DPD allows parcel receivers to sign their own screen due to coronavirus

Parcel delivery service DPD responds to the concerns of parcel receivers about coronavirus

Oirschot, 13 March 2020 – Receivers of parcels delivered by parcel delivery service DPD no longer need to sign the driver's scanner for receipt of a parcel. Despite the fact that the scanner is disinfected after each signature, parcel receivers are becoming increasingly concerned about signing for a delivery with their finger or pen in connection with the coronavirus. To accommodate these concerns and to introduce additional measures against the spread of the virus, DPD is offering receivers the possibility of signing for receipt of their parcel on their own tablet or smartphone by means of the Predict service.

Increasing concerns about the spread of the virus have seen a growing resistance to signing a scanner for receipt of a delivery. DPD is responding to these concerns by offering receivers the opportunity to provide a safe place through the Predict service up to 30 minutes before delivery. Signing the scanner will then not be necessary and the driver will deliver the parcel at the receiver's specified location. Once the parcel has been delivered, the receiver will be notified automatically.

DPD has been offering the Predict service for some time, which enables receivers to determine for themselves how they would like their parcels to be delivered. Predict uses email and text notifications so that receivers can choose precisely how they would like to receive their delivery. This can include delivering the parcel to another address, to a Pick-up parcel shop in the neighbourhood, or even on a different day. If none of these options are used, the parcel will be delivered to the receiver's address and will require a signature on the scanner for receipt.

Eric Dietz, CEO DPD Netherlands: ‘We always take what our customers are telling us seriously and we also take the necessary appropriate measures. Despite a minimum risk of transmitting bacteria and viruses through our scanners, we can quite understand the growing concerns of our parcel receivers. Naturally, we also want to ensure that the parcels are delivered correctly. We do this by looking at the smart options we are already offering customers. By utilising our Predict service, we have succeeded in meeting the wishes of the receivers while providing senders the assurance of delivery that they can expect from us.’