DPD News
Designed for journalists, this news section provides a list of our recent press releases, useful information, news stories and company profile.
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DPD unveil fourth location for autonomous robot deliveries
Leading parcel delivery company DPD has confirmed plans to launch autonomous robot deliveries in Lincoln as part of a nationwide roll-out that could see up to 30 UK depots operating robots in their locality.
DPD first introduced robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022, and they are now also out delivering parcels to DPD customers in Raunds and Bristol with more locations to follow this year.
Based at DPD's Lincoln depot at St Modwens Park, the robots will deliver to the nearby village of Witham St Hughs, via the existing network of footpaths.
The robots, which have a battery life of up to 12 hours and can deliver within a mile radius of the depot, operate autonomously once they have completed the mapping process, during which the robot is fully supervised and controlled by remote control.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD teams up with Army Cycling to help boost participation
Parcel delivery company DPD has partnered with Army Cycling to support the body responsible for cycling participation at all levels from promoting access to cycling as a means of transport around bases to training elite athletes.
The Army Cycling Union (ACU) was created in 1950 to encourage cycling as a pastime and promote all branches of the sport. Regardless of age, gender or experience, the ACU is committed to promoting and facilitating cycling across the Army.
As well as facilitating on camp Unit bikes as a healthy way to get around, Army Cycling also supports riders at all levels of the sport across road racing, time trials, e-racing, gravel, cyclocross, BMX and mountain biking.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD scoops hat-trick of awards at the road transport 'Oscars'
Parcel delivery company DPD took home three Motor Transport Awards following a glittering ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
On the night, DPD came away with the prestigious Customer Care Award, along with the Best use of Technology and Urban Operator of the Year Awards.
It is the eighth time in the last ten years that DPD has won the Customer Care category and the third year running for the Urban Operator of the Year award.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD Sustainability Director praises Forest Green Rovers for continuing to lead the way
DPD's Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability has praised Forest Green Rovers for continuing to lead the way on sustainability and showing all organisations what is possible.
Tim Jones was commenting as the two organisations enter their fourth season working together and DPD's second as a club sponsor. Jones particularly highlighted the club's success in cutting its carbon emissions as being inspirational, as DPD progresses towards its own Net Zero target.
The leading parcel delivery company signed a two-year partnership deal with Forest Green Rovers in 2023 and has been the club's parcel delivery partner since 2021, delivering replica kit and merchandise for fans.
DPD UK recently confirmed that it is on target to deliver a 46% reduction in emissions by the end of 2024, from the 2020 baseline, with a third of its final mile van fleet now electric and 95% of its HGV fleet running on HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil).
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DPD targets 46% reduction in emissions by year end with a third of final-mile fleet now electric
- On track for 100 million parcels delivered on electric by the end of 2024 and a reduction in emissions of 46% compared to 2020
- 95% of HGV fleet running on HVO, which reduces emissions by 83% compared to diesel
Parcel company DPD UK has confirmed that it is on target to deliver a 46% reduction in emissions by the end of 2024, from the 2020 baseline, with a third of its final mile van fleet now electric and 95% of its transport fleet running on HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil).
As part of Geopost, DPD UK has a Net Zero target of 2040, which is fully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). DPD UK has confirmed that the UK operation is on track with the trajectory required to meet the group target.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD helps guide dog Amelia make friends with delivery robot
A guide dog from Raunds has made friends with a DPD delivery robot that spooked her when out walking with her owner, thanks to a little help from the local DPD depot team.
Six year old labrador Amelia was guiding owner David Holmes when she spied Levi, the local DPD delivery robot coming towards them.
David picks up the story, "We were just waiting to cross a road when Amelia started to behave oddly and barking. I could hear a noise behind me like a buggy, but it was only when I got home and my wife, Eileen asked if I had seen the delivery robot, that I worked out what had happened. It was the first time Amelia had seen one and obviously didn't know what to make of it."Click here to read the full story.
