News

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Norfolk: Snetterton Park, Harling Road, Snetterton, NR16 2JU

DPD will create up to 45 new jobs at its new £1.2m, three acre site in Snetterton in Norfolk. The new state-of-the-art 36,000 sq ft depot will enhance DPD's capability to handle increased volumes of parcels across East Anglia, covering 45 new routes. The distribution area of the new depot, which replaces DPD's two Thetford based facilities, has been extended to Ipswich and Felixstowe.

Sheffield: Cowley Way, Smithywood Industrial Estate, Sheffield, S35 1QP

DPD has invested £1.2m in a new purpose built 36,000 sq ft building on the Smithywood Industrial Estate in Sheffield, creating an additional five new jobs. The new 3.3 acre site consolidates DPD's existing sites in Sheffield and Barnsley. The new depot increases DPD's capacity and allows for improved operation by utilising the latest sorter technology.

Teesside: Macklin Avenue, Cowpen Industrial Estate, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 4BY

DPD will increase its presence in the North East with the opening of a new depot on Teesside to help manage increased parcel volumes across the Northern Region. The company has invested £750,000 in developing a 26,000 sq ft depot which covers a 2.5 acre site. The new Teesside depot will service 55 new routes and DPD expects up to 30 new jobs will be created when the site is fully operational.

Smethwick: Roebuck Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1BY

To improve its service to customers in the Midlands, DPD has invested £500,000 in developing a new depot in Smethwick at the company's Roebuck Lane site. In addition to increasing DPD's capacity in the region, the company expects the new depot to generate an additional 45 new jobs.

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Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO, commented: "Our B2C parcel business has grown significantly in the last few years - making DPD the fastest growing parcel company in the UK. The popularity of our Predict service helped us win over £70m of new business from online retailers last year and we will continue to plough that back into the business to ensure our technology, infrastructure and service are the best in the market.

"Our new purpose built depots give us a huge advantage in terms of vehicle access and sorter technology, meaning we can increase the number of parcels we handle and service more routes cost effectively. This scale of investment in infrastructure, technology and people is key to ensuring that we continue to provide top quality service to customers now and in the future."

In November 2012 DPD announced a £175m UK expansion programme which includes the construction of 10 new depots over the next 15 months. Other investments include the replacement of all the handheld devices used by drivers for route optimisation and parcel administration and ongoing investment in security and IT upgrades.

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For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

91% would like more information on their delivery by text or email from retailers

New research reveals that many online shoppers feel left in the dark when it comes to the delivery of their purchases, with one in three saying that they often don't hear anything until their parcel arrives on their doorstep.

43% of online shoppers would like a more accurate estimate of when to expect their parcel, and the overwhelming majority (91%) said that they would be happy for e-tailers to email or text them with delivery details.

Over half (51%) of those surveyed said that they would like all their deliveries to be timed, enabling them to ensure that they were at home to receive them. When waiting in for a parcel, the majority (75%) preferred a one hour time window for their delivery.

The survey of Britain's online shopping habits also found that:

• One in five think retailers could do more to keep customers informed about their delivery
• 38% would like to be updated regularly on when to expect their parcel
• 46% have experienced a timed delivery

Commenting on the research, DPD's CEO Dwain McDonald said, "For many people, shopping on the i-street has become as mainstream as nipping down to the corner shop. In a few short years the range of products bought online has expanded, both in nature and value. Gone are the days when the internet was just a market place for lower value, commodity goods such as books, CDs and DVDs. But, with more expensive items such as smart phones and tablet computers now being bought online, it is increasingly important that customers feel confident about all aspects of their transactions.

"Delivery is an integral part of e-retailing, playing a crucial role in the overall customer experience. For some shoppers restricted or costly delivery options, or poor communication can make or break a sale, but, a good experience will enhance the e-tailer's reputation, build customer loyalty and in turn help drive more sales."

DPD is the UK's fastest growing delivery company and offers a range of services including its unique one-hour timeslot service, Predict, which is free of charge for all retailers. The service utilises the latest GPS tracking technology to provide customers with a one-hour delivery window so they do not have to wait in all day for their parcel. Predict has been responsible for improving retailers 'right first time' delivery rates on average by 10% nationally, and by as much as 38% as customers find it more convenient to wait in for one hour than potentially waste a whole day.

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For further information please contact:

Gordon or Liz at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

Based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by DPD and carried out by OnePoll Research. DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe. The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

State of the art parcel hub will be the largest of its kind in Europe

Leading parcel firm DPD has today confirmed that it plans to build a new £100m parcel hub at Hinckley Commercial Park in the East Midlands.

The company has appointed property group Goodman to develop a 330,000 sq ft parcel hub on the site, close to J1 of the M69. Subject to planning permission being granted, the facility will create up to 1,000 new, permanent full-time jobs in the area when fully operational in 2015. DPD hopes to begin building work in September of this year.

The project is part of investment plans announced by DPD in November 2012 and follows a period of unprecedented growth for the parcel carrier, thanks to its unique Predict service which provides customers with a one-hour delivery window so they do not have to wait in all day for their parcel. The company won a record £70m of new business from online retailers in 2012 off the back of Predict. More than 97 per cent of the millions of parcels delivered each year with Predict are delivered 'right first time', meaning fewer wasted trips for drivers redelivering parcels or customers having to go to the depot to pick up a missed delivery.

The new hub, which will be the largest of its kind in Europe, will be capable of handling 70,000 parcels an hour and will increase DPD's overall parcel capacity by 65%. In total, the site will cover an area the size of 19 football pitches (33 acres) while the hub building itself will be around 470 metres long.

The Hinckley site was chosen primarily because it provides the optimum location in terms of motorway links for the whole of the UK. However, developing a major hub site in the East Midlands also has other strategically significant long term benefits. DPD's three other hubs are all located in the West Midlands around Smethwick where there is potentially less scope for major increases in capacity on the road network in future and the firm is already one of the largest employers.

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO, said; "It is very exciting to be able to announce our plans for the East Midland hub today. This is fantastic news for DPD, the region and our customers. DPD is the fastest growing parcel company in the UK and I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past few years. But we aren't standing still. We are investing significantly in the brand and delivering the network capacity we are going to need in the future for our customers. By continuing to invest in infrastructure and technology we will secure not only the 6,700 jobs we already provide in the UK, but also create another 1,500 new jobs across the UK in the next two years.

"This is a long term strategic decision, based on our success in recent years and our projections for the online retail channel. Retailers really like Predict because it helps ensure their deliveries get to their customers first time, and in turn that encourages more repeat purchases. Our network capacity is fine at the moment but we need to make sure that, as demand increases from our customers, we have the potential for growth and we have more flexibility to handle increased capacity right across our network."

