DHL trialling “exact” delivery time notifications in Germany

DHL is trialling a new delivery notification service in some parts of Germany, which emails the recipient an approximate delivery time in advance, then the “exact” time around 15 minutes before delivery.

The courier company said it plans to roll out the new system in instalments across Germany next year.

The time will be calculated according to the GPS position of the van, according to Deutsche Post Group CEO Frank Appel, who spoke to regional newspaper RP Online. He said the new system would “significantly improve the forecasting accuracy for parcels”.

Appel also suggested that the company was looking to shorten turnaround times for parcels by not storing them for long periods of time prior to delivery.

Other parcel delivery companies have also made improvements to their delivery notifications in recent years.

DPD Predict was launched three years ago, giving customers a one-hour delivery window and the option to reschedule or redirect the delivery to the nearest Pickup shop. Customers are able to track the delivery van once it’s in their neighbourhood.

UPS has also introduced Day Before Delivery alerts for destinations across Europe, with similar rescheduling options.

Source: The Local DE