What Does “Parcel Handed to DPD” Mean? A Beginner’s Guide
Have you ever shopped online and tracked a package that displayed the status “Parcel handed to DPD”? As an avid online shopper myself, I’ve seen this cryptic tracking update many times over the years. It used to leave me scratching my head, wondering:
What exactly does “Parcel handed to DPD” mean? And what happens to my delivery next?
“Parcel handed to DPD” simply means your physical package has been transferred into the custody of DPD, a major provider of parcel delivery services across Europe and internationally.
This handover signals that your delivery is now the responsibility of DPD as it travels through their logistics network towards its destination.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore DPD’s operations in depth, looking at:
- What “Parcel handed to DPD” means for your delivery process
- An introduction to DPD as a company
- What to expect after your parcel is handed over to DPD
- DPD’s various parcel services and options
- How to track DPD parcels for real-time updates
- Estimated DPD delivery times
- What to do if your DPD parcel is delayed
- DPD’s history, international reach, and commitment to sustainability
Whether you’re an individual online shopper or a business that frequently uses DPD, this article will give you a better understanding of this prominent parcel delivery provider. Let’s dive in!
What Does “Parcel Handed to DPD” Mean?
When you receive a tracking update that your parcel has been “Handed to DPD”, this means the physical package has been transferred into the custody and care of DPD delivery services.
There are two main ways this handover from the sender to DPD typically happens:
- At a DPD Parcel Shop – The sender drops off the parcel at one of DPD’s many parcel shop locations.
- Collected by a DPD driver – A DPD driver picks up the parcel from the sender’s location during their route.
In both cases, once DPD has possession of your parcel, it will be scanned into their tracking system and assigned a unique tracking number.
This “Parcel handed to DPD” scan indicates that your delivery has officially entered the DPD logistics network. DPD now bears responsibility for getting your parcel safely to its intended destination.
What the “Parcel Handed to DPD” Status Means
When you receive the “Parcel handed to DPD” notification, it means:
- Your physical package is now in the custody of DPD.
- Your parcel has been scanned into the DPD tracking system.
- A unique tracking number has been generated for monitoring your delivery status.
- DPD now manages the transportation and delivery of your parcel.
- Your delivery has entered the start of DPD’s logistics process.
So in short, this status update lets you know your package is now being handled by DPD as it makes its way towards you. You can expect that DPD will get it there safely and on schedule.
An Introduction to DPD: Europe’s Second Largest Delivery Network
Now that we know what “Parcel handed to DPD” signifies, let’s get familiar with DPD as a company.
Originally founded in France as Dynamic Parcel Distribution in 1977, DPD has grown to become the second largest parcel delivery network in Europe. They provide both domestic and international shipping services across over 230 countries worldwide.
Here are some key facts about DPD:
- Employs over 75,000 parcel delivery experts globally
- Owned by GeoPost, the express division of France’s national postal service, La Poste
- Ships over 2 billion parcels per year
- Operations across over 230 countries worldwide
- Over 100,000 Pickup parcel shops across Europe for convenient collection and sending
- One of Europe’s largest road-based express networks
Along with top players like DHL and FedEx, DPD is a leading choice for reliable parcel delivery for both businesses and consumers within Europe.
DPD aims to make sending a parcel just as easy as sending an email. They provide seamless ways for customers to send, track, and return parcels through services like Parcel Online and Predict.
As an established courier company with extensive infrastructure and advanced technology, DPD has the scale and systems to handle over a billion parcels per year – so you can trust them to reliably handle your delivery after it’s been handed to DPD!
What Happens After “Parcel Handed to DPD”? The Delivery Process
Once your package is in the hands of DPD, what’s the typical process from there to get it to you?
Here are the usual steps a DPD delivery goes through after you receive the “Parcel handed to DPD” update:
Transport to Nearest DPD Depot
First, the parcel will be transported from the DPD Parcel Shop or driver location to the nearest DPD sorting facility or depot. This leg of the journey usually takes about 1-2 days.
Parcel Sorting
At the depot, advanced sorting systems will route your parcel to its correct destination. The sorting process is quite quick, getting your parcel ready for dispatch.
Dispatch to Destination Depot
Next, your parcel will be transported from the originating depot to the DPD depot nearest the delivery address. For longer trips, it may pass through multiple depots along the route.
Out for Delivery
Once it arrives at the final delivery depot, your parcel will be loaded onto a DPD van to go out for delivery.
Delivery
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive your DPD delivery on the expected delivery date, handled by a DPD driver.
Given DPD’s focus on speed and reliability, you can expect your domestic shipment to arrive within 1-2 working days after being handed to DPD. International parcels are typically delivered within 2-4 working days.
Of course, tracking updates can lag behind a parcel’s physical location. But the stages above give you an idea of the key steps in DPD’s transit process.
DPD Parcel Delivery Services and Options
DPD offers extensive shipping solutions tailored to both individual and business needs. Let’s look at some of their main domestic and international parcel delivery services:
DPD Classic
- DPD’s standard delivery service within Europe for parcels up to 31.5kg.
- Transit time is typically 1-2 working days within the UK and 2-4 days between European countries.
- Features include parcel tracking, proof of delivery, Predict service, European Pickup, and direct transport links between hubs.
DPD Next Day
- Guaranteed next-working day delivery for customers in the UK and Ireland.
- Ideal for urgent parcels that need to arrive by a specified time.
DPD Express
- DPD’s express delivery service reaching over 230 countries worldwide.
- Delivery typically within 2-4 working days for major international destinations.
- Options for heavier items weighing up to 500kg.
DPD Express Air
- Time-sensitive international delivery via air transport.
- Reaches most European destinations within 1-2 working day.
DPD Express Classic
- Reliable delivery in 2-4 working days on average for international shipments.
- Uses road, rail, and air freight transport.
DPD Pickup
- Offers over 100,000 Pickup points across Europe to conveniently drop off or collect parcels.
- Many locations have extended evening and weekend opening hours.
DPD also provides specialty delivery solutions like temperature-controlled shipping and on-demand, same-day delivery in certain metro areas.
Keeping Track of Your DPD Parcel Delivery
DPD offers user-friendly tracking options so you can follow your delivery’s progress in real-time:
DPD Website
Simply enter your tracking number at dpd.com to view your parcel’s current status and see each stage of the journey.
DPD Mobile App
For tracking on-the-go, download the DPD app on your smartphone or tablet to monitor updates.
Text Notifications
Opt in to receive tracking updates directly via SMS as your parcel travels through the DPD network.
Email Updates
Get the latest delivery notifications conveniently delivered to your inbox.
Customer Service
If any issues arise, contact DPD’s multilingual customer support via phone, online chat, or social media.
With proactive tracking and notifications, DPD enables you to stay informed each step of the way until your parcel safely reaches its destination.
Estimated Delivery Times for DPD Parcels
How long does DPD delivery take? Here are the average estimated transit times:
- Within the UK: 1-2 working days
- Between major European countries: 2-4 working days
- From Europe to the USA/Canada: 2-5 working days
- From Europe to Australia/New Zealand: 4-7 working days
- Within Europe via DPD Express: 1-2 working days
Note that delivery times can vary depending on the specific service selected, point of origin and destination, any weekends or holidays that fall during transit, and other factors.
For more accurate delivery estimates, contact DPD or the sender. But you can refer to the timeframes above for general guidance on standard delivery schedules.
What To Do If Your DPD Parcel Is Late or Delayed
With their reputation for reliability, significant delays are uncommon with DPD parcel services. But unexpected issues can occasionally arise.
If your DPD delivery is running late, here are some steps to take:
- First, check the latest tracking information for updates on expected delivery and details on any delays. There may be a short holdup in transit that DPD is working to resolve.
- Contact DPD customer support by phone or through online chat. Their team can provide more information about the delay and give you an updated delivery timeline.
- For major delays, DPD may offer compensation or arrange redelivery depending on the circumstances.
- Notify the sender as well. They can also contact DPD on your behalf regarding delayed shipment inquiries or claims.
As an industry leader in time-definite delivery, DPD aims to quickly resolve any delays while keeping customers fully informed through tracking and proactive communication.
DPD Company History and Global Operations
Let’s take a closer look at DPD’s background as a company and their extensive operations:
DPD first began operating in France in 1999 under the name Dynamic Parcel Distribution, focusing on fast, efficient delivery processing. They became part of GeoPost in 2001.
Today, DPD forms an expansive delivery network reaching over 230 countries worldwide. Here are some key facts about their operations:
- Employs over 77,000 people globally
- Owned by GeoPost, the express division of France’s national postal service La Poste
- Second largest parcel delivery network in Europe after DHL
- Ships over 2 billion parcels per year
- Uses over 100,000 Pickup parcel shops across Europe for convenient collection and drop-off
- Priority on technological innovation – provides advanced tools for tracking, route optimization, automation, and more
- Multilingual customer support teams with local market knowledge
DPD continues to focus on growth and enhancing its international presence to meet rapidly growing delivery demands in the age of ecommerce and online shopping.
DPD’s International Presence and Strategic Partnerships
In addition to its extensive operations across Europe, DPD provides global delivery reach by partnering with reputable transport and logistics companies worldwide.
Some of DPD’s key international partnerships include:
- Australia – Allied Express
- Brazil – Jadlog
- China – ZJS Express
- India – Delhivery
- Russia – SPSR Express
- USA – DPD Local
These partnerships allow DPD to offer greater worldwide service while benefitting from local carriers’ knowledge and infrastructure.
DPD also operates its own divisions in several countries outside Europe, including the UK, Canada, Russia, and Brazil. This combined approach supports their international growth strategy.
DPD’s Commitment to Sustainable Delivery
Along with reliable parcel delivery, DPD aims to minimize its environmental impact and promote ethical, sustainable practices such as:
- Operating Europe’s largest fleet of electric delivery vehicles, with a goal of zero emissions deliveries in key urban areas by 2025
- Using eco-friendly natural gas trucks across Europe
- Implementing innovative low-emission technologies like bicycles, trikes, and quadricycles
- Offering incentives for customers to consolidate shipments, reducing the number of journeys required
- Ensuring ethical labor and human rights practices throughout their supply chains
- Committing to transparency and reporting on sustainability initiatives each year
By integrating sustainability into all areas of operations, DPD strives to provide fast, convenient delivery while supporting a cleaner, greener future.
Conclusion
We’ve just explored what “Parcel handed to DPD” signifies and took an in-depth look at DPD – one of Europe’s leading parcel delivery networks.
Key takeaways:
- “Parcel handed to DPD” means your package is now in the custody and care of DPD as it enters their logistics network.
- DPD is a prominent courier company providing domestic and global delivery services across over 230 countries.
- You can expect reliable delivery within standard 1-2 day timeframes for domestic parcels and 2-4 days internationally after your parcel is handed to DPD.
- Convenient tracking options let you follow your shipment’s journey from doorstep to doorstep.
- DPD aims to resolve any delivery delays promptly while keeping customers fully informed.
- Continuous technological innovation and sustainable practices make DPD well-equipped to meet the demands of modern delivery.
So next time your parcel is handed to DPD, you can feel confident knowing your delivery is now in the hands of a trusted, efficient courier service focused on getting it to you smoothly, securely, and on schedule.
