When you're ordering something important or sending a time-sensitive parcel, weekend delivery can make a big difference. DPD is one of the most widely used couriers in the UK, known for its reliable service, live tracking, and one-hour delivery window. But do they deliver on Saturdays? The short answer is yes—DPD does offer Saturday delivery, but there are a few things you need to know about how it works, when it’s available, and what it costs.
Saturday Delivery Availability
DPD operates a dedicated Saturday delivery service across most of the UK. This means you can have a parcel delivered on a Saturday if the sender chooses that option at checkout or through their shipping account. It isn’t a standard part of every delivery—Saturday delivery has to be selected and paid for as a premium service. If the sender doesn't choose it, your parcel won’t arrive until the next working day, which is typically Monday.
How to Get Saturday Delivery
For a parcel to arrive on a Saturday, it must be sent using a specific Saturday delivery service. This usually involves a cut-off time on the previous working day, often Friday afternoon, for the parcel to be picked, packed, and processed in time. If you're placing an order online, it’s up to the retailer to offer this as a delivery option. Not every seller enables Saturday delivery by default, even if DPD offers it in your area.
Delivery Times and What to Expect
DPD Saturday deliveries generally follow the same routine as weekday deliveries. You’ll receive tracking updates, and on the morning of delivery, you’ll be given a one-hour time slot so you don’t have to wait in all day. Delivery times can vary slightly depending on the local depot and your location, but they typically run from mid-morning through to early afternoon.
Is There an Extra Cost?
Saturday delivery through DPD is considered a premium service, so it usually comes with an additional fee. The exact amount depends on the sender or retailer and their arrangement with DPD. For businesses using DPD directly, Saturday options are part of a broader shipping package and may be priced differently than standard weekday deliveries. If you’re buying online, check whether Saturday delivery is available at checkout and what it costs before finalising your order.
Saturday Pickup and Sending Options
If you’re sending a parcel yourself, some DPD Pickup Shops are open on Saturdays, but not all. You’ll need to check your nearest drop-off location to see if they accept parcels at the weekend. In some areas, DPD can also collect parcels from your address on a Saturday, but this depends on your location and booking time. If weekend collection is essential, it’s best to arrange it in advance through DPD’s website or customer service.
What Happens on Bank Holiday Weekends
If a Saturday delivery falls on a bank holiday weekend, things can change. Some services may be paused or operate on a different schedule. It’s always worth checking with DPD or the retailer in advance if your parcel needs to arrive on a specific weekend. Bank holiday Mondays can also delay the next round of deliveries, so plan ahead if timing is tight.
Saturday Delivery Isn’t Guaranteed by Default
A common misunderstanding is that if a parcel is out for delivery and it’s a Saturday, it’ll automatically arrive. That’s not the case with DPD. Saturday delivery has to be explicitly chosen by the sender. If they’ve only paid for a standard weekday service, your parcel won’t be scheduled for Saturday—regardless of how close it is or how long it’s been in transit. Even if it arrives at your local depot on a Friday, it will wait until Monday unless Saturday service was selected.
DPD Local vs DPD
There’s also a difference between DPD and DPD Local. Both are under the same group, but their service models vary slightly. DPD typically handles large business contracts and high-volume shipping, while DPD Local is used more often by small businesses and individual senders. Both offer Saturday delivery, but availability may differ depending on your area and the shipping method used. It’s worth noting which branch of the company is handling your delivery, as this can affect cut-off times, costs, and collection options.
Cut-off Times and Missed Windows
The cut-off for Saturday delivery is usually early Friday afternoon. If a parcel is booked even slightly after that deadline, it may miss the processing window. This means it won’t make it onto the Saturday van even if the service was paid for. Retailers and senders must meet that cut-off time in order for DPD to honour the Saturday slot, which is why you might occasionally pay for it and still receive your item on Monday. In these cases, refunds or credits may be available depending on the sender’s policy.
Rural Areas and Availability
DPD has wide coverage across the UK, but not all postcodes are included in their Saturday delivery network. Rural areas, islands, or more remote regions might not have drivers scheduled for weekend rounds. If you’re unsure whether your location qualifies for Saturday delivery, you can use DPD’s postcode checker or ask the sender to confirm before placing your order.
Saturday Delivery for Returns
Saturday delivery isn’t just for incoming parcels. If you’re returning an item using a DPD label, you may also be able to drop it off or have it collected on a Saturday, depending on the type of return label and the location. However, this depends on the retailer’s arrangement with DPD and the type of return service they’ve chosen. For example, if the return is pre-paid for weekday collection only, Saturday drop-offs might not be accepted at all pickup points.
Live Tracking Works the Same on Saturdays
DPD’s real-time tracking system is one of its most appreciated features. This doesn’t change on Saturdays. You'll still get a one-hour delivery window and updates via text, email or the app. You can also use the "in-flight" options, such as changing the delivery address, instructing the driver to leave the parcel in a safe place, or requesting to collect it from a Pickup Shop. These options are available on Saturdays just as they are on weekdays, making it easy to manage your delivery if your plans change.
Summary
DPD does offer Saturday delivery across most of the UK, but only when it’s selected by the sender. It’s a premium service, meaning it has to be paid for and booked before the Friday cut-off. While DPD’s Saturday service is reliable, it’s not available by default, and not all areas are covered. Whether you’re receiving or sending, understanding how the service works—especially around timing, cost and postcode eligibility—can save you a lot of last-minute stress. For anyone relying on a weekend delivery, it’s always best to confirm it’s been booked correctly and well in advance.