DPD adopts What3Words to help improve driver experience

DPD has announced a partnership with What3Words to enable deliveries to precise locations specified by customers.

From February 25, parcel customers will be able to add their What3Words address in the delivery preferences section of the DPD app. From there, drivers will be made aware of exact locations to deliver parcels.

DPD said What3Words will help drivers find delivery locations at the first attempt so routes can be optimised, helping DPD cut out the inefficiencies that create surplus emissions in the last mile.

Elaine Kerr, chief executive officer at DPD UK, said: "Our drivers do an amazing job delivering most parcels to the correct address, first time, often going above and beyond to work out where harder to find locations are.

“We use the best technology available to make their job easier, and what3words is an incredibly smart solution.  In addition to helping us deliver to new housing estates and remote cottages, there are significant gains from more effective fleet routing and reducing unnecessary mileage.

“As a UK leader in smart, green delivery, this is a very welcome addition to our award-winning service."

DPD has completed the acquisition of CitySprint, enabling it to offer same day delivery services.

The acquisition follows the approval of the transaction by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

What3Words has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares and gives each square a unique combination of three words.

DPD said the initiative will result in more reliable deliveries and more accurate ETAs for customers in certain locations and will help reduce the need to provide additional directions or to pick up a parcel from a neighbour, as the driver couldn't find them.

What3Word addresses will help ensure that drivers know they will arrive at the exact building entrance, doorstep, or tucked away side passage specified by the parcel customer, said DPD.