Where do you need to send to?
Next, you’ll need to make sure your preferred courier delivers to the recipient’s location.
In the UK, some couriers offer full coverage for every postcode area. Others may have more limited coverage, meaning some or all of their services may not collect from or deliver to certain postcode areas.
If you’re sending something overseas, check if your preferred provider offers international shipping. Do they deliver to the country you’re sending items to? While some couriers provide near worldwide coverage, others are more selective in the countries they’ll deliver to.
Speed of delivery
If the items you’re sending need to get where they’re going quickly, look for courier services that offer express delivery options.
For instance, for urgent items you may need delivery the next working day. Some services provide a choice of time for next-day delivery, too. Or, if you need fast but not next-day delivery, consider services that will get your item to its destination within 48 hours. Generally, the faster the service the more you’ll pay for it.
If there’s no rush and you just need it to get there, you may be able to save money by choosing standard or more budget delivery options. This may depend on what other features you need when sending, such as a proof of delivery, tracking or compensation cover.
Courier costs and service pricing
Of course, cost is likely to be a key factor in the choice of courier you send items with. And, to get the best value for your money, it’s important to compare the pricing of different providers.
Be sure to cross reference not only the standard price for comparable services, but also anu additional fees or surcharges that apply. For instance, if you need compensation against loss, theft or damage, is this included within the service price or does it cost extra? How does these costs for different couriers stack up against each other?
Security and compensation
If you’re sending something valuable or fragile, you’ll need to choose a courier with a good track record of delivering items safely and securely.
- Features to look out for when choosing a service include:
- Tracking – so you know where valuable or fragile items in transit are at any time
- Proof of delivery – so you know they’ve been received safely at their destination
- Compensation – to cover what you’re sending in the event it goes missing or gets damaged
It’s important to check for any conditions that apply to sending valuable or fragile items by your chosen courier’s network. Some may be exempt from compensation claims if they get lost or damaged in transit, or if they’ve been packaging insecurely.
Make sure you’re clear on any such exemptions before you send. And read our guide to how to package your parcel.
Customer support and after care
The term ‘after care’ refers to the service a company provides once you’ve bought something from them. After all, your relationship doesn’t necessarily end once they’ve made the sale.
In the context of postal carriers, this can include how easy they make it for you to contact them. It also includes how quickly and effectively they resolve any issues that arise or respond to requests or concerns.
Those that do this best demonstrate a deep care for their customers and the items they’re sending. This helps them build long-lasting relationships, as senders come back again and again.
Of course, your own experience of different couriers will shape your opinion of which provides the best after car when you need it. But reading customer reviews, as mentioned earlier, can also help you identify upfront where you’re likely to receive the most satisfactory experience.
Choosing a courier service at Post Office
Here at Post Office, we now offer a wider choice of courier services than ever before.
You can choose from UK postage and international mail services from Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide in all our branches. You can also buy DPD services and Evri services in selected branches or buy postage online.
Here’s a quick overview of each of these couriers and the services they provide.
Evri
Evri provides great-value and convenient delivery solutions for anyone who wants to send a parcel within the UK and to over 200 countries and territories. Its services suit individuals and businesses alike.
Formerly known as myHermes, it’s still a relatively new player in the courier market but has quickly become the UK’s biggest dedicated parcel delivery company.
You can now buy Evri postage in selected Post Office branches or online with Parcels Online. A range of UK and international delivery services are available, including express and next-day options.
Royal Mail
At over 500 years old and counting, Royal Mail is the oldest and most established courier in the UK. It delivers to every address in the UK and offers international parcel delivery too.
Its delivery options including standard services such as 1st and 2nd Class, with or without a signature on delivery, plus tracked and Special Delivery express services.
Parcelforce Worldwide
Parcelforce Worldwide is also part of the Royal Mail Group. It specialises in express parcel delivery in the UK and overseas. With a focus on fast and efficient delivery, its next-day and time delivery options could be ideal if what you’re sending is time sensitive.
DPD
DPD is one of Europe’s most trusted parcel delivery firms, handling over 300 million parcels each year. It offers competitive prices, reliable service and innovative tracking options.
You can send items with DPD in the UK and internationally using the Post Office Parcels Online service. And DPD delivery to the UK mainland, Scottish Highlands and islands, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland is also available in selected Post Office branches.
Still deciding on the right service? We can help with that
If you’d like to talk to someone about the right service for your needs, our postmasters and teams in Post Office branches will be happy to help. Find your nearest branch.
Why not ask us about other services that can make sending simpler, too? Like Drop & Go, our fast-drop mails service for regular senders. It’s free to sign up, saves time in branch and covers services for all our courier partners where they’re available.
Key takeaways
- When choosing a courier, consider where they deliver to, their speed, costs, reliability and reputation
- Compare different couriers’ services to find which best suits your needs for smooth shipping
- For ease, choose from a range of courier services at Post Office, online or in selected branches
