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DPD UK is partnering with smart locker specialist Quadient to deliver a nationwide network of smart parcel lockers.

Quadient will initially install 500 contactless, secure locker stations in the UK this year, with a plan for 5,000 "in the coming years", according to DPD.

Two hundred of the initial tranche of 500 lockers will be outdoors, offering a seven day, round the clock service. DPD said locations could include shopping precincts, housing estates, serviced car parks, higher education sites and even pubs and libraries.

Customers will be able to select a locker delivery from their DPD delivery notifications. They will then receive a confirmation once the parcel is in the locker and can access their parcel using a one-time PIN or by scanning the QR code in the notification to open the correct locker door.

The initiative is in addition to DPD’s existing nationwide network of 6,000 Pickup shops, which includes the Post Office, Sainsbury’s, Homebase, Argos, Morrisons, Go Outdoors, Matalan and the Coop as well as a network of independent convenience stores including Collect+.

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Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, said: "We are delighted to be teaming up with Quadient to utilise this new parcel locker network. Our parcel recipients already have the option to divert a delivery to their chosen Pickup shop using the DPD app or from their parcel notifications, but now they will also be able to select a smart locker delivery. We know that, for some people, a secure and convenient out of home parcel pickup point is going to be desirable.

“For people who are at home or have a reliable safe place or a good relationship with their neighbours, home deliveries will remain the number one preference, but parcel recipients always tell us they also want choice and control over their deliveries.

"Many households have become more reliant on deliveries post-pandemic, but not everyone is at home all the time now. So, it is important that we continue to develop new smart, safe and secure delivery options.

"It is really exciting to think about the kind of locations that could be most convenient for people, going forward such as libraries or maybe even pubs. Whichever option parcel recipients choose, our market leading technology, including the DPD app, will keep them informed and in control every step of the way.”

Ian Caminsky, SVP & MD Parcel Locker Solutions DACHIT/UKI at Quadient added: “We are very proud indeed to be partnering with DPD in the UK, giving more people than ever before access to secure, self-service electronic parcel lockers. Our Parcel Pending smart lockers are a natural extension to DPD’s fantastic range of delivery options, and our software integrates perfectly to enhance their real-time customer notifications.

“As the volume of parcels sent in the UK continues to grow, people need to be given more delivery options that fit alongside their everyday lives. Parcel lockers have an increasingly important part to play in the mix: preventing theft, supporting 24/7 availability, and helping cut the cost and environmental impact of repeated redelivery attempts. We cannot wait to see DPD customers using these parcel lockers across the UK.”

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