THE Post Office has entered into a new partnership with French parcel delivery firm DPD, the first time the retail brand has joined forces with an external mail carrier in its 360 year history.
As part of the new deal, Post Office retailers will now be able to offer DPD click and collect services from Post Office counters.
The service is already up and running in around 250 Post Offices, and is expected to roll out to 1,500 stores across the UK ahead of the festive season.
Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office, said: “Combining the biggest physical retail network with one of Europe’s best-known logistical carriers provides greater customer convenience, footfall for Postmasters and helps people back to the high street as Covid-19 restrictions ease.
“I’m delighted that through our partnership with DPD, customers can select their local Post Office to collect their parcels and know that they are often open longer hours, staffed by a knowledgeable Postmaster and located moments from where they live.”
Elaine Kerr, chief executive at DPD, also welcomed the deal and added it should serve to reduce the firm’s environmental impact.
“The partnership between Post Office and DPD will play an important role in cities and towns across the UK in reducing the environmental impact of having vans making multiple stops to drop off parcels, whilst at the same time encouraging people to return to their local high street on foot,” she said.
