation category, for its unique one-hour delivery service, Predict.
In 2018, DPD opened the UK’s first all-electric parcel delivery depot in Westminster. DPD currently has over 1,700 EVs on the road in the UK and in October 2020, announced plans to deliver to 25 of the largest towns and cities in the UK with zero and low-emission delivery means by 2023. In July 2021, Oxford became DPD’s first all-electric city in the UK. Details of all of DPD’s sustainability initiatives can be found on its dedicated green website: https://green.dpd.co.uk/
DPD is a member of DPDgroup, the largest parcel delivery network in Europe. DPDgroup is the parcel delivery network of GeoPost, a holding company owned by France’s La Poste.
The company operates more than 10,000 vehicles from 84 locations and delivers over 400 million parcels a year.
About Quadient®
Quadient is the driving force behind the world’s most meaningful customer experiences. By focusing on three key solution areas, Intelligent Communication Automation, Parcel Locker Solutions and Mail-Related Solutions, Quadient helps simplify the connection between people and what matters. Quadient supports hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide in their quest to create relevant, personalised connections and achieve customer experience excellence. Quadient is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and is part of the SBF 120®, CAC® Mid 60 and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices.
Quadient Press Contact:
Dominic Walsh, Spark Communications +44 (0)20 7436 0420 or quadient@sparkcomms.co.uk