In November 2012 the company announced a £175m package of investment which also included the refurbishment of two existing hubs and a major expansion of its nationwide network of depots including ten new depots over the next 15 months. Other investments include the replacement of all the handheld devices used by drivers for route optimisation and parcel administration and ongoing investment in security and IT upgrades.

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For further information please contact:
Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:
DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

River Island and Rocks TV among first to sign-up for new dedicated international home delivery service

Leading parcel company DPD is expanding its international delivery service with the launch of DPD Direct - a dedicated B2C home delivery service aimed at reducing not only the cost of international home deliveries, but also the hassle. DPD Direct simplifies all the customs and duty issues for retailers, provides a full tracking and returns service and generates in-country notifications for recipients, in their own language. River Island and Rocks TV are among the first retailers to sign-up for the new international home delivery service. DPD will deliver these and other retailers' parcels to the 12 largest international markets for UK e-tailors including the USA, Australia and a host of European countries.

Key features of DPD Direct include:

• Simple pricing structure - without the need for complex volumetric charges.
• Despatch to receipt tracking service - DPD Direct enables e-tailers to track each parcel at every stage of its outbound journey and final confirmation of delivery.
• Local delivery expertise - established home delivery network within each local country means that international customers receive the best possible service and expertise.
• Fast customs clearance - all customs requirements are taken care of to ensure parcels receive express customs clearance, negating the requirement to produce accompanying invoices.
• Parcels delivered Duty paid - ensures an efficient and quick passage through customs.
• In country notifications - the recipient will be sent an email notification about their parcel, in their own language.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "UK brands are in demand worldwide and UK e-tailers are in a fantastic position to exploit these key markets. However, historically, global shipping has been expensive and often complicated by delivery delays due to customs and excise and, as a result many UK based e-tailers have been reluctant to target overseas customers. Our mission is to help retailers break down the barriers to growth in ecommerce and DPD Direct gives e-tailors a fast, cost-effective solution to the challenge of international home delivery.

"Delivery costs and options are key factors in determining the overall price and attractiveness of online goods. DPD Direct has been developed to increase the appeal of cross border commerce through a competitive, transparent pricing structure, the security of a full tracking service and streamlining the customs requirements. Through DPD Direct our aim is to make it as easy for UK e-tailers to sell to customers living in Sydney as Southampton."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

The service sees DPD link up with wnDirect in an exclusive agreement to handle the air freight and customs paperwork and a series of specially selected local partners in 12 territories initially to complete the delivery to the doorstep and handle returns.

DPD Direct will deliver e-tailers products to customers' doorsteps. Parcels are collected by DPD in the UK and transported to the firm's international gateway at London Heathrow Airport. From there parcels are sent to domestic delivery specialists in each destination country.

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

New research by delivery company DPD reveals that 23 per cent of people have bought goods online using their smartphone while 19 per cent have shopped online using a tablet computer.

The research shows that the m-commerce trend is set to continue with a quarter of people (24 per cent) saying that they expect to shop via their smartphone or tablet device in the next 12 months. Online shopping apps are key to the m-commerce revolution - 23 per cent of tablet and smartphone users have downloaded online shopping apps to help them make transactions more easily.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "Technology has revolutionised the way we shop from researching product features, to finding the best deal, through to doorstep delivery. In the space of just a few years m-commerce has grown from zero to an increasingly important retail channel. The m-commerce boom is hugely significant for retailers as internet-connected mobile phones and tablets give customers instant access to the high-street, 24/7.

"Technology savvy home shoppers now not only expect to be able to browse and buy products whenever and wherever, they expect the same access to information when it comes to the delivery of the goods they've ordered. In developing their mobile platforms retailers need to consider the whole customer experience from product search and secure sale, through to delivery. Capturing customers' email and mobile contact details are an essential part of this process. An online sale isn't complete until the goods arrive on the customer's doorstep and many shoppers expect to be able to track the progress of their parcel.

DPD was the first UK national carrier to launch a mobile website allowing customers to track their packages or rearrange delivery while on the move. Customers logged onto the site are able to alter the delivery day of their parcel to a more convenient date, arrange for it to be left in a safe place, or collect it from the local depot or an alternative address where they know someone will be in to receive it. If for any reason there are any delays both the retailer and the recipient are automatically informed by text or email.

Dwain McDonald continued, "Our tracking system means that we know at every point where a parcel is and if a van is delayed for any reason we can now automatically send an email or a text to the customers with a parcel on that van. With initiatives like this and Predict, which sends a personalised text message or email to give customers a precise one-hour window for their deliveries, we're aiming to fill the information void between online purchase and delivery, but it is dependent on retailers capturing the contact information."

Since its introduction at the end of 2011 over 1.8 million people have used DPD's mobile site to track over 3.2 million parcels.

Over 97 per cent of parcels delivered using Predict are delivered 'right first time'. However, all DPD's 'sorry we missed you' calling cards are printed with a QR (quick response) code. Customers can simply scan the code using a smartphone which takes them instantly to the relevant DPD mobile webpage to reorganise delivery. DPD was the first carrier to use QR codes to rearrange deliveries. Since its launch in November 2011 in excess of 100,000 deliveries have been rearranged using the QR codes printed on DPD's calling cards.

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

£175m expansion includes new parcel hub and ten new regional depots

• £100m purpose-built parcel sorting hub planned for the East Midlands
• £20m refurbishment of two existing hubs
• £12m to build 10 new depots over the next 15 months
• Investment follows £70m of e-tail customer new business wins resulting from DPD's one hour delivery slot service, Predict

Leading parcel firm DPD is to invest £175m to expand its capacity to meet growing demand from the online retail boom. The investment will create 1,500 new, full-time jobs.

DPD plans to build a new, purpose-built £100m parcel sorting hub - one of the largest of its kind in Europe - in the East Midlands in addition to refurbishing two of its other hubs to increase the number of parcels it can handle each night. The investment follows a period of unprecedented growth spearheaded by the company's Predict service which was launched in March 2010 and has generated over £70m of new business to date and over 1,000 new full-time jobs in the past 12 months, as a flood of major retailers switched to DPD.

The service utilises the latest GPS tracking technology to provide customers with a one-hour delivery window so they do not have to wait in all day for their parcel. More than 97 per cent of the millions of parcels delivered each year with Predict are delivered 'right first time', meaning fewer wasted trips for drivers redelivering parcels or customers having to go to the depot to pick up a missed delivery.

The company is also today announcing a major investment in its nationwide network of depots with £20m assigned to upgrade a number of its existing 40 locations and build ten new depots over the next 15 months. Other investments include the replacement of all the handheld devices used by drivers for route optimisation and parcel administration and ongoing investment in security and IT upgrades.

