Do DPD Charge for Redelivery on Missed Deliveries?

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Quick Answer:

No, DPD does not charge for standard redelivery or redirecting parcels in the UK. Rearranging a missed delivery via the official myDPD app or the online tracking portal is 100% free.

URGENT SCAM ALERT FOR UK CONSUMERS: If you receive a text message (SMS) or email claiming you missed a DPD delivery and must pay a fee (such as £1.50, £1.99, or £2.50) to reschedule, it is a phishing scam. DPD will never ask for your credit card details, bank details, or an upfront payment to redeliver a parcel.

Key Takeaways to Keep You Safe:

  • Free Redelivery: DPD standard delivery re-attempts always cost zero.
  • Official Channels Only: Only manage your parcel using the official tracking portal or the myDPD mobile app.
  • Flexible Safe Options: You can redirect your parcel to a secure safe place, a trusted neighbour, or a local DPD Pickup shop at no extra charge.
  • Spot the Fraud: Any notification demanding payment to release or reschedule a package is fraudulent and should be reported.

What is DPD Redelivery?

What is DPD Redelivery

DPD redelivery refers to the process of rescheduling the delivery of a parcel that was not successfully delivered on the first attempt.

When a DPD driver cannot hand over your parcel, for instance, because you were not at home, a redelivery can be arranged without any additional cost under standard conditions.

The service allows recipients to choose alternative delivery options such as:

  • A new delivery date
  • Leaving the parcel with a neighbour
  • Leaving it in a safe place on your property
  • Collecting it from a local DPD Pickup shop

According to a DPD spokesperson:

“Our redelivery service is designed to be flexible and convenient for customers. Standard redelivery is always free, and we never ask for bank details to rearrange deliveries.”

Redelivery ensures that parcels are not immediately returned to the sender, giving recipients multiple opportunities to receive their goods.

Why Are DPD Parcels Sometimes Undelivered?

Even the most efficient courier services can occasionally face issues that prevent successful delivery. Parcels may go undelivered due to common situations such as the recipient not being at home, incorrect or incomplete address details, or restricted access to the property.

In some cases, deliveries also fail if the parcel requires a signature or is too large to be left in a safe place.

Common reasons include:

  • Recipient unavailable at the time of delivery
  • Incorrect or missing address details
  • Limited or restricted access to the property
  • Signature-required or oversized parcels

Additional factors like bad weather, traffic delays, or operational challenges can also play a role. To minimise disruption, DPD usually sends notifications and may leave a “sorry we missed you” card, allowing customers to quickly rearrange delivery and stay informed.

How Are Missed Deliveries Handled by DPD?

When a delivery attempt fails, DPD follows a clear and structured process to ensure parcels are safely managed.

If no one is available at the address, the driver will typically leave a “sorry we missed you” card and update the tracking system. Customers are then notified via SMS or email with a link to rearrange delivery.

DPD provides flexible options to make redelivery convenient. You can choose a new delivery date, select a safe place, redirect the parcel to a neighbour, or send it to a nearby Pickup shop. In most cases, DPD will attempt delivery up to three times before taking further action.

Key steps include:

  • Initial delivery attempt with notification
  • Online redelivery options
  • Multiple delivery attempts
  • Return to sender if unsuccessful

Delivery Process Overview

DPD Action or RequestCost to RecipientHow to Safely Arrange
First Standard Delivery AttemptFreeIncluded in original retailer shipping
Second & Third Automatic Re-attemptsFreeAutomatic next-day or via myDPD App
Redirect to an Authorised NeighbourFreeOfficial DPD tracking link or app
Leave in a Designated Safe PlaceFreeOfficial DPD tracking link or app
Divert to a DPD Pickup ShopFreeOnline portal (requires ID at pickup)
SMS Text Link Requesting a Small Fee⚠️ ScamNever pay (block sender and report)
Upgraded Premium Delivery WindowsVariable FeeOptional upgrade chosen by you in the app

This structured approach helps minimise missed deliveries and ensures customers stay in control of their parcel.

Does DPD Charge for Redelivery on Missed Deliveries?

The key question many people ask is whether DPD charges for redelivery after a missed delivery. In most cases, standard redelivery is completely free.

Customers can easily reschedule their delivery through the official website or app without any additional cost, making the process simple and convenient.

However, charges may apply if you choose upgraded or expedited delivery services. It’s important to understand that these are optional and not part of standard redelivery.