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Docklands eco-sortation centre creates 650 new jobs and enables clean, all-electric delivery for London
- Giant new site entirely diesel-free with 500 EVs and all HGVs powered by HVO
- DPD achieves pledge to deliver to 30 of the largest towns and cities in the UK with green final mile delivery vehicles
Leading parcel delivery company DPD has officially opened a new £40m eco-regional sortation centre in Bromley-By-Bow that will enable the firm to deliver up to 80,000 'green' parcels into London each day.
The opening ceremony was performed by the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, who praised the investment in the new eco-centre for helping to drive the green economic growth the UK needs, in front of an audience comprising some of the UK's leading online retailers.
The new facility, which is the size of 8.5 football pitches, will create 650 new jobs when fully operational early in the new year and will mean that DPD's delivery service within London's north and south circular area will be all-electric.
Click here to read the full story.
- Giant new site entirely diesel-free with 500 EVs and all HGVs powered by HVO
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Post Office partners with DPD to offer in-branch customers a new parcel delivery option
Post Office has teamed up with DPD as part of a plan to offer in-branch customers a wider range of parcel delivery options.
The new Buy-In-Branch parcel service will begin in selected branches in time for the peak Christmas delivery season, complementing the recent launch of Parcels Online which enables customers to compare and purchase shipping online for drop-off in Post Offices.
In chosen branches, Post Office customers will be able to walk up to a counter and choose to send their parcels with DPD. The announcement marks the continued diversification of the Post Office as it evolves to become a one-stop hub for customers and a place where they can choose the delivery carrier which best suits their needs.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD selects five companies for EcoLaunchpad
DPD has today announced the five finalists they have chosen to participate in the first DPD EcoLaunchpad programme. Those selected following the recent Pitch Day will go on to work closely with some of DPD's senior leadership team and experts to trial their solutions in a live environment.
This programme invited companies worldwide to apply for the opportunity to present their forward-thinking technologies and solutions in the following areas:
- Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings
- Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery
- Carbon Emission Reduction in Transport
- Wildcard: Robotics and Digital Twins
From the initial global applicant pool of over 100 companies, a select group of 15 companies were invited to pitch their business and vision to DPD. The finalists will now take part in an intense ten-week process to refine and adapt their solutions. The finalist companies that have been selected for the EcoLaunchpad programme are:
Resync Technologies (Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings)
Resync Technologies, based in Singapore, has developed an AI-driven intelligent energy cloud solution that helps businesses to be more energy efficient.me energy (Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery)
me energy, based in Germany, has created the world's first-ever grid-independent and mobile fast charging stations for EVs. Their charging stations use biomethanol or ethanol to create C02-neutral electricity.ZOOZ Power (Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery)
ZOOZ Power, based in Israel, has developed the ZOOZTERTM-100", the world's first kinetic (flywheel-based) Power Booster, enabling ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles.Deus Robotics (Wildcard)
Deus Robotics, based in Boston, is a technology company that develops advanced robotics technology and software systems that support companies to more efficiently store, manage, and distribute products in a warehouse environment.Robco (Wildcard)
Robco, based in Germany, has created the world's first and only modular robot. Robco's plug-and-play technology provides flexible automation solutions that increase efficiency, support employees, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability DPDgroup UK commented, "We've been really impressed with the quality of applicants throughout the programme, which made for a hugely stimulating and competitive pitch day. As a company we have a strong track record of integrating innovation in our operation, as seen most recently with the national roll-out of autonomous DPD robot deliveries. So, we are absolutely delighted to confirm the final five today and move into the next phase, where we get to work together to see how these future innovations could help us on our journey to Net Zero by 2040."
"It was great to be back at DPD's Superhub in Hinckley for Pitch Day," said Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks. "With so many innovative companies having applied to be a part of DPD EcoLaunchpad, this event enabled us to finalise on the best solutions for DPD. Five amazing companies from across the globe have been selected to join the programme, where they will tackle some of the key challenges facing the parcel delivery industry. I look forward to seeing what each company will achieve over the ten weeks."
