UK parcel delivery company DPD is partnering with addressing tech firm, what3words, to enable deliveries to precise locations. 

what3words aims to revolutionise the way people communicate locations. It has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words to provide an easy way to find, share and navigate to precise locations, anywhere in the world. For example, ///bands.villa.swung will take you to a precise 3 metre square on Primrose Hill with a panoramic view of London. 

From Friday 25 February, parcel customers can add their what3words address in the Delivery Preferences section of the DPD app, so that delivery drivers will know they will arrive at the exact building entrance, doorstep, or tucked away side passage specified by the parcel customer. 

There are a number of reasons why certain UK locations cause problems for all types of visitors, including delivery drivers. Addresses arent always accurate, postcodes often cover broad areas, and access to some buildings may not always be clear. And for new builds, it can take up to six months for the address to be registered. Poor and inaccurate addressing can also add difficulties for couriers. 

Over 10m DPD parcel recipients already use the DPD app to personalise their delivery preferences and, from 25 February, they will be able to discover and save their exact drop-off what3words address using the map and grid overlay in their DPD app profile.  

“Our drivers do an amazing job delivering the vast majority of parcels to the correct address, first time, often going above and beyond to work out where harder-to-find locations are,” said DPD UK CEO, Elaine Kerr. “We use the best technology available to make their job easier, and what3words is an incredibly smart solution. 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. As a UK leader in smart, green delivery, this is a very welcome addition to our award-winning service.”