Major delivery contract awarded as online retailer invests in ‘last mile experience’

Online retailer ebuyer.com has awarded a multi-million pound last mile delivery contract to DPD, with the parcel delivery brand now responsible for the shipping and handling of products across the UK.

The contract change, which began in mid-August, is a result of customer feedback calling for a different delivery provider due to shipping issues. The previous contract holder was Yodel.

Founded in 1970 as Courier Express, DPD is one of Europe’s leading parcel groups. The firm employs more than 15,000 people, operating over 10,000 vehicles from 84 locations and delivering over 260 million parcels a year.

ebuyer, which is based in Goole, reported a £175m turnover in 2022 and employs over 200 people. The company was acquired in April 2023 by UK investors Mark Reed and Rich Marsden.

Marsden said: “Since the acquisition we have been focusing heavily on improving our customer experience.

“The last mile of the delivery is a key part of the overall service we provide, get it wrong and it results in a lot of frustrated customers.

“We know 97% of customers who buy off ebuyer would buy again, the 3% who would not was mainly driven by a poor last mile experience.

“We are pleased therefore to be working with DPD who are the market leaders in UK parcel delivery and we look forward to growing our mutual business together.”