DPD Ireland – Balancing Business Growth, Sustainability, and Workplace Excellence

A solid track record when it comes to adapting to market changes   

If ever there was a time of uncertainty for European parcel delivery, it was during Brexit. For years before it took effect, Brexit remained in flux ౼ on again, off again ౼ while looming challenges such as high parcel volumes, tariffs, legislation and customs created an unpredictable landscape, making long-term planning nearly impossible.  

For example, pre-Brexit DPD Ireland went from processing zero customs declarations for transit between Great Britain/Ireland to processing in excess of 3.5 million declarations per annum. The learning curve was steep, and the road far from smooth, but DPD Ireland successfully navigated the turmoil. The uncertainty of Brexit was followed by another unprecedented challenge – COVID-19.   

Initially, we anticipated losing a large share of parcel volume, prompting crisis meetings to prepare for potential downturn scenarios. Instead, the reality was the complete opposite. Daily online shopping surged, reaching demand levels typically reserved for peak holiday seasons. - Des Travers, Chief Executive Officer, DPD Ireland.

• • Maintaining a 99% delivery success rate in a rapidly evolving market 

Despite the incredible uptick in activity ౼ from handling upwards of 180,000 parcels per day for three peak days a year to sustaining this volume for 120 days ౼  DPD Ireland maintained its 99% delivery success rate.1 This was made possible by a combination of factors: a robust IT infrastructure, a strong hub and network and the dedication of those on the front lines, including drivers, hub operations, and a dedicated Customer Support team, unique in the industry as it combines both global and local expertise of the Geopost network. 

Our 50-person team not only assists with daily parcel requests, but also proactively resolves delivery issues, recognising the value of real-time communication and personal responsibility. - Patricia Lennon, CFO and CCO, DPD Ireland.

DPD Ireland has been awarded the CCA Global Accreditation for Customer Experience, reflecting the team’s excellence and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience.

Scaling infrastructure to meet growing demand  

A carrier on the front lines of the pandemic, DPD Ireland’s job was essential. It had to keep parcels moving to healthcare facilities, delivering masks, sanitation supplies and other critical items to people who needed them.  

• • Tapping into a new generation of drivers

To ensure seamless operations during lockdowns, DPD Ireland swiftly responded by mobilising local talent from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the training needed to become skilled drivers. With a team of drivers now ready to mobilise, infrastructure limitations still posed a significant challenge.  

• • The long-term approach to investing in infrastructure

DPD Ireland had always taken a long-term approach to investments with a five-year expansion plan already in place. So, rather than responding in crisis mode, the company accelerated this plan, opening a 1,393.5 square metres distribution centre for Cavan and Monaghan and investing €5 million to expand capacity in the Athlone hub and €3 million to upgrade its IT infrastructure.(2)

These investments sped up delivery, expanded network capacity and met rising demand ౼ all while and maintaining high service standards and ౼ ultimately fostering sustained business growth.  

Looking ahead, the company continues to scale its infrastructure to meet growing needs. New features and enhancements for its online customer portal are set to launch, providing self-service invoicing and billing solutions, enhancing transparency and efficiency, and granting full visibility of all parcels in the system. This proactive approach ensures customers stay informed and in control.  

Advancing business sustainability, driving positive environmental change 

In addition to expanding infrastructure to meet demand, DPD Ireland is committed to doing so sustainably. The company began heavily investing in its electric vehicle (EV) journey with its first electric depot in 2019, at a time when availability was relatively limited, costs were high and scepticism prevailed. To overcome these challenges, DPD Ireland focused on tackling education and support for depots transitioning to EVs.  

• • EV training initiatives

The launch of an “EV Masters” initiative accelerated adoption by engaging drivers through training programmes, awarding the best drivers each month and sharing testimonials to inspire others. Range anxiety was another key hurdle, but efficiency training resulted in a 60% improvement in range (3), making EVs a viable option for longer routes.  

• • Setting the standard for more sustainable solutions

As a leader in sustainable logistics, DPD Ireland has pioneered several industry firsts. It was the first in Ireland to adopt Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) across its line hauls ౼ a pragmatic step that reduced emissions by 92% without requiring infrastructure investments.(4) It also introduced the country’s first all-electric depot and now operates 350 electric vehicles on Irish roads, delivering nearly 30% of its total parcels sustainably.(5)  

DPD Ireland continues to set the benchmark for responsible logistics, proving that growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. - Colin Kennedy, CIO, DPD Ireland

DPD Ireland marked a major milestone in 2024, achieving 10 million EV parcel deliveries. This achievement fuels the company’s ambition to operate a 100% electric fleet using renewable energy by 2030. Furthermore, their current use of 100% renewable fuel for linehaul operations significantly contributes to their overall goal of reducing emissions by 90% by 2030.