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For further information please contact:
DPD: press@dpd.co.uk
L Marks: olivia.lucy@lmarks.com
Notes to editorsAbout DPD:
DPD is a member of Geopost, a European leader in parcel delivery and solutions for e-commerce. Part of the La Poste Groupe, Geopost generated a ?15.6 billion revenue and delivered 2.1 billion parcels worldwide in 2022.
The company operates more than 10,000 vehicles in the UK from 84 locations and delivers over 400 million parcels a year.
In 2018, DPD opened the UK's first all-electric parcel delivery depot in Westminster. DPD currently has over 3,500 EVs in the UK and has announced plans to deliver to 30 of the largest towns and cities in the UK with zero and low-emission final mile delivery vehicles, by the end of 2023.
Details of all of DPD's sustainability initiatives can be found on its dedicated green website: green.dpd.co.uk/About L Marks:
L Marks is a leading global innovation specialist which has created over 90 programmes with its partners in Europe, Asia, and North America. Founded in 2014 with a presence in the UK and the US, L Marks has developed and delivered results-driven corporate innovation solutions, trusted by world-leading brands including BMW, Lloyd's of London, and United Utilities. Through their award-winning Innovation Labs, L Marks' partners have worked with over 400 startups with a successful deployment rate of over 70%. The L Marks New Ventures unit supports its clients to create and develop new revenue-generating businesses through its Venture Studio, and transform their corporate culture within their Intra-Lab. To learn more, visit lmarks.com. -
DPD sign for Forest Green Rovers with two-year partnership deal
Partnership between two of the UK's green leaders
Leading parcel delivery company DPD has signed a two-year partnership deal with football club Forest Green Rovers.
The deal brings together two of the most sustainable brands in their respective fields. DPD's stated aim is to be the most sustainable delivery company in the UK, while Forest Green Rovers have been recognised by global footballing body FIFA as the greenest football club in the world.
DPD, which has over 3,000 electric vehicles on the road in the UK, has been the club's parcel delivery partner for the past two seasons, delivering replica kit and merchandise for fans. Today's announcement will see that partnership extended with a new two-year deal through to the end of the 2024/25 season.
The deal means that DPD's logo and branding will appear on the back of player's shirts for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Perimeter advertising and hospitality packages are also included.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD to roll-out robot deliveries to 10 UK towns and cities
Raunds becomes DPD's second robot base following successful Milton Keynes trial
Leading parcel delivery company DPD has confirmed plans to expand autonomous robot deliveries to 10 UK towns and cities in the next 12 months, following a successful trial in Milton Keynes, starting with Raunds in Northamptonshire.
The announcement extends DPD's relationship with AI-powered robotics and last mile delivery specialists, Cartken and follows work by DPD that identified up to 30 UK depot locations which could potentially deploy robots.
Cartken's level 4 autonomy and leading micro-AV technology platform is regarded as one of the safest last mile delivery solutions on the market and enables full autonomy on footpaths with only cameras - one of the only companies in the autonomous vehicle delivery space to achieve this with a purely vision-based system.
DPD first introduced the Cartken robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022 and they have since travelled almost 500 miles and successfully performed over 2,500 trips delivering parcels to DPD customers.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD to trial innovative mobile charging solution with OnCharge Energy
Leading parcel delivery company DPD is set to trial an innovative, new mobile powerbank charging concept that could provide a solution for commercial van drivers unable to charge their vehicles at home overnight.
The OnCharge ZIR0 prototype charging system will be trialed at DPD's Bicester eco-depot - the most sustainable facility in the company's UK network. The multi-van trial will allow drivers to collect a take-home powerbank from the depot, before driving home. The prototype power bank will charge the main traction battery of the van overnight, resulting in a 100% charge by the start of the driver's day.