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO, said: "I'm delighted to announce this very significant investment in new jobs and infrastructure. DPD has been expanding year on year and is now the fastest growing major carrier in the UK. This investment will allow us to expand our network capacity further to meet the demands from our customers and maintain our very high service standards.
"The online retail market is expanding rapidly with consumers now prepared to buy a much wider range of goods online. With Predict we have a product which gives retailers greater confidence that their goods can be delivered both on time and straight into the hands of their customers. That helps them improve their customer service and helps encourage more repeat purchases."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Prestigious award comes a day after winning three call centre customer services awards

Parcel delivery company DPD has won the British Quality Foundation's 2012 Achievement Award for Customer Satisfaction at a ceremony at the InterContinental London Park Lane, attended by HRH The Princess Royal. The award comes just a day after DPD scooped three major accolades at the Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service Awards.

Billed as the most prestigious business awards event in the UK, the BQF Achievement Awards celebrate organisations that view excellence as an integral part of their business.

DPD was chosen by an independent panel for its outstanding levels of customer satisfaction and loyal customers. The company employs 4,500 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from nearly 50 locations and delivering one million parcels per week. The judges said that its success was achieved in a very competitive market and relied largely on the professionalism and productivity of its 2,800 collection and delivery drivers. They concluded that in a commoditised and price-sensitive market, customer delight is a critical success factor for DPD's business. 

Joe Goasdoué, Chief Executive of the BQF, said: "Winning a BQF Achievement Award is a tremendous result for any organisation, and DPD has shown why focusing on the customer is the surest route to success." 

The BQF Achievement Awards are national annual awards that recognise exceptional achievement across an organisation's main areas of operation. DPD is one of just five organisations to win a BQF Achievement Award in 2012 - the other four are Interserve Construction, Marks & Spencer, Roke Manor Research and William Grant & Sons. DPD was also runner-up in the Employee Engagement category.

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO, said: "It is a brilliant achievement to have won four important awards in the space of two days. These accolades reflect the exceptional customer service that exists throughout our business, and our commitment to giving our customers great service all year round."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the
second largest postal group in Europe.

Leading parcel company DPD is celebrating after scooping two awards and a third place overall in the Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service Awards, at a gala black tie event in London.

DPD won the best call centre in the Service Providers category and the best overall award for a medium sized call centre before going on to be ranked 3rd overall in the UK wide initiative. Other award winners on the night included; British Gas, ITV, Best Western, Asda, Nationwide and the General Medical Council.

The Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service initiative is a benchmarking exercise, in partnership with GfK NOP, one of the UK's leading independent market research organisations and Call Centre Focus, the UK's leading magazine for call centre managers and customer service directors. Based on 20,000 mystery shopping calls, the aim is to help call centres find out from the general public what makes a good calling experience, improve standards across the call centre industry and ultimately improve all customers' experiences when contacting a call centre.

Elaine Kerr, Director of Sales and CRM, said: "This is an absolutely outstanding result, and recognition that we are one of the best around in terms of customer service excellence. This is external recognition that our staff within Customer Services and Sales Support are providing brilliant customer care."

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO, said: "This is a fantastic result and underscores our commitment as a business to retaining and developing the most customer centric people in the industry. These accolades reflect DPD's exceptional customer focus, and send out a truly positive message that when current and potential customers call us, they will receive great service levels."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:
DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

A leading operator in the UK express parcels sector, DPD offers a range of specialist solutions and services. It employs 4,200 people and operates more than 1,700 vehicles from over 40 locations.

DPD expands capacity to handle surge in parcel volumes generated by

its unique one-hour timeslot service

Leading parcel company DPD has invested £4.3m on three new state-of-the art depots in London, Southampton and Dundee. The new depots, which collectively are expected to create up to 150 new jobs, will expand DPD's capacity to respond to a significant increase in B2C volumes driven by its hugely successful one-hour time slot service, Predict.

London Central

DPD will create up to 70 new jobs with the opening of a new London depot on Mandela Way, Southwark. The 4,500 sq m new depot, which will be fully operational in October 2012, will enhance DPD's capability to handle increased volumes of parcels in central London. It will help relieve pressure from the company's existing London depots at London Bridge and Kings Cross. The depot represents a £1.5 million investment by DPD.

Southampton

DPD has commissioned a new £2.3m purpose built 4,000 sq m depot to replace its existing warehouse at Chandlers Ford in Southampton. The new 3.5 acre site on Hamilton Business Park, Hedge End will be fully operational in October 2012. The relocation of the depot provides DPD with improved transport links to the motorway and will make it easier for customers visiting the depot to collect parcels. Up to 30 new jobs will be created to cover new routes in Southampton, Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

Dundee

DPD will open a new 2,700 sq m depot on Fowler Road on the West Pitkerro Industrial Site. The company currently operates from four depots in Scotland - two in Glasgow, then Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The new £0.5m depot will be fully operational in October 2012 and will create 50 new jobs to service up to 50 new routes. DPD's volumes have grown considerably in Scotland and the depot site will be important geographically for customers in the Dundee/Perth area who are currently served by Edinburgh up to 60 miles away.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "In recent years we have seen an unprecedented increase in our parcel volumes due mainly to Predict, our unique one-hour time slot service. The new depots will improve our capacity and are further evidence of DPD's ongoing investment in our infrastructure. Deliveries on behalf of the e-commerce industry now represent half of our business and we expect this growth in e-retailing to continue to go from strength to strength. Successful delivery is a crucial part of the home shopping experience and this announcement underlines our commitment to improve our service to customers right across the UK."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

DPD launched Predict in March 2010 and to date it has generated over £50m in new business with a flood of major retailers choosing to switch to DPD. The service utilises the latest GPS tracking technology to provide customers with a one-hour delivery window so they do not have to wait in all day for their parcel. A personalised text message or email is sent to customers giving a precise one-hour window for delivery. The customer can then either accept the one-hour window or reply to the message to rearrange the delivery.

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

A leading operator in the UK express parcels sector, DPD offers a range of specialist solutions and services. It employs 4,200 people and operates more than 1,700 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivery 1.6 million parcels per week.

DPD unveils the UK's fastest growing e-tail sectors

Sporting goods, DIY, tablet computers, toys and phones set to join books, clothing

and DVDs as online shopping mainstays

Sporting equipment, garden & DIY products, toys & games, tablet computers, mobile phones and software & games are forecast to be among the fastest growing online sectors in the next 12 months, according to new research revealed today.

The research commissioned by leading parcel company DPD, questioned online shoppers about the products they bought in the last 12 months and items they would consider buying in the next year to identify the fastest growing e-tail sectors. Sporting equipment is tipped to be the fastest area for growth, with the number of people saying that they would buy online increasing by a massive 69 per cent, followed by DIY equipment and garden & outdoor goods.

The top five products bought online in the last 12 months were books (63 per cent), clothing, footwear (61 per cent), DVDs (54 per cent), CDs (43 per cent) and beauty & healthcare products (32 per cent).

