If you miss a DPD delivery, check the latest tracking information first. It should show what happened during the delivery attempt and what DPD plans to do next.
Depending on the parcel, you may be able to:
- Receive Another Delivery Attempt: DPD may attempt delivery again
- Choose Another Day: Eligible parcels can sometimes be moved to another delivery date
- Select A Safe Place: You may be able to nominate a suitable secure location
- Choose A Neighbour: Some parcels can be redirected to an eligible neighbour
- Use A Pickup Location: The parcel may be redirected to a DPD Pickup location
- Track The Next Attempt: Updated tracking can show the parcel’s latest status and delivery information
DPD Online states that it can make up to three delivery attempts before an undeliverable parcel is returned. However, this should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every parcel will receive three home-delivery attempts.
The service used and sender restrictions can affect what happens after the first missed delivery.
Last Updated: 11.09.2026
What Happens After A DPD Missed Delivery?
The first thing to do is check the parcel’s tracking status rather than assuming the driver will automatically return the following day.
The tracking may show that:
- Another delivery will be attempted
- The parcel is being returned to a local depot
- The parcel has been redirected to a Pickup location
- Additional delivery instructions are required
- Delivery has been moved to another date
- The parcel is being returned to the sender
If DPD has your contact details, you may also receive information through email, SMS or the DPD app.
The available options are not necessarily the same for every parcel. Some retailers restrict safe-place deliveries or address changes, particularly for expensive or age-restricted goods.
Will DPD Try To Deliver Again?
DPD may make another attempt after an unsuccessful delivery, but recipients should check their parcel tracking rather than assume redelivery will happen automatically.
DPD Online says it can make up to three attempts to deliver an undeliverable parcel. The number of attempts actually made can vary depending on the service being used and what happens to the parcel after the first attempt.
For example, a parcel could instead be:
- Redirected to a Pickup location
- Delivered to an approved neighbour
- Left in an authorised safe place
- Rescheduled by the recipient
- Returned to the sender if delivery cannot be completed
The latest tracking status is therefore more useful than relying on a general rule.
How Many Times Will DPD Attempt Delivery?
DPD Online states that it can make up to three delivery attempts.
This does not necessarily mean a driver will visit the same residential address on three consecutive days. Different services can handle missed deliveries differently.
After an unsuccessful attempt, check whether the tracking shows:
| Tracking Status | What It Could Mean |
| Delivery Attempted | The driver could not complete delivery |
| At Depot | The parcel has returned to a local facility |
| Out For Delivery | Another attempt is underway |
| Redirected | The parcel is going to another permitted location |
| Ready For Collection | The parcel can be collected |
| Returning To Sender | DPD is sending the parcel back |
Avoid waiting for another driver visit if tracking tells you that the parcel has already been redirected elsewhere.
How To Rearrange A DPD Delivery?
Eligible deliveries can often be managed through DPD’s digital delivery options.
Open your tracking information and look at the options offered for your specific parcel. Depending on the delivery, these can include changing the day, selecting a Pickup location, nominating a neighbour or choosing a safe place.
Choose Another Delivery Day
If you know you will not be available for the next attempt, selecting another delivery date may be the simplest solution.
Choose a day when someone will be available at the address and continue checking tracking in case the estimated delivery window changes.
Deliver To A Safe Place
Some parcels can be left in a nominated safe place.
A suitable location should normally be:
- Secure: It should not be easily accessible to passers-by
- Protected: The parcel should be reasonably sheltered from bad weather
- Accessible: The driver must be able to reach it safely
- Clearly Described: Instructions should make the location easy to identify
Not every parcel is eligible for safe-place delivery. The sender may prevent this option for security reasons.
Deliver To A Neighbour
Another option may be delivery to a neighbour.
Check that the address you select is correct and ideally tell the neighbour that they may receive a parcel for you.
High-value, restricted or signature-sensitive deliveries may have different requirements.
Redirect To A DPD Pickup Location
If you are rarely at home during delivery hours, redirecting an eligible parcel to a Pickup location can be more practical.
You can then collect it within the collection period rather than risking another unsuccessful home delivery.
What If The DPD App Or Website Will Not Let You Rearrange Delivery?
Sometimes the parcel exists in tracking but the usual delivery-management options do not work.
Common problems include:
- Tracking page not loading correctly
- Postcode being rejected
- Parcel not appearing in the app
- No option to select another delivery date
- Safe-place option being unavailable
- Pickup locations not appearing
- Address details not matching the parcel record
- Changes being blocked by the sender
First, check that the parcel number and delivery postcode are entered exactly as supplied.
If the postcode is still rejected, check the order confirmation from the retailer. A typing error in the original delivery address could cause the information held by DPD to differ from the postcode you are entering.
If delivery options are missing, this does not necessarily indicate a technical problem. The retailer or type of delivery may restrict what can be changed.
If the problem continues, contact DPD or the retailer with the parcel number and order information.
What If DPD Says Delivery Was Attempted But You Were Home?
A particularly frustrating situation is seeing an attempted-delivery update when you believe nobody came to the property.