The prototype is the world's first purpose-built ruggedised powerbank, designed for fleet commercial vehicles. With a real operating capacity of 50kWh, the system is designed to improve the Electric Light Commercial Vehicle (eLCV) driver experience. The OnCharge system takes just 90 seconds to load in the evening, and unload in the morning.
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DPD supports RSPB with wetlands restoration project
Parcel delivery firm DPD has donated £90,000 to the RSPB to support the nature conservation charity's work restoring a sand and gravel quarry on the banks of the River Trent, in Nottinghamshire.
Langford Lowfields is a flagship conservation project, created out of a partnership involving the RSPB and Tarmac. The reserve currently covers 120ha and provides a haven for nature. At the heart of the site sits the largest reedbed in the East Midlands, surrounded by wildflower-rich meadows, blocks of scrub and an area of mature woodland. Wildlife highlights include booming bitterns, brown hares, breeding bearded tits, marsh harriers, avocets, large flocks of wintering wildfowl and mesmerising starling murmurations.
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DPD UK announces acquisition of final mile courier company Absolutely
DPD UK, part of DPDgroup, Europe's largest parcel delivery network, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of longstanding final mile courier company Absolutely, to further strengthen its same day delivery capabilities across the UK.
Absolutely operates across the South East, with a fleet of circa 200 couriers servicing more than 2,500 clients. These range from fashion brands and health organisations to law firms and media businesses. Its fleet includes an expanding number of zero-emission vehicles, such as cargo bikes and pushbikes, alongside vans and motorbikes. Its offer also includes temperature controlled courier services.
This move follows DPD UK's acquisition of CitySprint, the UK's premier same day delivery company, in 2022 and further enables DPD UK to capitalise on this rapidly growing segment of the delivery market.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD confirms engineering tests with Volta Zero prototype
Leading parcel delivery company DPD has completed a series of engineering tests with the full-electric Volta Zero, as part of wider Beta Trials for the new, 16-tonne vehicle.
The Design Verification prototype vehicle was based at the firm's Hinckley Superhub in Leicestershire. DPD's drivers were accompanied by Volta Trucks engineers and qualified drivers and, while no parcels were onboard, the truck was tested on a range of pre-determined routes including motorways, A-roads and urban centres.
The Volta Zero is the world's first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne vehicle, designed for urban logistics. With an operating pure-electric range of 95 - 125 miles, the truck is designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of freight deliveries in city centres.
Click here to read the full story. -
DPD to switch all diesel HGVs to renewable biofuel by end of 2023
87% reduction in CO2 emissions across 1,600 HGVs60% of DPD's HGV fleet will switch to biofuel this yearLeading parcel delivery company DPD has announced that it is to switch its entire diesel HGV fleet to Gd+ HVO, an advanced hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, in conjunction with integrated energy provider, Essar and Green Biofuels Ltd.
Gd+ HVO is a direct drop-in replacement for diesel, developed by Green Biofuels Ltd and is defined as renewable and sustainable under the EU's REDII legislation. It is the lowest-emission diesel replacement fuel available made from renewable feedstocks, and contains a specifically designed performance additive to ensure cleanliness and optimum combustion throughout the fuel system.
Gd+ HVO can be used in any diesel engine without the need for modifications or capital expenditure. It is approved by vehicle manufacturers, and there is no degradation in performance.Click here to read the full story.
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First Bus and DPD launch inaugural partnership in bid to make Glasgow greener
One year on from COP26, First Bus sees its legacy ambitions come to life
First Bus is helping UK delivery company, DPD, to carry out more green journeys in Glasgow in a milestone move which sees the transport operator's ambitions from COP26 come to life.
At the global climate change conference last year, First Bus set out its aim offer local businesses use of the extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at its Caledonia Depot.
One year on, DPD has become the first company to officially sign up to the scheme. The agreement means that DPD drivers will now have access to the site to charge their electric vehicles whilst in Glasgow, enabling them to travel a greater distance while making deliveries - without impacting the environment.
