dpd

standard shipping

DPD's standard delivery is a reliable and cost-effective shipping option for parcels that are to be delivered within a fixed time frame. Delivery is usually within 1-3 working days, depending on the destination. This shipping option is particularly suitable for less time-critical shipments and yet offers a high level of reliability. Customers can benefit from real-time shipment tracking and have the option to flexibly redirect their parcels or choose a desired delivery time window. Standard delivery is one of the most popular options for both private and business customers.

express delivery

For urgent deliveries, DPD offers express delivery, which guarantees particularly fast delivery. In many cases, parcels are delivered the next working day, and same-day delivery is also possible in some regions. Express delivery is suitable for shipments where speed is critical, such as urgent business mail or valuable items. DPD ensures that these shipments are processed with the highest priority and delivered as quickly as possible. As with other shipping options, DPD also offers comprehensive shipment tracking and flexible delivery options for express delivery.

National shipping

DPD's national shipping ensures fast and secure delivery within a country. Packages are delivered reliably and punctually to their destination, and DPD also offers various delivery options. Customers can choose between delivery time slots, redirect shipments to DPD parcel shops or request delivery at a later date. National shipping from DPD is particularly suitable for companies and private customers who need a flexible and fast shipping solution within a country. DPD also offers the option of CO₂-neutral delivery through the use of environmentally friendly transport methods.

International shipping

With international shipping, DPD serves customers who want to send parcels worldwide. DPD offers fast and reliable shipping solutions in over 40 countries, with flexible delivery options and precise shipment tracking. Delivery is carried out in accordance with the specific requirements of the destination country, with DPD offering a tailor-made solution for both business and private customers. DPD's international shipping is known for its efficiency and transparency, with fast delivery and the ability to monitor shipping status in real time. DPD attaches great importance to environmentally friendly delivery and also offers CO₂-neutral transport options for international shipments.

PACKAGING GUIDELINES

DPD has clear packaging guidelines which are intended to ensure that shipments reach recipients undamaged and on time. Careful packaging is crucial to ensure the safety of the goods during transport. These guidelines concern the choice of packaging material, the correct sealing of the shipment and the identification of sensitive contents.

- choice of packaging material
DPD recommends choosing robust and sturdy outer packaging for every shipment. The packaging should be neither too big nor too small and sturdy enough to withstand loads during transport. For heavy or sensitive goods, it is recommended to use double-walled cardboard, which provides additional protection. Packaging that has already been used and shows signs of wear such as cracks or dents should be avoided as it is less stable and increases the risk of transport damage.

- Padding and protecting the content
The contents of the shipment should be protected from shocks using suitable cushioning materials — such as bubble wrap, foam or wrapping paper. DPD recommends upholstery sensitive goods in such a way that they have no room for movement within the packaging. There should be a gap of at least five centimeters between the contents and the packaging wall to provide protection against shocks and pressure.

- Seal the package correctly
Securely closing the package is another important point. It is advisable to secure the package connections with strong adhesive tape, especially at the edges and openings of the box. For heavy packages, wide, reinforced adhesive tape is recommended, which provides additional stability and prevents the shipment from being opened unintentionally. An “H” closure, which covers both the edges and the central surfaces, ensures optimum safety.

- Correct labeling
If the shipment contains sensitive or fragile content, this should be clearly visible on the outside with an appropriate sticker (“Be careful with glass” or “fragile”). DPD points out that although such information encourages careful handling, it does not guarantee particularly gentle transport. Good padding is therefore still essential. Unwieldy packages or packages that are not rectangular (e.g. rolls or very large items) are treated as bulky goods at DPD and cost extra. Such packages should be securely packaged and marked so that they can be handled correctly in the depot.

- packaging for special requirements
DPD also offers special packaging solutions for special requirements, for example for shipping electronics, liquids or other sensitive goods. Customers can also purchase shipping bags, shipping boxes and boxes directly from DPD, which comply with the guidelines and are optimally designed for transport.

- Place the address label clearly
Place the address label in a prominent place and make sure that it is completely legible and not damaged. Remove old mailing labels or other labels to avoid confusion.


Customs & import regulations

DPD helps its customers comply with customs and import regulations for international shipping in order to ensure smooth transport across national borders. When shipping to countries outside the EU, additional documents are required, such as commercial invoices, customs declarations or proofs of origin. DPD provides assistance in preparing and verifying these documents to avoid delays or additional charges. DPD also ensures that all shipments comply with the destination country's specific import regulations, including restrictions on certain goods or required customs declarations. For companies, DPD offers tailor-made solutions that enable seamless customs processing. Thanks to digital tools and professional advice, customers can efficiently comply with customs regulations, speeding up the shipping process and minimizing additional costs.
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Insurance and liability
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With DPD, parcels are automatically covered by basic liability during transport, which covers damages up to a certain amount in accordance with legal requirements. For national shipments within Germany, this liability is usually up to 520€ per package, based on the actual value of the goods. If this amount is not sufficient, DPD offers the option of taking out additional transport insurance. This insurance increases protection and covers the full value of the shipment, provided that this has been correctly declared. DPD is liable for damage or loss that occurs during transport as long as these are not due to inadequate packaging, incorrect address information or other omissions by the sender. Customers are advised to carefully pack valuable or sensitive goods and take out additional insurance if necessary to ensure full protection of their shipments.
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shipment tracking

DPD's shipment tracking enables customers to check the current status of their shipment at any time. With a tracking code that the sender receives after the package has been dropped off, both the sender and the recipient can track the package's path in real time. The DPD tracking platform shows detailed information about the shipping process, from collection to delivery. Customers also receive notifications when the status of their shipment changes, such as delivery or potential delays. Thanks to the Predict function, recipients can even see an exact 1-hour time window for delivery and adjust delivery options as needed, such as delivery to a parcel shop or another day. In this way, DPD ensures transparency and flexibility in the shipping process and gives customers control over their parcels.

delivery options

DPD offers a variety of delivery options that make the shipping process flexible and customer-friendly. Recipients have the option to customize delivery according to their wishes. With the Predict service, customers receive a precise delivery time within a 1-hour time window, which enables better planning of the day. If the delivery time is not right, the delivery can simply be redirected — either to a nearby DPD parcel shop, a packing station or to an alternative address.
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The option of changing the delivery time or having the package delivered on a later day provides even more flexibility. DPD also offers the option of having shipments delivered at a specific time on request. If no one is at home, delivery is often made to a secure storage location or the recipient is informed about the nearest DPD parcel shop where the package can be picked up. In this way, DPD ensures that delivery is convenient and tailored to the recipient's individual needs at all times.

Return and return option

DPD offers its customers simple return and return options that make the process simple and convenient for private and business senders. For returns within Germany, customers can use the DPD returns service, which makes it possible to return parcels quickly and cost-effectively. The sender usually receives a pre-printed return label, which can be affixed directly to the package. The return can then be dropped off at a DPD parcel shop or picked up directly from the front door using DPD's pick-up service.
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In addition, through the FlexDelivery service, DPD makes it possible to flexibly organise returns on another day or to an alternative address. The return process is made transparent through shipment tracking so that customers always know where their package is and when it will arrive at the sender. These simple and practical return solutions ensure a high level of customer satisfaction and efficiency.