We received the following message from DPD:
Dear customer,
We are currently seeing exceptionally high volumes in our network. Many of our customers are growing fast and processing more orders than expected. This is positive, but it also means that at the moment it is simply too busy to process all parcels within the usual lead time. Volumes are increasing especially strongly in the Randstad area. As a result, delays are occurring in the processing and delivery of parcels. We therefore ask you to take a longer lead time of 2 to 3 days into account.
What does this mean for you?
We advise you to take this into account in your own planning and in your communication to your customers. Where possible, please communicate realistic delivery times in your webshop, customer communication and towards any sales platforms. Do you sell via platforms such as Bol? Please also take the current lead times into account there. This helps prevent disappointment among consumers and reduces the risk of possible strikes or negative impact on your platform performance.
Additional volume is temporarily not possible
We understand that additional volume can sometimes be difficult to predict. However, we want to be clear about this: at the moment, parts of our network are operating at maximum processing capacity.
This means that, for the time being, we cannot accept or process additional volume on top of the existing forecast within the normal lead time. As soon as there are positive developments and more capacity becomes available, we will inform you.
Use parcel shops in your checkout
We also ask you to include parcel shops in your checkout wherever possible. The more recipients choose delivery to a parcel shop, the more efficiently we can deliver.
Delivery to a parcel shop means fewer stops on a route. This allows us to deliver more parcels in one day and helps us keep the network moving. Especially in busy areas, this helps us make the best possible use of the available capacity.
What are we doing?
We are doing everything we can to process and deliver as many parcels as possible, as quickly as possible. We are already using additional capacity during the week and are also operating extra routes on Saturdays.
At the same time, we want to be realistic: volumes are currently so high that delays cannot always be avoided. We continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust where possible.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. By communicating realistic expectations together and making the best possible use of the available delivery options, we can help your customers through this busy period as well as possible.