Six products in the 2012 list also appear in the fastest growing list: beauty & healthcare, kitchen & home, toys & games, electrical & photographic, garden & outdoor and software & games. These sectors present the most significant growth as they are already well established online sectors and are therefore the most likely to challenge the dominant "Big Four" of books, clothing, DVDs and CDs in the immediate future.

Commenting on the research, DPD's CEO Dwain McDonald said, "Books, CDs, DVDs and clothing continue to dominate the online retail market. But, our research suggests that internet shoppers are increasingly prepared to buy a wider range of goods and purchase higher value items such as PCs, tablet computers, photographic equipment and mobilephones.

"As the range and value of goods bought online increases, the reliability and speed of delivery become ever more important. DPD is working hard to innovate services in this area and options like our one-hour delivery timeslot service, Predict, have given retailers a far better customer experience enabling more parcels to be delivered right first time. It also helps to give shoppers greater confidence that buying high value goods online is a straightforward and convenient way to shop.

"Online shopping has rapidly grown to become a mainstream retail channel in the UK. Over the last few years an increasing number of people have switched on to the convenience of shopping from home and, thanks to the internet it has never been easier to research and compare a wide range of products from different retailers to find the best deal."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

Research commissioned by DPD, carried out with 2,000 UK adults in July 2012 by OnePoll Research.

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the
second largest postal group in Europe.

A leading operator in the UK express parcels sector, DPD offers a range of specialist solutions and services. It
employs 4,200 people and operates more than 1,700 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivery 1.6 million parcels per week.

New research from leading parcel company DPD reveals that 73 per cent of Brits have
abandoned an online shop because of restricted or expensive delivery options.

Forty per cent of online shoppers complained that they are generally not offered a free delivery option and 37 per cent said retailers annoy them when they limit the delivery options or pre-select expensive options.

Unsurprisingly, when questioned about their preferred delivery options, three quarters of people said free delivery. However, 26 per cent felt that timed delivery slots were more preferable than free deliveries, while 41 per cent of shoppers called on retailers to offer a wider range of delivery options.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "Delivery is an integral part of e-retailing - the sale isn't complete until the customer receives their goods. And as our survey shows, the cost and speed of delivery are crucial factors in whether a customer completes a transaction or abandons their shopping cart at the checkout.

"Online shopping is the fastest growing retail sector and customers are no longer happy to accept a restricted set of delivery options, they want choice and flexibility in when and how they receive their purchases. So, retailers have to consider how best to provide customers with a set of delivery options which reflect their product offering and reassure the shopper that their goods will be delivered quickly and cost effectively. Delivery companies are working hard to innovate services in this area and options like DPD's ?Predict' have given retailers a far better customer experience at the checkout and on the doorstep, as more parcels are delivered right first time.

Dwain concluded, "Online cart abandonment costs e-tailers millions of pounds each year in lost sales. Put simply, limited delivery options cost sales."

Professor of Supply Chain Strategy at Cranfield School of Management, Richard Wilding said: "For online retailers, home delivery is now a critically important part of the overall customer experience. Generally the customer does not differentiate between the courier and the company the item was purchased from, therefore a poor experience reflects badly on the retailer. However a good delivery experience can enhance their reputation, gain customer loyalty and increase sales."

DPD offer a range of delivery services including its unique one-hour timeslot service, Predict, which is free of charge for all retailers. The service utilises the latest GPS tracking technology to provide customers with a one hour delivery window so they do not have to wait in all day for their parcel.

A personalised text message or email is sent to customers giving a precise one-hour window for delivery. The customer can then either accept the one-hour window or reply to the message to rearrange the delivery.

Predict has been responsible for improving retailers ?right first time' (RFT) delivery rates on average by 10 per cent nationally, and by as much as 38 per cent as customers find it more convenient to wait in for one hour than potentially waste a whole day.

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For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications on 01603 505 845

Notes to editors:

Research commissioned by DPD, carried out with 2,000 UK adults in July 2012 by OnePoll Research. The 35
million figure is based on 73 per cent of the UK adult population saying they have abandoned an online shop
(the UK Adult population (+18) is estimated to be 47,755,246, according to Experian's Demographic Summary).
Therefore 73 per cent of 47.7 million is 34.9 million.

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the
second largest postal group in Europe.

A leading operator in the UK express parcels sector, DPD offers a range of specialist solutions and services. It
employs 4,200 people and operates more than 1,700 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Leading parcel company DPD is deploying 200 extra staff and opening an additional London
depot to minimise disruption to its collection and delivery services resulting from the 2012
Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On peak days, over 800,000 spectators, athletes, officials and media representatives
are expected to travel to the 24 Olympic venues across the capital. The extra volume of
traffic coupled with travel, stopping and parking restrictions, are expected to cause severe
congestion in and around London over the summer.

As part of its contingency plans to maintain its service throughout the period of the Games,
DPD will:

• open an additional facility near its London Bridge depot. Opening in June it will cover the WC and W1 postcodes. These are currently covered by the Kings Cross depot which will be impacted when the Olympic Route Network is in place;

• increase the number of routes operating from all its London depots;

• extend its early delivery times between 05:00 and 07:00 and also offer to deliver from 18:00 to 21:00 in the evening.

• Collection hours will also be extended and there will be an increase in the number of depot and customer service staff;

• offer the option to switch parcel traffic from affected depots to alternative depots;

• provide support for drivers on routes with restrictions on stopping and parking. Drivers will be provided with assistants who will make the final delivery on foot (this will not apply to ?lockdown' venues);

• appoint designated Olympics Specialists at each impacted depot to manage and resolve disruptions to routes and provide daily updates.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "Last year, we established a dedicated Olympics
Project Team to ensure that we are ready to respond to the challenges created by this
summer's Olympics. From our close liaison with the London Organising Committee of the
Olympic and Paralympic Games and Transport for London it is clear that there will be severe
congestion in a number of areas in and around London, particularly from mid July to mid
September.

"Logistics and efficient parcel distribution are an integral part of many businesses and we are
working hard to ensure that over the period of the Games we can continue to maintain the
high service levels our customers expect from us.

Dwain McDonald continued, "We have appointed designated Olympics Specialists at
each of the impacted depots who will collect real-time information on routes and make any
adjustments accordingly. This will enable us to respond to disruptions in a quick and efficient
manner and alert customers if an issue does arise.

"In response to restrictions on stopping and parking in areas on the Olympic Route Network,
we will be double-manning certain delivery routes, so assistants can complete deliveries on
foot. We will also be increasing the number of depot and customer service staff to enable
customers to collect their parcels and introducing early morning and late afternoon deliveries."
To help customers plan ahead for the expected disruption, DPD has also produced a detailed
matrix illustrating the specific postcodes and key dates that will be impacted by the Games.
Dwain McDonald explained, "Using a simple traffic light system, the matrix allows customers
to see at a glance when and where the Olympic distribution disruption hot-spots are and what
the service impact will be. To avoid the hot-spots - we recommend companies review their
shipping history to the affected locations and compare it against the matrix to see if they can
make alternative arrangements such as changing delivery dates or addresses, or asking the
receiver to collect from the local DPD depot. DPD account managers are also on hand to
assist customers with any Olympic contingency planning queries."

