DPD has expanded its international home delivery service with the launch of DPD Direct, collaborating with domestic parcel carriers in 12 countries.

Online retailers such as River Island and US jewellery retailer Rocks TV have signed up to the new service, which includes a tracking and returns service, fast customs clearance and delivery to international markets, including the USA and Australia.

DPD will collect parcels from retailers before they are transported to London Heathrow, where fashion shipping firm WorldNet will handle air freight and customs paperwork. Local carriers will handle home deliveries in each destination country, including Auspost in Australia and United States Postal Service in the USA.

Chief executive Dwain McDonald said: "Delivery costs and options are key factors in determining the overall price and attractiveness of online goods. DPD Direct has been developed to increase the appeal of cross border commerce through a competitive, transparent pricing structure, the security of a full tracking service and streamlining the customs requirements."

Retailers will be able to track each parcel and receive confirmation of delivery, while customers will receive email notifications when their parcel arrives in their country.

McDonald said: "Through DPD Direct our aim is to make it as easy for UK e-tailers to sell to customers living in Sydney as Southampton."

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