When Might a Fee Actually Be Involved? (Recipient vs. Sender Logistics)

While you, as the home recipient, will never be billed directly by DPD for a standard re-attempt, it helps to understand why a fee might occasionally pop up in the delivery ecosystem:

  • Retailer and Return Policies: If a parcel completely fails all 3 delivery attempts, DPD marks it as undeliverable and ships it back to the original warehouse.
    If this happens, the e-commerce retailer or marketplace you bought the item from may charge you an additional shipping fee to dispatch the goods a second time.
  • Premium Delivery Upgrades: If you decide that you do not want to wait for the standard weekday delivery route and instead upgrade your parcel to a guaranteed Saturday morning slot or a specific timed delivery window, DPD will charge an optional premium upgrade fee via the app

DPD has also issued clear warnings about scams.

As one official stated:

“We do not charge for standard re-attempts and will never request banking details for redelivery.”

This means any message asking for payment to rearrange delivery should be treated as fraudulent and avoided.

How Can You Arrange a DPD Redelivery?

How Can You Arrange a DPD Redelivery

Arranging a redelivery with DPD is simple, convenient, and can be done entirely online. Whether you use the myDPD app or the official DPD website, the process ensures that your parcel reaches you at a time and place that works best for you.

Using the myDPD App

The myDPD app provides real-time parcel management, allowing you to make changes on the go.

Key features include:

  • Tracking your parcel: Enter your 14-digit parcel reference number to see its current status and expected delivery time.
  • Choosing a new delivery date: Select a date that suits your schedule, avoiding missed deliveries.
  • Selecting a safe place or neighbour: Authorise a trusted neighbour or specify a secure location on your property where the parcel can be left.
  • Redirecting to a local Pickup shop: Have your parcel sent to one of over 6,000 DPD Pickup shops across the UK, allowing collection at your convenience.

For example, Emma from London shared her experience:

“I missed a DPD delivery while at work, but using the myDPD app, I rescheduled it for the next day. The parcel arrived without any hassle, and I didn’t pay a penny. The app made the process quick and stress-free.”

The app ensures full control over your delivery and provides peace of mind, especially for busy households or working professionals.

Using the DPD Website

If you prefer using a desktop or laptop, the DPD website offers the same flexibility and options as the app:

  • Enter your parcel reference number and postcode to access your delivery details.
  • Select your preferred delivery option, such as a new delivery date, safe place, neighbour delivery, or redirecting to a Pickup shop.
  • Confirm your choice to schedule the redelivery at your convenience.

Typically, changes can be made up to 30 minutes before the scheduled delivery, giving you maximum flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Using either the app or the website ensures that your parcel is managed safely, efficiently, and without incurring extra charges for standard redelivery.

Can DPD Leave Parcels with a Neighbour or in a Safe Place?

Yes, DPD offers flexible delivery options to ensure your parcel can still be delivered even if you’re not at home. Customers can authorise deliveries to a trusted neighbour or choose a safe place on their property, such as a porch, garage, or shed.

These preferences can be easily set through the myDPD app or via the tracking link provided after dispatch.

These options are designed to reduce missed deliveries while keeping parcels secure and accessible. They also give customers greater control over how and where their parcels are delivered.

Delivery Options Overview

OptionDescriptionBenefits
NeighbourParcel left with authorised neighbourSecure and convenient
Safe PlaceParcel left at a designated location on propertyReduces missed deliveries
Pickup ShopParcel delivered to a nearby shopFlexible collection timing

Overall, these delivery choices provide added convenience and peace of mind for recipients.

How Do DPD Pickup Shops Work?

How Do DPD Pickup Shops Work

DPD Pickup shops are convenient local collection points where you can retrieve your parcels at a time that suits you.

This option is particularly helpful if you are often out during standard delivery hours or live in areas with restricted access. Pickup shops provide a secure alternative to home delivery, ensuring parcels are safely stored until you can collect them.

What do you need to Collect Your Parcel?

To safely collect a redirected parcel from one of the 6,000+ local DPD Pickup shops (which are safely located inside local UK conveniences, Post Offices, and Sainsbury’s branches), you cannot simply walk in.

You must bring specific identification to prove ownership:

  • One Valid Photo ID: A current Passport or a UK Driving License.
  • One Proof of UK Address: A recent utility bill (gas, electric, water), a council tax bill, or a bank statement dated within the last 3 months.
  • The Collection Pass: The official 14-digit parcel reference number or the collection QR code sent directly to your myDPD app or email.

Important Logistical Timeline: DPD will hold your parcel at your chosen Pickup shop for exactly 5 days. If you do not collect it within this 5-day window, the courier will automatically return the parcel to the sender as undeliverable.

Providing these ensures that your parcel is handed over safely and to the correct recipient.

Benefits of Using a Pickup Shop

Using a Pickup shop offers several advantages:

  • Flexible collection times: You can pick up your parcel at a time that suits your schedule, rather than being tied to the driver’s route.
  • Avoid repeated missed deliveries: By collecting from the shop, you reduce the risk of multiple failed delivery attempts.
  • Quick availability: Parcels are often ready for collection the day after the original delivery attempt.