For a copy of DPD's Olympic Matrix or the company's Olympic Bulletin visit www.dpd.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

DPD urges retailers to consider bringing forward collections and talk to customers about possible delays

Many retailers are still underestimating the extent of the disruption that could result from the
Olympic Games this summer, according to leading parcel delivery company DPD.

DPD is calling on all retailers to talk to their delivery companies about arranging additional
collections or bringing forward their main collection by an hour as well as talking to customers
about potential delays between the peak period of mid July and mid September.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO said, "We are fast approaching the period of likely disruption.
In our plans we are estimating the maximum period for potential disruption to deliveries to
certain postcodes to be up to 50 days between mid July and mid September. Sites like
Westfield shopping centre are now "locked down" and the organisers are starting to change
road layouts to prepare the Olympic Route Network which will have a significant impact in the
coming weeks.

"We have been talking to retailers at length about the impacts and it is clear that many are still
playing down the possible disruption both in terms of the seriousness and the period of time.
Companies with Head Offices in London are generally being more realistic. Outside London
awareness of the potential impact is much lower.

"We have been simulating our revised route network and delivery schedules in recent weeks
to understand the exact impact on deliveries and collections. We are very confident in the
plans we have drawn up. However, one of the main challenges is likely to be getting the
goods from companies at the end of the day to the main London parcel hubs early enough
each night to guarantee they can be processed and ready for next day delivery. We are
urging online retailers to consider earlier collections and are working with them to build
effective plans.

"There is huge potential for delays and inconvenience for customers so it is important that
online retailers communicate clearly with customers about arrangements during the Olympic
period, especially if they are going to introduce earlier cut-off times for next day delivery or if
they are located in the areas likely to be most affected by disruption.

"With three million additional journeys anticipated on peak days and the Olympic Route
Network affecting 109 miles of road, the impact during peak times will be very severe."

For a copy of DPD's Olympic Matrix or the company's Olympic Bulletin visit www.dpd.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

From now on all parcels sent via DPD will be shipped carbon neutral - at no extra charge to the customer. Total Zero, DPD's new carbon neutrality commitment, applies to all domestic and international shipments from six major markets in Europe.

Total Zero will be available to all customers in France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, BeLux and Switzerland at first and it is anticipated that other DPD business units across Europe will begin providing Total Zero from 2013.

"We are proud and excited to officially launch Total Zero in the UK. DPD has been preparing for this moment for some time now and I am sure that our customers will be delighted to know that we are now delivering carbon neutral parcels at no extra charge." says Dwain McDonald, CEO of DPD in the UK.

The Total Zero carbon neutral commitment is achieved through a triple mechanism: measuring emitted carbon, reducing the carbon produced by DPD - called insetting - and subsequently carbon offsetting.

"Total Zero came about because, as a company, we wanted to take responsibility and reduce our impact on the planet. We believe that responsible delivery means being carbon neutral so we are not passing on any extra costs to our customers. We are convinced that this marks an exciting new chapter in our company's history and we hope that carbon neutral shipping at zero extra cost will one day become the standard across the industry", Mr McDonald adds.

DPD's parent company GeoPost will offset non avoidable CO2 emissions - initially 550,000 tonnes for the year - through a series of offsetting projects chosen in partnership with well-known French offset partner CDC Climat.

These include international projects such as reforestation in Columbia or introducing biodigesters to rural farming communities in Cambodia, alongside European-based initiatives.

All of the selected projects are accredited with globally recognised carbon standard certifications such as Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) which measure project emission reductions; Gold Standard (GS) certificate, awarded by the Gold Standard Foundation to premium carbon mitigation projects, Joint Implementation - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and the CCB Standards by the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance.

In launching Total Zero DPD is committing to keep reducing its environmental impact through introducing a range of emission reduction initiatives - called insetting - which will collectively help reduce CO2 emissions.

DPD's carbon footprint has been calculated regularly since 2006 and DPD has been reducing its carbon footprint per parcel over time.

Total Zero will apply to business and consumer shipments to all destinations around the globe from the six major markets of France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, BeLux and Switzerland.

Further information on Total Zero is available at www.dpd.com/totalzero

About DPD

With the shipment of 2.5 million parcels a day DPD is a leading international provider of parcel and express services. The company has the most efficient road network in Europe and delivers to 230 countries worldwide. Customers can choose services from an extensive product range of national and international parcel and express services for business and home deliveries. A workforce of 24,000 and 18,000 vehicles operate at more than 800 locations. The majority shareholder in DPD with 83.32 % shareholding is the GeoPost Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of French Groupe La Poste. With a consolidated turnover of 3.668 billion euros in the year 2011 GeoPost is currently Europe's second-largest provider of express parcel services.

About CDC Climat

CDC Climat is Caisse des Dépôts subsidiary launched in 2010 to tackle climate change by taking action in three areas: investment in carbon assets, development of services to a low carbon economy and research into climate change economics.

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

DPD has won its fifth Motor Transport Award in three years, beating off stiff competition from APC Overnight and Balfour Beatty to scoop the Fleet Van Operator of the Year (2012) category. This is the second time in the last three years that the parcel carrier has won this award.

Judges said that DPD clearly values its people, with an excellent focus on employee engagement. They also described Predict as 'brilliant', commented on DPD's excellent driver productivity and praised its successful business results in 2011.

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO, said: "It's fantastic news to have won such a prestigious award." He added: "The Motor Transport Awards are viewed as the 'Oscars' of our industry, and to perform as consistently well as we do in them is testament to the hard work of all our people."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

55,000 deliveries rearranged using QR codes

DPD's mobile website has attracted well over a million unique visitors since its launch in
November 2011 and in excess of 55,000 deliveries have been rearranged using the QR codes
printed on DPD's calling cards.

DPD was the first UK national carrier to launch a mobile website allowing customers to track
their packages or rearrange delivery while on the move. Customers logged onto the site are
able to alter the delivery day of their parcel to a more convenient date, arrange for it to be left
in a safe place, or collect it from the local depot or an alternative address where they know
someone will be in to receive it.