Before raising a complaint, check:
- The complete delivery address
- Flat or building number
- Entry or intercom details
- Tracking timestamp
- Any delivery photograph
- Calling card information
- Whether another entrance could have been used
Blocks of flats, offices and properties with multiple entrances can sometimes create access problems even when the recipient is inside.
If the address is correct and you believe no genuine attempt was made, keep screenshots of the tracking information and contact DPD.
For goods purchased from a retailer, you can also contact the retailer if the delivery problem is not resolved.
What If You Did Not Receive A DPD Calling Card?
Not receiving a physical calling card does not necessarily mean there is no record of the attempted delivery.
Delivery information may instead appear through:
- Parcel tracking
- Email notification
- SMS notification
- DPD app notification
Use the official tracking information for the parcel to see the latest status.
If the tracking says an attempt was made but there is no card or additional information, check that your phone number and email address were correctly entered when placing the order.
Will DPD Text Or Email You After A Missed Delivery?
DPD may send delivery updates electronically when it has the necessary contact details.
The DPD app currently advertises 30-minute delivery alerts, alongside delivery tracking and options to set preferences such as a neighbour, safe place or Pickup location.
Notifications can help tell you:
- When delivery is expected
- Whether the driver is approaching
- Whether delivery has been attempted
- Whether the parcel has been redirected
- Whether a parcel is available for collection
However, do not automatically trust every message claiming to be from DPD.
If a text unexpectedly asks for payment or personal information, access your parcel tracking independently rather than following an unfamiliar link.
Collecting A Missed DPD Parcel From A Pickup Location
A DPD Pickup location can be useful when repeated home delivery attempts are inconvenient.
If your parcel is redirected, wait until the tracking or notification confirms that it is ready for collection. Being redirected does not necessarily mean the parcel is immediately available at the shop.
Before travelling, check:
- Collection location
- Opening hours
- Collection deadline
- Identification requirements
- Pickup code or pass requirements
Do not rely on the original delivery estimate once the parcel has been redirected.
What Do You Need To Collect A DPD Parcel?
The exact requirements can depend on the Pickup location and parcel.
Your notification should explain what you need. This may include a collection code or suitable identification.
Make sure the name and other details on any identification correspond with the collection requirements before travelling.
Can Someone Else Collect Your DPD Parcel?
Another person may sometimes be able to collect a parcel, but this should not be assumed.
Check the collection instructions first because identity and authorisation requirements can differ between deliveries.
Do not simply forward a collection code to another person unless the instructions confirm that they are permitted to collect the parcel.
How Long Will A DPD Pickup Location Hold Your Parcel?
Do not assume every DPD Pickup location holds parcels for the same length of time.
The collection notification should provide the relevant deadline. Collect the parcel as soon as reasonably possible because uncollected items can eventually be returned.
Collecting A DPD Parcel From A Post Office Branch
Some DPD parcels can be redirected to participating Post Office branches.
If your parcel has been sent to a branch, wait for confirmation that it is ready before visiting.
Check the notification for:
- Branch address
- Opening hours
- Pickup code
- Identification requirements
- Collection deadline
The requirements for a Post Office collection can differ from those at another type of DPD Pickup location, so use the instructions supplied for your parcel.
What Happens After A Second Or Third Failed Delivery Attempt?
Repeated missed deliveries increase the chance that the parcel will eventually be returned to the sender.
If a second attempt fails, do not wait passively for another attempt. Check tracking immediately and use any available options.
Consider:
- Choosing a Pickup location
- Selecting another available date
- Nominating an eligible neighbour
- Providing an authorised safe place
- Checking whether access instructions are causing the problem
- Contacting the sender if delivery options are restricted
DPD Online states that parcels it cannot successfully deliver after its permitted attempts can be returned to the sender.
What If Your DPD Parcel Is Returned To The Sender?
Once a parcel is marked returning to sender, it may be too late to arrange another local delivery.
Contact the retailer or sender instead.
They may be able to:
- Arrange another shipment
- Confirm the delivery address
- Correct inaccurate details
- Issue a refund where appropriate
- Explain what happens to the original order
Do not place a duplicate order immediately unless you are comfortable with the possibility that both orders could eventually be processed.
Can You Get A Refund After A Failed DPD Delivery?
A failed delivery does not automatically mean you are immediately entitled to a refund. The circumstances matter.
If you bought goods from an online retailer, your contract is normally with that retailer rather than with the courier chosen by the retailer.
Under UK consumer law, the trader generally carries the risk until the goods come into the physical possession of the consumer or another person identified by them to receive the goods, subject to exceptions such as when the consumer independently arranges a carrier that the trader did not offer.
If the parcel cannot be delivered and is returned, contact the retailer about redelivery, cancellation or any applicable refund.
Keep:
- Order confirmation
- Tracking screenshots
- Delivery messages
- Photographs if relevant
- Communication with DPD
- Communication with the retailer
These records can be helpful if there is a disagreement about what happened.
What If DPD Tried To Deliver To The Wrong Address?
An incorrect delivery attempt could be caused by an address error, postcode problem, incomplete flat number or inaccurate information supplied when the order was placed.
Check your original order confirmation first.