Through this arrangement, the green potential of First Bus's charging hub will be maximised while its own electric fleet is out in service.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD supports ground-breaking WWF seagrass restoration project
Seagrass Ocean Rescue programme to help re-establish seagrass meadows in UK coastal waters and help capture hundreds of tonnes of carbon each year
Parcel delivery firm DPD has donated to leading independent conservation organisation WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) to support the charity's ground-breaking seagrass restoration project - Seagrass Ocean Rescue, a collaboration with Swansea University and Project Seagrass.
The Project aims to help restore 15% of seagrass meadows across the UK by 2030, to capture and store hundreds of tonnes of carbon each year and help play a role in the UK reaching its net zero targets.
Click here to read more.
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DPD scoops three awards at the road transport 'Oscars'
DPD makes it 10 Motor Transport Awards in last 3 years
DPD took home three awards and increased its overall tally of Motor Transport Awards to 39 at a glittering ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
Parcel delivery company DPD came away from the annual road transport industry 'Oscars' with the Customer Care, Clean Fleet Van Operator and Urban Operator of the Year awards.
The evening celebrates outstanding achievements in the industry and recognises innovation, customer service, efficiency and quality. The awards are judged by an independent panel of experts drawn from the industry.
Click here to read the full story.
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DPD adds more choice and convenience with first UK smart lockers
Partnership with Quadient for nationwide network of parcel lockers
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. 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 QR code in the notification to open the correct locker door.
Click here to read more.
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DPD hail electric van fleet after completing the Great British EV Rally
Ford E-Transit and Maxus eDeliver 3 highlight capability of EVs in 1,400 mile John o'Groats to Lands' End challenge
Leading parcel delivery firm DPD has hailed its electric van fleet after two of its vehicles completed the 1,400 mile Great British EV Rally.
The Great British EV Rally was staged over 5 days and saw more than 50 electric vehicles traverse the country to demonstrate the capability of the vehicles themselves and show what is possible with fleet electrification.
Click here to read more.
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DPD to launch autonomous delivery robots in Milton Keynes
Leading parcel delivery firm DPD is to commence autonomous robot deliveries in two Milton Keynes neighbourhoods, as part of a trial with AI-powered robotics and last mile delivery company, Cartken.
The DPD branded robots, which will operate out of the firm's Knowlhill depot, will navigate the city's traffic-free Redway network to access the residential neighbourhoods of Shenley Church End and Shenley Lodge.
Click here to read more.
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DPD funding of immense value - Forestry England on Wareham Forest two years on from devastating fire
Two years on from the devasting fire at Wareham Forest, money raised from parcel company DPD's recycling efforts is helping to regenerate vital habitats at the Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Since 2020, DPD has worked with Forestry England to help restore Dorset's Wareham Forest with support from its innovative Eco Fund.
Click here to read more.
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DPD UK CEO wins coveted CEO Today award
A year in to her role as DPD UK CEO, Elaine Kerr has been awarded "UK Leading Logistics Firm Executive of the Year 2022" by CEO Today Magazine.
Each year, CEO Today, recognises business leaders across every industry sector in the UK. Awards are given to the most successful, forward-thinking and innovative CEOs in business today.
Click here to read more.
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DPD confirms all-electric delivery status for 10 towns and cities and announces plans for five additional 'green' towns
All-electric target updated to 30 locations, two years earlier than planned
Leading parcel delivery firm DPD has confirmed that it is now providing an all-electric delivery service to 10 UK towns and cities and is aiming for 30 all-electric locations by the end of 2023 - that's five more than originally planned and two years earlier than expected.
In October 2020, DPD announced plans to create 25 all-electric towns and cities in the UK by 2025. In July 2021, Oxford became DPD's first 'green' city, with a fleet of 40 electric vehicles based at the new DPD Bicester eco-depot, delivering over 15,000 parcels a week across the city.
Click here to read the full story.
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