For cases where delivery has been unsuccessful, all DPD's 'sorry we missed you' calling
cards are printed with a QR (quick response) code. Customers simply scan the code using a
smartphone which takes them instantly to the relevant DPD webpage to reorganise delivery.
DPD is the first carrier to use QR codes to rearrange deliveries.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "At DPD we recognise the powerful impact
technology has in helping us in delivering outstanding customer service - which is central to
our business. The rapid adoption of smartphones has led to a dramatic rise in mobile internet
use. Home shoppers, in particular, are extremely technology savvy and expect information
about their purchases at their fingertips, whenever and wherever they want it. This new
generation of shoppers not only want instant information, they also want more control over
when and where their good are delivered. Our mobile website is designed to meet these
needs by ensuring customers can quickly and easily locate information about their delivery
and, if necessary, make changes, while QR codes make life easier for customers who have
"The figures speak for themselves. Since its launch towards the end of last year, over a
million people have used the mobile site to track 2.5 million plus parcels. The feedback from
retailers has been overwhelmingly positive."

Dwain McDonald concluded, "DPD has an unrivalled reputation for utilising technology to
improve deliveries for customers. Predict, our unique one-hour delivery slot service, utilises
GPS tracking technology, personalised text messaging and email to give customers a
precise one-hour window for their deliveries. We aim to retain the top spot through continued
investment in new technologies and the development of services such as the mobile website
and use of QR codes."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Europe-wide investment of Euro 5 million a year to fund carbon offsetting

From July 2012 DPD will become the first express parcel carrier to provide its customers with
free carbon neutral shipping. Through DPD's Total Zero commitment, customers will be able
to send carbon neutral parcels of all weights, sizes and types all over the world, at no extra
cost to them.
The Total Zero principle, which will apply in DPD's five biggest markets - France, Germany,
United Kingdom, Netherlands and BeLux, will be achieved through a three step process.
Firstly, by measuring its carbon footprint over the last few years DPD has developed a
detailed understanding of its emissions and the company constantly seeks ways to reduce the
CO2 it produces.

Second, reductions are then achieved through a series of 'insetting' measures which currently

• only sending parcels by road within Europe (which produces eight times less CO2 than if sent by air express services) meaning that DPD generates significantly less carbon than its competitors;
• regular route optimisation exercises and eco-driver training for delivery drivers to ensure that collections and deliveries are made in the most fuel-efficient manner;
• the launch of DPD's unique one-hour delivery window service, Predict, which has increased first-time delivery success rates by 10 per cent, reducing fleet mileage and the need for repeated delivery attempts to home addresses;
• the use of the UK's largest fleet of double deck trailers which can hold triple the volume of single deck vehicles;
• initiatives such as sensor-activated lighting, to reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Finally, for the non-avoidable CO2 produced, DPD will offset the emissions, at no cost
to customers, through carbon reduction projects.

DPD's parent company GeoPost has partnered with carbon market specialist, CDC Climat, to manage its offsetting work. GeoPost will make a Europe-wide investment of around Euro 5 million a year to fund carbon offsetting
projects in the developing world as well as local schemes in Europe.
Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "By its very nature, parcel delivery is a highly
carbon intensive industry. At DPD we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously
and we are committed to reducing the impact our operations have on the planet. Carbon
neutral parcel shipping will help us meet this goal.

"To be carbon neutral means firstly to count emissions, then to reduce them and finally to
offset the remaining emissions that can't be avoided. Over the last few years we have built-
up a detailed understanding of the amount of carbon generated by our operations and sought
practical ways to reduce it. Approximately 95 per cent of our CO2 emissions arise from our
parcel transport operations and buildings, and we are constantly looking for ways to reduce
this figure. Since 2008 we have introduced a range of insetting measures to reduce energy
consumption and emissions, these have cut the amount of CO2 produced per parcel by ten
per cent and we are continuing to look at ways to bring this figure down further. Offsetting will then be used to neutralise the remaining emissions that can't be avoided."
Dwain McDonald continued, "Like us, many of our customers are concerned about the
environment and want to reduce their own carbon footprint.
Through our Total Zero commitment to carbon neutral shipping, we are helping our customers deliver their own CO2 reduction objectives - at no extra cost to them or their customers."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Leading parcel delivery firm DPD has commented on Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis' latest
campaign. Martin Lewis launched the "Stand and Deliver" campaign on his ITV Daybreak slot
this morning to help people who have experienced a failed delivery.

Dwain McDonald, CEO of DPD said: "The spotlight is on the delivery sector and online retailers.
Both parties have to work together to continue to drive standards up and improve 'right first
time' delivery rates. While Martin's campaign will raise awareness of the issues and the steps
consumers can take to seek reimbursement if the worst happens, the main focus of the industry
has to continue to be on helping retailers to avoid the sort of scenarios being discussed.

"We recognise the crucial role that delivery now plays in the retail market and have spent the last
two years working hard to develop innovative solutions for retailers and customers. This includes
our unique Predict service which provides a one hour delivery slot so people don't have to wait in
all day. Customers are informed in advance by text or email of their slot and can rearrange it by
text or via our mobile website if it is inconvenient."

Predict has helped DPD win over £50m of new business in the last 12 months as major retailers
have switched to the service. In April, DPD dropped the text charge for Predict to encourage
more even retailers to try the service which has won a host of industry and customer service
awards.

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Award-winning Predict service to be made free for all retailers

Leading parcel company DPD is to make its unique one-hour timeslot service, Predict, free of
charge for all retailers.

DPD launched Predict in March 2010 and to date it has generated over £50m in new business
with a flood of major retailers choosing to switch to DPD.

The service utilises the latest GPS tracking technology to provide customers with a one-hour
delivery window so they do not have to wait in all day for their parcel. A personalised text
message or email is sent to customers giving a precise one-hour window for delivery. The
customer can then either accept the one-hour window or reply to the message to rearrange
DPD currently sends out a million Predict messages each month advising people when to
expect their parcel.

texting customers. However, the success of Predict means that DPD will now be dropping the
Until now, retailers have been charged up to 10p to cover the cost of
Predict has been responsible for improving retailers 'right first time' (RFT) delivery rates on
average by 10 per cent nationally, and in one case by as much as 38 per cent as customers
find it more convenient to wait in for one hour than potentially waste a whole day.
Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "Predict has been a huge success story. The
service is responsible for generating more than of £50m of new business for DPD. The
feedback from retailers has been fantastic as Predict provides tangible benefits for both
retailers and their customers. By making the service free of charge we aim to increase the
take-up still further. In the last two years Predict has consistently been the single biggest
reason given by retailers for switching to DPD. So as well as being a big win for retailers,
Predict works for us too as it drives new business and improves customer loyalty."

Dwain McDonald continued, "Delivery is an integral part of e-retailing, the cost and speed of
delivery are now key factors in customers' purchasing decisions. Innovative products like
Predict can help retailers maximise online sales by driving-up first time right delivery rates
to customers' homes, in a cost effective and environmentally-friendly way. The service has
reduced instances of 'sorry we missed you' cards, a bugbear of home deliveries, by 10 per
cent on average, driving both goodwill and savings for retailers. In addition to removing 'lost
days' waiting in for parcels to arrive. Predict notifications to customers now also incorporate the delivery driver's name, helping to make deliveries more personal."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

DPD UK has appointed Mark Donnellan to the position of 2012 Olympics Project Manager. Mark's role is to develop a plan that minimises disruption from the Games to the company's collection and delivery services.