Compare:
- Recipient name
- House or flat number
- Street
- Postcode
- Business name if relevant
If your original order contained the correct address but DPD appears to have attempted delivery elsewhere, contact DPD and the retailer.
If you entered the wrong address yourself, contact the sender quickly. Once a parcel is already moving through the network, changing its destination may be restricted.
What Happens If You Miss A DPD Delivery On Friday Or At The Weekend?
Missing a Friday delivery does not automatically mean the parcel will arrive on Saturday.
Weekend delivery depends on the service used for that parcel.
Check tracking after the missed attempt. It should provide a better indication of whether:
- Saturday delivery is scheduled
- The parcel will remain at the depot
- Delivery will resume on a working day
- The parcel has been sent to a Pickup location
Do not assume the next calendar day will be another delivery day.
What Happens To Missed DPD Deliveries On Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays can affect normal delivery schedules and depot operations.
If you miss a parcel immediately before a bank holiday, the next update may not result in another delivery on the following day.
The most reliable approach is to check the latest tracking status rather than calculate the next attempt yourself.
Businesses waiting for important stock or equipment should build extra time into delivery plans around major public holidays.
How To Avoid DPD Missed Delivery Scams?
Missed parcel messages are commonly imitated by scammers because people expecting deliveries are more likely to react quickly.
Be cautious if a message:
- Demands An Unexpected Fee: Especially a small redelivery payment you were not expecting
- Creates Urgency: Such as claiming the parcel will immediately be destroyed or cancelled
- Requests Banking Information: Particularly when you have not initiated any payment
- Uses An Unfamiliar Link: The web address may imitate a genuine courier
- Requests Excessive Personal Details: A normal delivery update should not require unrelated financial information
If you are unsure, open the official DPD service independently and enter your tracking information rather than using the link in the message.
Tips To Avoid Missing Your Next DPD Delivery
A few simple changes can make future deliveries easier to manage:
- Enable Notifications: Make sure the retailer has your correct phone number and email address
- Use Delivery Tracking: Check the estimated arrival information on delivery day
- Set Delivery Preferences: Use a safe place, neighbour or Pickup location where available
- Check Your Address: Include flat numbers and other important access information
- Keep Your Phone Available: Drivers may need help finding difficult addresses
- Use A Pickup Location: This can be easier if nobody is normally home during working hours
DPD’s app also offers delivery tracking and advertises alerts when the driver is approximately 30 minutes away.
What Businesses Should Do About Repeated DPD Missed Deliveries?
Missed deliveries can be particularly disruptive for businesses because they may involve stock, replacement equipment, documents or customer orders.
Businesses should make sure delivery addresses contain enough information for drivers to locate the correct reception or loading point.
Useful steps include:
- Use The Business Name: This can make commercial premises easier to identify
- Include Unit Numbers: Especially on industrial estates and shared sites
- Provide Reception Details: Make it clear where parcels should be taken
- Keep Contact Numbers Current: This can help when access is difficult
- Track Important Deliveries: Make sure someone is available during the expected window
- Use Pickup Options Where Practical: This may work better for small businesses without permanent reception staff
If repeated delivery attempts fail despite accurate details and normal access, keep a record of the affected parcel numbers and raise the issue with DPD or the sender.
Final Thoughts
A DPD missed delivery is normally a temporary delivery problem rather than the end of the parcel’s journey.
Start by checking your tracking because it should tell you whether another attempt is planned, the parcel has been redirected, collection is available or it is being returned to the sender.
Where available, changing the delivery day, choosing a neighbour, setting a suitable safe place or using a Pickup location can prevent another failed attempt.
If tracking is not working, the delivery address appears wrong or DPD says an attempt was made when you were home, keep the relevant evidence and contact DPD or the retailer.
Acting early is particularly important once a parcel has already experienced more than one unsuccessful delivery attempt.
FAQs
Does DPD Automatically Redeliver After A Missed Delivery?
DPD may attempt delivery again, but you should check your parcel tracking rather than assume another home delivery is automatic. The next step depends on the service and available delivery options.
How Many Delivery Attempts Does DPD Make?
DPD Online states that it can make up to three delivery attempts. However, not every parcel will necessarily receive three attempts at the same residential address because services and sender instructions can vary.
Can I Rearrange A DPD Delivery After Missing It?
Eligible parcels may allow you to choose another date, a safe place, a neighbour or a Pickup location. Check the options displayed for your specific parcel.
Can I Collect My DPD Parcel Instead?
Some missed parcels can be redirected to or collected from a DPD Pickup location. Wait until tracking confirms that the parcel is ready before travelling.
How Long Will DPD Hold A Missed Parcel?
There is no single collection period that should be assumed for every location and service. Check the deadline shown in the collection notification and collect the parcel as soon as possible.
Why Does DPD Say Delivery Was Attempted When I Was Home?
The driver may have experienced an access or address problem. Check the tracking details, delivery address, entrances and any available delivery evidence before contacting DPD.
What Happens If I Never Collect My DPD Parcel?
An uncollected parcel can eventually be returned to the sender. If this happens, you will normally need to contact the retailer or sender about redelivery, cancellation or any applicable refund.