Have you ever had a parcel shipment delayed or rescheduled by DPD due to an “unexpected issue”? This vague status update can be frustrating for customers waiting on time-sensitive deliveries. In this article, we’ll look at potential causes of unexpected issues leading to DPD delays and provide advice on steps to take when your parcel is affected.
Receiving a delay notice citing an unexpected issue leaves many recipients wondering just what has happened to disrupt delivery of their parcels. While disruptions do occasionally occur in the delivery business, some explanation of the problem would provide helpful context. There are various possible reasons for these mysterious DPD delays. Let’s explore the potential causes in more detail below.
Common Causes of Unexpected DPD Parcel Delays
Courier Strikes and Staff Shortages
Delivery strikes are probably the most common cause of widespread delays across courier networks like DPD. Strikes occur when couriers protest against issues like excessive workloads or low wages. These organized demonstrations can severely slow the processing and transit of parcels through the DPD network, leading to ambiguous “unexpected issue” notifications rather than a clear notice citing the strike. Even routine staff shortages at sorting offices can cause a similar backup.
Extreme Weather Events
Severe storms, flooding, or other adverse weather can force DPD depots and delivery vehicles off the roads. Dangerous conditions threaten the safety of staff working in the DPD delivery network. Weather delays tend to cluster around certain regions, so your location might provide clues on weather as the reason for an unexpected delay.
Operational Disruptions
Problems at DPD sorting hubs and depots can also lead to delays. Equipment malfunctions, power outages, fires, or police operations could force facilities to pause or limit operations. Any of these issues within the DPD logistics network could ripple outwards to delay shipments. However, DPD is unlikely to provide customers with specifics about internal depot issues.
Parcel Volume Overloads
DP delivery drivers have a set maximum number of parcels allocated each day. At peak seasons like Christmas, order volumes heavily exceed delivery capacity. That forces DPD to reschedule many deliveries. Similarly, a local influx of parcels to one area can overload the drivers assigned to that postcode. But DPD will not necessarily cite such volume issues in delay notifications.
Covid Precautions
The ongoing pandemic has contributed to delivery delays in DPD and other networks. Staffing shortages from sickness as well as social distancing rules that limit employees onsite have slowed parcel processing and delivery. But these Covid impacts often coincide with other issues like couriers strikes.
Check DPD Tracking Updates for More Hints
The “unexpected issue” notice alone provides limited actionable information on your delayed parcel. However, looking at the full tracking updates for your shipment on the DPD website may provide more clues. You may be able to notice patterns like:
- Clustered delays around certain depots – indicating an issue at that location
- Widespread delay notices – suggesting a larger network issue like a strike
- Parcel stuck on “Out for Delivery” – could signal a local delivery backlog
While DPD’s tracking updates remain intentionally vague, analyzing the sequence of scans and statuses can help narrow down the potential reasons for your delay.
Request More Details from DPD Directly
Contacting DPD customer service directly via phone or social media allows you to request more specifics on the reason for your delayed parcel. However, call center agents may have limited additional details beyond a general unexpected issue notice. Provide your shipment tracking number when inquiring to help agents locate your parcel in their system.
Ask politely for any additional context they can provide around the delay. For example, mentioning your tracking history appeared to show clustering of delays around a specific depot may prompt more explanation. Though agents cannot share specifics around internal operations, politely pushing for more context beyond the standard notice may yield some helpful insights.
Consider Filing a Complaint if No Updates Provided
If DPD repeatedly fails to provide further details around delays, you may wish to file a formal complaint requesting improved transparency around service disruptions. Poor communication erodes customer trust in the brand. Your complaint could push DPD to adopt a policy of brief public advisories explaining unexpected delays rather than keeping recipients wholly in the dark.
Submitting online feedback highlighting the problem or tweeting publicly about the issue are two ways to potentially spur DPD to reassess opaque delay notices. Be sure to include your tracking number as reference. Sustained customer complaints could eventually prompt the adoption of clearer guidance around delivery delays.
Explore Options to Reschedule the Delivery
Once you have determined the delivery will indeed be delayed beyond the initial expected date, you will want to make arrangements to receive the parcel on the rescheduled date.
Adjust the Delivery Address
For delays longer than a day or two, you may prefer to reroute the parcel for pickup somewhere more convenient than your home or office. Check with DPD on options to redirect to:
- A DPD Parcel Shop location
- A DPD Parcel Locker
- A neighbor or friend’s address
- Your workplace address
Updating the delivery address allows you to collect your parcel somewhere that suits your schedule during a delay period.
Request a New Delivery Date
If you would still like the parcel delivered to the original address, contact DPD to request a new delivery date. You will want to choose a date where someone will be available to receive the shipment.
With longer delays, getting the delivery rescheduled for the weekend could be preferable if a work address was originally provided. Discuss selecting a new available date with the DPD team when the delay was confirmed.
Set Delivery Notifications
Ask to receive email or SMS notifications from DPD when the courier is en route or has attempted delivery at your address. Receiving real-time updates on delivery day will help ensure you or another recipient is available to accept the parcel.
Notifications reduce the risk of missing the courier and facing further delay from a failed delivery attempt. Having your contact details on file with DPD also makes it easier for the driver to reach you if any issues arise upon arrival.
Be Patient and Plan for Delay Contingencies
When DPD delays drag on for long periods, the lack of clarity around causes and timing understandably tests customers’ patience. But couriers handle immense volumes and unavoidable disruptions do occur. Keep the following tips in mind when your parcels get pushed back:
- Don’t take the delay personally – drivers are doing their best in difficult circumstances
- Be polite if contacting DPD with questions or complaints
- Plan for contingencies in case delays span multiple days
- Request delivery notifications so you do not miss the courier
- Consider parcel pickup points as an option if travel is difficult
- Provide feedback to DPD summarizing how improved communications could help
While DPD delay notices are ambiguous, understanding the multiple factors that can disrupt deliveries can help customers stay informed. Following up respectfully for more context, monitoring tracking closely, and utilizing delivery flexibility will smooth the process when your parcels get held up. With expansive logistics operations, some delays are inevitable – but improved transparency would benefit all.