With up to 800,000 extra people expected in London every day during the Olympics, traffic congestion and parking restrictions are likely to cause a major challenge for all delivery companies. Mark will be working closely with the managers of DPD's eight depots in and around London as well as representing the company in its dealings with Transport for London and the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Mark has previously worked in senior logistics positions at Monsoon, Next and Exel and in this role will report to DPD's London Regional Manager Steve Woodman who said: "Continuity of service will be crucial to both shippers and receivers during the Olympics and I am confident that Mark's project management skills and logistics experience will stand us in good stead for the challenges ahead."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

GeoPost UK is in the top 3% of the Environment Agency's inaugural Energy Efficiency Performance League Table which ranks more than 2,000 organisations according to how they manage their energy use under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

And the parcel delivery giant - which operates under DPD and Interlink Express in the UK - is the highest ranked parcel carrier in the 2011 Performance League Table.

GeoPost UK was assessed with other national carriers, retailers, major supermarkets and hospitals according to what they have done to measure energy use and reduce carbon emissions.

The CRC scheme requires large organisations that use more than 6,000MWh electricity per year to measure and report carbon emissions. They gain credits for installing smart meters and complying with Carbon Trust standards - or an equivalent accreditation scheme.

Mark Wilkes, Director of Technical Services for GeoPost UK, said: "We have a strong, proactive environmental ethos. We are committed to recycling and reducing waste and carbon emissions."

"We were the first in the industry to introduce a biodegradable bag; have invested in the industry's largest fleet of double-decker vehicles (which has saved 4.2million miles a year); have replaced 300 vehicles with energy-efficient versions; introduced waste compactors at our Hubs and operate a fuel management system guaranteed to optimise fuel performance and thus cut carbon emissions."

"We scored 92.5% in the Performance League Table and were ranked ahead of our competitors. However, we see the score as one on which to build and improve for the Environment Agency's next report."

Of the 2,106 organisations listed in the Environment Agency's report, 22 were in joint first place with 100% while 803 organisations scored zero. GeoPost UK scored 92.5%.

The Environment Agency's Director of Environment and Business Ed Mitchell said he was encouraged to see that six out of 10 organisations taking part in the scheme have taken steps to improve their energy management. He added: "The UK needs its high-street shops, major businesses, councils, government departments and other big energy users to use less electricity to help meet tough carbon reduction targets. This scheme encourages all big organisations to measure and reduce energy use which in turn should also save them money and help cut the UK's carbon footprint."

For full details regarding the Environment Agency's CRC's Energy Efficiency Performance League Table see www.environment-agency.gov.uk 

Notes to Editors:

• In the highly competitive UK express parcels market, GeoPost UK operates two brands, DPD which targets larger B2B customers and is a leading provider to the telecommunications, entertainment, and retail sectors and Interlink Express a franchised distribution operation primarily targeting the SME sector.
• GeoPost UK is wholly owned by Groupe La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.
• DPD is part of GeoPost UK which is a major player in the UK distribution market. It offers a comprehensive range of express parcel delivery services, logistic services and international mail delivery.
• It employs 4,200 people in the UK and operates more than 1,700 vehicles.
• Predict is DPD's unique parcel service, launched in March 2010 which provides customers with a free SMS or email giving them a precise one hour window in which the driver will arrive.
• From Lands End to John O'Groats, more than 36 million packages have been delivered to customers in the past 18 months via DPD's Predict service. DPD sends out more than 100,000 notifications each day.
• Big-name retailers among the 3000 companies who have signed up include Vodafone and Radley
• Predict has been responsible for more than £40million of new business for DPD this year.

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

As the UK's most customer-focused delivery company, DPD is launching a state-of-the-art mobile website developed to provide its growing army of customers with a more convenient access to tracking and controlling the arrival time of their parcel.

"As a business, it's vital to respond to the changing face of customer contact. In today's busy, mobile society, customers expect fast answers at any time and from any where. Our commitment to customers has been a catalyst in creating a service that's combines convenience and innovation."

Figures show that in the past 12 months, more than six million people in the UK accessed the internet from a mobile device for the first time and the impact of smartphones and media tablet adoption is set to prompt a decline in internet access via PC's.*

Dwain McDonald added: "Having created a reputation for innovation through our unrivalled Predict service which provides customers with a one-hour delivery window for their parcel, we are keen to maintain the momentum and are committed to providing customers with a cutting edge service via our mobile website."

For further information please contact David Hare on 07841 578747

Notes to Editors:

*Office National Statistics Survey. Internet Access - Households and Individuals 2011

• The mobile website can be accessed by m.dpd.co.uk
• Predict: Predict is DPD's unique parcel service, launched in March 2010 which provides customers with a free SMS or email giving them a precise one hour window in which the driver will arrive
• From Lands End to John O'Groats, more than 36 million packages have been delivered to customers in the past 18 months via DPD's Predict service. DPD sends out more than 100,000 notifications each day
• Big-name retailers among the 3000 companies who have signed up include Vodafone and Radley 
• Predict has been responsible for more than £40million of new business for DPD this year.
• Corporate: DPD is part of GeoPost UK which is a major player in the UK distribution market. It offers a comprehensive range of express parcel delivery services, logistic services and international mail delivery
• It employs 4,200 people in the UK and operates more than 1,700 vehicles
• In the highly competitive UK express parcels market, GeoPost UK operates two brands, DPD which targets larger B2B customers and is a leading provider to the telecommunications, entertainment, and retail sectors and Interlink Express, a franchised distribution operation primarily targeting the SME sector
• GeoPost UK is wholly owned by Groupe La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

World Cup footballing legends Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and Gordon Banks OBE joined DPD's team on September 22nd to officially open a £12m extension to DPD's national sorting hub at Oldbury.  

The celebration marked the culmination of a 12-month project which has created 150 new jobs and features state-of-the-art facilities which will increase DPD's parcel sorting capacity to more than half a million packages each night.  

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO, said: "It's a fantastic feeling to open this International extension to our hub and I am delighted that these two England legends were able to join our customers and staff on this special occasion."

"It?s also wonderful in the current climate to have the opportunity to recruit people to our growing business - a team which is customer-focussed company and aiming for market leadership by 2015." 

Footballing hero, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, added: "I'm particularly pleased to be involved in this event because in both football and business, the key is to build on your success and perform better every year, both as individuals and as a team."  

The investment into the Oldbury hub - which has direct connections nightly to 23 European countries - has created a self-contained site which the event of severe weather or other local infrastructure problems can draw on its own power supply, fuel, rock salt, snow ploughs as well as a separate IT system.  