According to Parcel2Go, DPD has over 6,000 Pickup shops across the UK, providing a wide network of secure locations for parcels. This service is particularly beneficial for busy professionals, students, or anyone unable to receive deliveries at home.

How Many Times Will DPD Attempt Redelivery?

DPD aims to deliver parcels successfully while minimising inconvenience for customers. In most cases, they will attempt delivery up to three times before returning the parcel to the sender.

This approach ensures recipients have multiple opportunities to receive their items without added stress.

The process typically begins with the original scheduled delivery. If the first attempt fails, customers can rearrange delivery through the app or website. A second attempt is then made, followed by a final third attempt if needed.

Delivery attempts include:

  • First attempt:Original scheduled delivery
  • Second attempt:Rearranged delivery after failure
  • Third attempt:Final attempt before return

This structured system helps reduce unnecessary returns, saves time, and gives customers the flexibility to manage their deliveries efficiently.

How to Protect Yourself from DPD Redelivery Scams?

How to Protect Yourself from DPD Redelivery Scams

Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of missed deliveries, sending messages claiming that payment is required for redelivery.

ATTENTION: CURRENT UK “SMISHING” TRENDS The sudden surge in searches around DPD redelivery fees is driven directly by sophisticated SMS text phishing operations targeting online shoppers. Protect your bank account from fraud by executing these three quick checks immediately:

  • THE URL CHECK: Inspect the web link before clicking. If it does not contain exactly co.uk, dpd.com, or tracking.dpd.co.uk, it is a fake lookalike site (e.g., dpd-redelivery-fees.com or a random bit.ly link).
  • THE 14-DIGIT CHECK: Look closely at the message body. Real DPD alerts always state your unique 14-digit tracking number. Scams rely on vague phrases like “Your parcel was missed, update preferences here” to trick you into clicking.
  • THE FEE CHECK: Remember the golden rule of UK courier logistics: DPD never charges a fee to reschedule a standard redelivery. If a portal asks for a credit card number to clear a “holding fee,” “handling charge,” or “customs tax,” close the tab immediately.

To stay safe:

  • Always use official channels: Reschedule deliveries through the myDPD app or the official DPD website.
  • Ignore suspicious messages: Do not respond to emails, texts, or websites requesting bank details for standard redelivery.
  • Report fraudulent messages: Notify DPD immediately if you suspect a scam.

A DPD security advisor commented:

“Fraudulent redelivery requests are increasingly common. We urge customers to verify any communication through official channels before taking action.”

Communications & Media Studies

Remaining vigilant ensures your parcels are safe while preventing you from falling victim to scams. Remember, legitimate redelivery requests never require payment for standard delivery attempts.

How Can You Avoid Missing Your DPD Delivery?

Preventing missed deliveries is often easier than rearranging them.

By taking proactive measures, you can ensure your parcels reach you safely and on time:

  • Track your parcel in real-time: Use the myDPD app or the tracking link in your notification to know exactly when your parcel will arrive.
  • Schedule deliveries when someone is home: Select a convenient delivery date or time slot in advance.
  • Authorise neighbour or safe place delivery: If you won’t be home, instruct DPD to leave the parcel with a trusted neighbour or in a secure location.

By planning ahead and using these options, you reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries, prevent delays, and ensure your parcels are received securely, providing peace of mind.

Conclusion

DPD provides a reliable redelivery service that is free of charge under standard conditions.

By using the myDPD app or the official website, you can easily reschedule missed deliveries, choose safe delivery options, or collect from a Pickup shop. Awareness of scams is crucial, as DPD never requests payment for standard redelivery.

With proper planning and using the official channels, missed deliveries no longer need to be a source of frustration.

FAQs

Does DPD charge for redelivery?

No, DPD does not charge for standard redelivery in the UK. Any message or website requesting payment to reschedule your delivery is a scam.

How do I rearrange my DPD delivery?

You can easily reschedule your delivery for free using the official DPD website or the myDPD mobile app. Simply enter your 14-digit parcel reference number and postcode.

Can I redirect my parcel to a different address?

Yes, you can use the myDPD app or the official website to redirect your parcel to another location or a safe place within the UK.

What happens if I miss my delivery?

DPD will typically notify you via SMS or email with a tracking link, allowing you to choose a new delivery date or redirect your parcel.

How long will my parcel be held at a Pickup shop?

If redirected to a DPD Pickup shop, your parcel is typically held for 7 calendar days before it is automatically returned to the sender.

What information do I need to collect my parcel?

When collecting from a Pickup shop, you must bring a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your 14-digit parcel reference number or collection QR code.

How can I tell if a delivery notification is fake?

Genuine DPD messages will never ask for payment. If a notification uses a suspicious URL, creates false urgency, or requests bank details, delete it immediately.