DPD plans to offer consumers more delivery options to reduce the number of failed delivery attempts, following an upgrade to its Predict service.

The service was launched in 2012 and notifies consumers of a one-hour slot when they can expect their parcel to be delivered.

The upgrade will notify recipients the evening before delivery and allow them to choose one of five delivery options. These include changing the delivery day, deliver to neighbour, deliver to safe place, collect from nearest depot and upgrade delivery to a Saturday or before 10am.

CEO Dwain McDonald said: “These are really significant enhancements. We know that the more we can communicate in real-time with recipients, the more we can ensure a safe and secure first time delivery.

“Our aim with these latest improvements is to double the response rate from recipients by increasing the options available the evening before.”

The operator's £3.5m depot in Peterborough is due to open next month.