The new international sorting area features a CAA approved secure X-ray area for air freight screening and £900k has been invested  in new Vitronic video technology that photographs all five sides of every parcel going through the hub, improving first time read rates and routing accuracy.    

DPD's Dwain McDonald added: "The Oldbury hub will help accommodate the vast volumes of International business that we handle. However, our business is growing in all areas. Our unique Predict service, which offers customers a one hour delivery window, has produced £40 million of new business wins this year as customers switch to DPD from carriers who cannot provide this award-winning service."  

Pictured marking the official opening are (left to right): Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, Gordon Banks OBE and DPD's CEO, Dwain McDonald

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Parcel giant DPD is scrumming down with Veseyans Rugby Club this season in a sponsorship deal which will boost the club's expansion and encourage youngsters to tackle the team sport.

With DPD's support, the Midlands 3 West side, based at The Memorial Ground in Sutton Coldfield, aims to launch new junior teams, acquire new equipment and purchase land to provide a third pitch.

And with all eyes on New Zealand as the 2011 Rugby World Cup gets underway, plus a former Samoan International Zak Feaunati as Player/Coach, Veseyans RFC is expecting an influx of eager youngsters taking up the game.

Mark Tonks, Chairman of the Club, said: "We're hugely grateful to DPD for their generous support which will enable us to grow the club during the coming seasons.

"We're keen to expand the number of club teams and DPD's sponsorship will allow us to make that vision a reality. Having support from a local - and enthusiastic - company which has a desire to help the community is a joy.

"Inspired by World Cup stars like Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter, and our own inspirational international Zak Feaunati, our players will be making a determined push for promotion this season - a great way to thank all our backers for their continuing support."

DPD's CEO, Dwain McDonald, added: "We're delighted to support a local club with such a great history and strong community links. We are particularly pleased that our backing will help expand the club further, allowing more youngsters to enjoy rugby.

"DPD's dedicated to its people - staff and customers. We believe in working as a team to deliver results and this ethos perfectly matches Veseyans ambitions too."

Pictured (left to right): Zak Feaunati (Head Coach and former Samoan International), Mark Tonks (Veseyans Chairman), Mandy Hamilton (General Manager of Marketing for DPD) and Sam Irvine (Veseyans Club Captain).

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Parcel giant DPD's business growth has provided a further 150 full-times roles at their Smethwick and Oldbury hubs in the West Midlands.

A surge in new account wins in the UK, plus increased International trade has boosted DPD's business prompting the recruitment of new loaders and Class 1 drivers.

And the boom in business was the catalyst for the recent development of a £12m extension to DPD's national sorting hub at Oldbury.

The new facility will be officially opened by footballing legends, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and Sir Gordon Banks MBE, on September 22nd and includes a new sorting line which will increase total sortation capacity to more than half a million parcels each night.

DPD's CEO Dwain McDonald said: "Our business is continuing to grow. In particular, our unique Predict service, which offers customers a one hour delivery window, has produced £40 million of new business wins this year as customers switch to DPD from carriers who cannot provide this award-winning service.

"The new facility at Oldbury provides state-of-the-art equipment and allows us to accommodate the vast volumes our business handles. Everyone's looking forward to the official opening event.

"We're delighted in this tough economic climate to have the opportunity to recruit people to full-time positions and welcome our new recruits to a passionate, customer-focussed company that's aiming for market leadership by 2015."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

Parcel delivery company DPD has scooped a pair of prestigious national awards for first-class customer service.

Winning the UK Customer Experience Award plus the motor industry's Customer Care Award, DPD beat dozens of household names and was rewarded for its "outstanding" service to its customers.

The nationwide parcel carrier with its HQ in Smethwick, West Midlands employs more than

 4500, delivers more than a million parcels each week and counts O2, Vodafone and Sony Computers among its customers.

Announcing the result of the UK Customer Experience Award on Friday, the judges praised DPD's "high standards of customer care in every area of their business".

And this honour comes hot on the heels of DPD taking the top slot in the Customer Care category at the motor transport industry 'Oscars' last week when judges said the company's customer care ran "from the boardroom to the loading bay and doorstep."

Both sets of judges were particularly impressed with DPD's 'customer-obsessed' culture; personal client care; on-line innovations plus the parcel carrier's unique Predict service - providing customers with a one-hour delivery window so they don't have to wait in all day for their parcel.

Director of Sales and CRM, Elaine Kerr, said: "This is an incredible double vote of confidence in all that we do. Customer care is our life blood and we're delighted when the outstanding achievements of our people are recognised."

CEO Dwain McDonald said: "Winning one prestigious award is fantastic. Winning two in the same week is amazing! This is wonderful news for all our employees and demonstrates that real customer care pays dividends in the current economic climate."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

DPD has received a Big Tick award by Business in the Community (BITC) for its Opening Doors work experience programme.

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO, launched the initiative back in September 2008 with a view to giving local youngsters hands-on experience in various departments at the company's Smethwick head office.

The awards are independently judged, with only 35% of entrants going on to achieve the standard. Juliet Leach, Head of Brand and Publications at BITC, said: "Sincere congratulations to DPD. These awards are the most credible, influential and established for responsible business and it's worth shouting about!".

To read more about our achievement, please visit the following link
http://www.bitc.org.uk/resources/case_studies/afe_2884.html

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.

GeoPost UK's senior management team was 'in the pink' today to launch a £50,000 fundraising campaign for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Carrying a special pink parcel, CEO Dwain McDonald and eight of his team set out on a 12 mile sponsored walk from GeoPost's Smethwick Head Office to the company's Interlink Express depot in Aldridge.

The trek is the first leg of the company's 'Pink Parcel Challenge' which will see GeoPost employees carrying the pink parcel around the UK to raise awareness of the charity's work. Employees can run, swim, cycle or find any other means of travelling 3,907 miles - the distance between all the company's depots - to raise £50,000 by 24 October.

All funds raised by employees for Breakthrough Breast Cancer will be matched pound for pound by the company and more than £5,000 has already been pledged towards today's 12 mile walk.

Dwain McDonald said: "In a recent survey we asked all our employees what kind of good cause we should support and they voted strongly in favour of a cancer charity. That's why I'm delighted to launch this very worthwhile campaign - breast cancer claims the lives of one thousand women every month and we want to help make a difference."

For further information please contact:

Gordon, Liz or Jason at MAW Communications (www.mawcomms.co.uk) on 01603 505 845.

Notes to editors:

DPD is a member of one of Europe's leading parcels groups GeoPost, wholly owned by France's La Poste, the second largest postal group in Europe.

The company employs 6,700 people in the UK, operating more than 3,000 vehicles from over 40 locations and delivering 1.6 million parcels per week.