DPD UK adopts what3words for parcel deliveries
DPD, one of the UK’s leading parcel delivery companies, has today announced its partnership with addressing technology company, what3words, to enable deliveries to precise locations.
From this Friday, 25th February, customers can add their what3words address in the Delivery Preferences section of the DPD app. With precise what3words addresses, drivers should arrive at the exact building entrance, doorstep, or tucked away side passage specified by the customer.
Over 10 million DPD parcel recipients already use the DPD app to personalise their delivery preferences and, from Friday, they will be able to discover and save their exact drop-off what3words address using the map and grid overlay in their DPD app profile.
It is hoped it will mean more reliable deliveries and more accurate ETAs for customers in certain locations. The initiative will also help reduce the need to provide additional directions or to pick up a parcel from a neighbour, because the driver couldn’t find them.
With what3words, drivers should be able to find more delivery locations at the first attempt so routes can be better optimised, helping DPD cut out the inefficiencies that create surplus emissions in the last mile.
Says Elaine Kerr, CEO of DPD UK:
“Our drivers do an amazing job delivering the vast majority of 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.”
Adds Chris Sheldrick, CEO and Co-founder of what3words:
“DPD is one of the UK’s favourite parcel delivery networks – and allowing its customers to use what3words to specify locations will transform everyday deliveries. Our technology gives both customers and DPD drivers the confidence that deliveries will be made precisely, easily, and more efficiently, using just three words.”
Around the world, what3words is being used by logistics companies and at e-commerce checkouts while companies such as Premier Inn and Lonely Planet use the technology to help travellers find the right hotel entrance or hard-to-find restaurant. The technology has also been built into in-car sat navs including Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi, enabling drivers to enter any destination with just three words.
