DPD has partnered with UK location technology firm what3words.

The London-based technology start-up has divided the world into a grid of three metre squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, with around 57 trillion squares in total.

The start-up claims that unlike a regular street address, which points to a street or building, the system allows people to specify a precise location such as a side door or utility entrance.

From 25 February, DPD customers will be able to add their what3words address to the ‘delivery preferences’ section of the DPD app, which DPD said will enable drivers to arrive at the exact building entrance, doorstep, or side passage specified by the customer.

Over 10 million consumers already use the DPD app to update their delivery preferences according to the company.

what3words also partnered with Dominos earlier this month and received a £12 million investment from Ingka Group, which owns most IKEA outlets, in March 2021.

"DPD is one of the UK's favourite parcel delivery networks - and allowing its customers to use what3words to specify locations will transform everyday deliveries,” said Chris Sheldrick, chief executive, and co-founder at what3words. “Our technology gives both customers and DPD drivers the confidence that deliveries will be made precisely, easily, and more efficiently, using just three words."

Elaine Kerr, chief executive at DPD UK, said: “Our drivers do an amazing job delivering the vast majority of parcels to the correct address, first time. We use technology available to make their job easier, and what3words is an incredibly smart solution.”

She added: “In addition to helping us deliver to new housing estates and remote cottages, there are significant gains from more effective fleet routing and reducing unnecessary mileage.”

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