Courier firm criticised for increase in rates
By Maurice Garvey
DPD Ireland, the country’s largest courier company, has been criticised for increasing its domestic and international shipping rates.
The company, who have depots on Naas Road and Greenhills Road, are implementing an annual rise of 3 per cent which will take effect from July 6.
The DPD facility on the Naas Road
DPD wrote to customers in March to let them know it was deferring the increase for three months because of Covid-19.
The rise does not apply to premium service users.
In an email to customers on June 2, DPD said: “Since March, DPD has introduced new work practices and updated our process in order to ensure that we could still provide our delivery services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Now, as we move into the next phase of adjustment, we are strengthening our depot network by expanding in the busier areas, further developing our sortation hub, and continuing to resource our driver, operations and support teams.”
In April, DPD recruited 100 extra drivers, bringing its workforce to nearly 2,000 after a “phenomenal” increase in demand.
It said deliveries of electrical goods were up by 800 per cent, pet food had risen 300 per cent and sports equipment went up 225 per cent.
Sven Spollen-Behrens of the Small Firms Association, said it was unfortunate the rise was being imposed.
“Any extra costs that put pressure on small-business owners could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” he said.
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