Purpose: learn how to avoid unwanted DPD surcharges when your package does not meet the carrier shipping conditions.
Driver shortage surcharge - £0.17 per parcel
Due to the shortage of drivers due to the lack of issuing of HGV driving licenses and Brexit-related factors, DPD has experienced an increase in labour costs. As a result, DPD UK will apply this additional surcharge to cover these costs.
From 16 August 2020, this surcharge will apply as follows:
- UK to UK - £0.17 per parcel
- UK to EU - no surcharge
- Offshore to UK - £0.17 per parcel
- UK to Offshore - £0.17 per parcel
Surcharge over size and oversize weight - £19.00 per parcel
This surcharge is applied when your parcel exceeds the maximum weight and dimensions as described in DPD's shipping conditions. If a parcel is too heavy or too large, it must be taken off the automated sorting belt and manually processed, resulting in the additional fee.
If you are shipping overseas, also consider the volumetric dimensions of your package. If the L x W x H / 5000 is higher than 31.5kg, you can also expect to receive this surcharge.
Dimensions
- Longer than 100cm length
- Above 30kg weight
- Width greater than 70cm
- Height greater than 60cm
How can I prevent this surcharge?
To avoid this surcharge, we advise you to stay broad in terms of parcel dimensions and weights. Packages are measured and weighed by specially calibrated equipment, however measurement differences can occur. Always allow yourself some additional room to ensure you won't exceed the dimensions.
Surcharge package return to sender - shipping costs + 2.50 EUR
If a parcel cannot be delivered, it will be returned to you at your normal return cost in addition to a 2.50 EUR surcharge. This surcharge is applied if the parcel is refused by the recipient.
How can I prevent this surcharge?
Make sure your customer's address is correct before creating your label. Activate track & trace email notifications so your customer is aware that the parcel is due to be delivered.
Manual handling- £19.00
A non-standard package allowance can be applied for parcels which fall under any of the below criteria. This list is not exhaustive - always double check the DPD shipping conditions before shipping. Please
Your package:
- Exceeds 175cm in length and/or 300cm in girth.
Off-shore products
| Destination | Price |
| Channel Islands (Next Day) | £42.59 per parcel |
| Channel Islands (Two Day) | £21.30 per parcel |
| Northern Ireland (Next Day) | £29.80 per parcel |
| Northern Ireland (Two Day) | £15.15 per parcel |
| Scottish Islands (Two Day) | £13.13 per parcel |
| Scottish Highlands (Two Day) | £13.22 per parcel |
| Isle Of Man (Two Day) | £15.51 per parcel |
UK/Off-shore Postcodes
Scotland (Two Day Service only)
- AB31-55, AB41-54, IV (all), PA20-78, PH15-18, PH32-33, PH45-48, PH49-99, ZE (all)
Scottish Highlands (Two Day Service only)
- AB36-38, AB55-56, FK17-21, IV1-19, IV52-54, IV63, KW1-14, PA21-40, PH19-26, PH30-41, PH49-50
Scottish Islands (2-3 Day Service only)
- HS1-9, IV40-51, IV55-56, KA27-28, KW15-17, PA20, PA41-49, PA60-78, PH42-44, ZE1-3
Isle Of Wight
- PO30-41 charged at UK Mainland Next Day rate.
Northern Ireland
- All BT postcodes (Next Day and Two Day Services available)
Jersey
- All JE postcodes (Next Day and Two Day Services available)
Guernsey
- All GY postcodes (Next Day and Two Day Services available, with the exception of GY9 which is only delivered on a Two Day Service.)
Isle of Man
- All IM postcodes (Two Day Service only)
Scilly Isles
- TR21-25 (2-3 Day Service only)
Channel Islands
Republic of Ireland Services
| Service | Price |
| Two Day | £12.10 per parcel |
Additional surcharges
Fuel surcharge - 9.00%
For more information please consult the following page on the DPD website: Fuel surcharges.
Congestion - £0.75
London Congestion Charge postcodes
- W1-2, W8, W10-11, EC1-4, WC1-2, SW1, SW3, SW7, SE1, SE11, NW1, EI
Nothing to collect - £8.00
If you schedule a pickup with DPD and there are no goods to collect, or the goods are not available at the specified time or location, then this surcharge will be levied.
4th Party - See rates
For collection and deliveries made to and from addresses other than your agreed collection point.
| UK | No surcharge |
| Offshore | £11.50 |
| Ireland | £16.50 |
| Classic | £15.00 |
| Air | £15.00 |
3rd Party - See rates
For collections made from an address other than your agreed collection point.
| UK | No surcharge |
| Offshore | £11.50 |
| Ireland | £16.50 |
| Classic | £15.00 |
| Air | £15.00 |
To avoid the above mentioned surcharges, please carefully read the shipping conditions, make sure you stay well within the permitted dimensions and, of course, select the right network for your package.