DPD has announced that it will generate over 700 new jobs in response to a rapid growth in Saturday and Sunday deliveries. The company created the new employed role of part-time, dedicated weekend delivery driver, following a 40% increase in weekend parcel volumes in the last year. The expansion is due to the general growth in ecommerce traffic and more retailers promoting the option of weekend deliveries.
We’ve been amazed by the demand for our weekend service and we’re obviously delighted to be able to create more new jobs, as a result. We were the first major delivery company to offer a nationwide seven-day service, which gave us a real advantage, but this ongoing growth is yet another example of the march of UK e-tail.
The increased demand for weekend deliveries is coming direct from the consumer. Online shoppers increasingly expect to get their goods the next day, regardless of when they make the purchase. We also find that many customers now specifically request a weekend delivery for goods like fashion and electronic devices where they want to be sure they are going to be at home to receive it. Retailers trust us to deliver these types of goods safely and professionally, and we’re investing in that part of our business to meet the demand and improve the service still further.
Our proposition is really well suited to weekend deliveries. We don’t turn up out of the blue and interrupt your weekend. We deliver within a sensible time window and customers know in advance exactly when we are coming. They also have complete control over their delivery, with a wide range of options to choose from if they aren’t going to be at home.
– Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO
