Choosing the best courier for your business is an important decision, especially with so many UK options offering different prices, delivery speeds and levels of reliability. Each courier comes with its own strengths, weaknesses and ideal use cases, so understanding how they compare can save you time, money and a lot of customer service headaches.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the major UK couriers — Royal Mail, DPD, Evri and Parcelforce — looking at what they do well, where they fall short and which types of businesses they suit best. Whether you care most about speed, cost, tracking or international delivery, this comparison gives you a clear picture of what each courier can offer.
Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to take a quick moment to consider what your business actually needs.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Needs First
Every business has different priorities, so the courier that works perfectly for one brand might be completely wrong for another. Taking a moment to consider what matters most to you will make choosing much easier.
Ask yourself:
How fast do my customers expect deliveries?
Are next day deliveries important, or is a slower, cheaper option fine for your audience?
What’s my budget?
Are you trying to keep postage costs low, or is speed and reliability worth spending more on?
What am I shipping?
Small parcels, fragile products and heavy items all behave differently in transit. Some couriers are simply better equipped for certain types of goods.
Where am I shipping to?
If you ship only within the UK, you have more flexibility. If you need reliable global delivery, your courier options narrow.
Having these answers in mind makes comparing couriers far more straightforward. With that covered, let’s
Royal Mail Shipping
Best for: Small businesses, letters, lightweight parcels and nationwide delivery.
Royal Mail Shipping is one of the most popular choices for UK businesses thanks to its affordability, wide coverage and huge number of drop-off locations. Because it handles so much of the country’s daily mail, it’s particularly strong for small and lightweight shipments.
Royal Mail Services Offered
First-Class Mail
Delivery in 1 working day, suitable for businesses offering faster standard delivery without the cost of next day premium services.
Second-Class Mail
Delivery in 2-3 working days, perfect for low urgency items or when keeping postage costs down is a priority.
Royal Mail Tracked 24 / Tracked 48
Ideal for eCommerce businesses that want delivery updates for customers.
– Tracked 24 aims for next day
– Tracked 48 usually arrives within 2 days
Special Delivery Guaranteed
Premium next day service with delivery by 1pm, including full tracking, a signature on delivery and compensation cover. Useful for valuable, urgent or time sensitive goods.
International Standard & International Tracked
Options for sending parcels overseas with clear pricing and reliable transit times.
Royal Mail Pricing
Letters
1st Class Letter (up to 100g): £1.70
2nd Class Letter (up to 100g): £0.87
Large Letters
1st Class
Up to 100g: £3.15
Up to 250g: £3.60
Up to 500g: £3.60
Up to 750g: £3.60
2nd Class
Up to 100g: £1.55
Up to 250g: £2.00
Up to 500g: £2.40
Up to 750g: £2.70
Small Parcels (up to 2kg)
2nd Class Small Parcel: ~£3.90
1st Class Small Parcel: ~£4.99
Tracked 48 Small Parcel: ~£4.29–£4.45
Tracked 24 Small Parcel: ~£5.49
Medium Parcels
Up to 2kg
2nd Class: ~£6.29
1st Class: ~£7.19
Up to 10kg
2nd Class: ~£7.89
1st Class: ~£8.99
Up to 20kg
2nd Class: ~£11.89
1st Class: ~£13.69
(Tracked 24/48 for medium parcels usually ranges between £6–£10 depending on weight.)
Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm
Up to 100g: from £10.95
Up to 500g: from ~£14.05
Up to 1kg: from ~£14.05
Up to 2kg: from ~£14.05
Why Choose Royal Mail?
Cost effective for letters and small, lightweight parcels
Huge number of Post Offices and parcel drop–off points
Simple, predictable pricing for standard services
Good coverage in rural and remote areas without hefty surcharges
Downsides to Choosing Royal Mail
Not as fast or precise as private couriers for express services
Limited same day options
Tracking on standard services is less detailed compared to something like DPD Predict
DPD Shipping
Best for: Businesses that need fast, reliable next-day delivery and detailed tracking.
DPD Shipping is one of the most trusted private couriers in the UK, especially for ecommerce businesses that prioritise speed and customer experience. Its delivery accuracy, predictable time slots and industry-leading tracking tools make it a favourite for brands sending high-value, fragile or time-sensitive items.
DPD also has one of the strongest reputations for customer satisfaction thanks to its communication, delivery transparency and drivers who follow consistent delivery standards. If reliability is more important than saving a few pounds, DPD is often the standout choice.
DPD Services Offered
Next Day Delivery
DPD’s core service. Almost all parcels are delivered the next working day, and delivery performance is among the most consistent in the UK.
DPD Predict (1-Hour Delivery Window)
Customers receive a one-hour delivery slot and real-time tracking, reducing missed deliveries and improving customer satisfaction.
DPD Pickup Shop Drop-Off
If you prefer not to wait for a collection, DPD offers thousands of Pickup Shops and lockers nationwide, making drop-offs easy.
DPD Classic (Europe)
A cost-effective road service for deliveries across Europe. Provides full tracking, making it suitable for international ecommerce.
DPD Air
An express option for fast international deliveries worldwide.
DPD Local
A service aimed at small and medium businesses offering competitive rates and more flexible localised delivery options.
Next Day Delivery
DPD’s core service. Almost all parcels are delivered the next working day, and delivery performance is among the most consistent in the UK.
DPD Predict (1-Hour Delivery Window)
Customers receive a one-hour delivery slot and real-time tracking, reducing missed deliveries and improving customer satisfaction.
DPD Pickup Shop Drop-Off
If you prefer not to wait for a collection, DPD offers thousands of Pickup Shops and lockers nationwide, making drop-offs easy.
DPD Classic (Europe)
A cost-effective road service for deliveries across Europe. Provides full tracking, making it suitable for international ecommerce.
DPD Air
An express option for fast international deliveries worldwide.
DPD Local
A service aimed at small and medium businesses offering competitive rates and more flexible localised delivery options.
DPD Pricing
Small Parcels (up to ~2kg)
Next-Day Delivery: ~£7.10+
(Entry-level pricing when booked online via DPD or a platform offering DPD drop-off)
Medium Parcels (~2–5kg)
Next-Day Delivery: ~£7.50–£10.00+
Prices increase with weight and size.
Larger Parcels (~5–10kg)
Next-Day Delivery: ~£9.50–£12.00+
Costs rise further for heavier or bulky packages.
Heavier Parcels (~10–20kg)
Next-Day Delivery: ~£12.00–£20.00+
Exact pricing depends on size and destination within the UK.
Why Choose DPD?
Industry-leading tracking
The one-hour delivery window and real-time updates are among the best in the UK.
High delivery success rate
Fewer failed deliveries mean fewer support tickets, replacements and unhappy customers.
Great for high-value items
DPD’s reliability and handling make it a strong choice for products that require extra care.
Strong international options
DPD Classic and DPD Air provide dependable international shipping with full tracking.
Predictable next-day performance
If your customers expect fast, accurate delivery, DPD stands out.
Downsides to Choosing DPD
More expensive
DPD pricing is higher than Evri and often higher than Royal Mail for small parcels.
Strict packaging rules
Poorly packaged items may be rejected or delayed, particularly heavier or fragile parcels.
Not ideal for low-margin products
If your product margins are tight, the higher delivery cost may impact profitability.
Evri Shipping
Best for: Cost-conscious businesses and non-urgent parcels.
Evri shipping (formerly Hermes) is one of the most affordable courier services in the UK, making it a popular choice for small businesses looking to keep postage costs as low as possible. While it isn’t the fastest option on the market, its low pricing and extensive network of drop-off points and lockers make it practical for businesses shipping items that don’t require next day delivery.
Evri handles millions of parcels every week and has invested heavily in improving its parcel tracking, customer communication and delivery reliability. Although its reputation has been mixed in the past, standards have improved over the last few years, especially for standard and economy deliveries.
Evri Services Offered
Standard Delivery (Economy)
Typical delivery time is 2–3 working days.
This is Evri’s most commonly used service and offers the best value for businesses shipping lower value or non-urgent items.
Next-Day Delivery
Available on many parcel types, though not as consistently reliable as premium couriers.
A good option when you want something faster but at a low cost.
ParcelShop Drop-Off
Evri has thousands of ParcelShops and lockers across the UK, making it convenient if you prefer dropping parcels off rather than arranging collections.
Couriers & Collections
Evri offers doorstep collection at a small additional fee, useful for businesses shipping high volumes without visiting a drop-off point.
Evri Pricing
Below is a more complete breakdown of Evri’s typical pricing structure:
Small Parcels
(Ideal for lightweight orders, accessories, small boxed items.)
Up to 1kg: £2.62
This is one of the most affordable tracked shipping rates in the UK and a major reason why Evri is favoured by budget-conscious sellers.
Medium Parcels
(For bulkier items that don’t exceed 2kg.)
Up to 2kg: £3.28
Still very cost effective, especially compared to Royal Mail or DPD for the same weight.
Larger Parcel Examples
(Pricing varies based on weight band and whether you drop off or request collection.)
Up to 5kg: Typically £4.00–£5.00
A strong option for heavier goods that don’t need next-day delivery.Up to 10kg: Usually £6.00–£7.00
This price point is considerably cheaper than most alternative couriers for mid-weight parcels.Up to 15kg: Often £8.00–£9.50
Still cost effective for sizeable shipments where affordability matters more than speed.Up to 20kg: Typically £10.00–£12.00
Suitable for bulky orders that remain within Evri’s size limits.
Collection vs Drop-Off Pricing
Evri generally charges slightly more for collections than for drop-offs.
Typical surcharge:
Home collection: +£0.70 to £1.00 per parcel
Most small businesses choose ParcelShop drop-offs for the lowest overall cost, especially when sending multiple parcels at once.
Next-Day Delivery Pricing
Evri also offers next-day delivery across many parcel sizes, though this option is still cheaper than premium couriers:
Next-Day (up to 2kg): Often between £4.50–£6.00
Next-Day (up to 5kg): Typically £6.00–£7.50
However, reliability varies, which
Why Choose Evri?
One of the cheapest couriers in the UK
Ideal for businesses with tight margins or high shipping volumes.
Nationwide network of ParcelShops and lockers
Easy, fast drop-offs without queues.
Improved tracking and delivery notifications
While not advanced as DPD, Evri now provides reliable tracking updates.
Good for low-urgency deliveries
Perfect for items where speed isn’t the priority.
Downsides to Choosing Evri Shipping
Mixed reputation for parcel handling
Historically associated with lost or damaged parcels, although performance has improved in recent years.
Tracking isn’t as detailed
Compared to DPD’s hour-by-hour updates, Evri tracking is more basic.
Next-day reliability can vary
Economy services are strong value; premium speeds are less consistent.
Parcelforce Shipping
Best for: Businesses shipping large parcels, heavy goods or international deliveries.
Parcelforce shipping, part of the Royal Mail Group, specialises in handling larger, bulkier and higher-value items. Unlike Royal Mail, which focuses on everyday post and small parcels, Parcelforce operates more like a premium courier network — offering faster delivery options, stronger international reach and better handling for oversized shipments.
If your business regularly sends parcels that exceed Royal Mail’s size limits, or you need reliable delivery overseas, Parcelforce is often the more suitable option. Its dedicated Express services make it a strong choice for businesses shipping urgent or important items.
Services Offered
Express24
Next working day delivery across most of the UK. Ideal for businesses that need fast turnaround times for larger parcels that exceed typical small-parcel courier limits.
Express48
A two-day delivery service offering good value for heavier parcels where speed isn’t the top priority. Frequently used for bulk shipments and larger orders.
ExpressAM
Delivery by the next working day morning (by 9am, 10am or midday depending on the service chosen). Useful for time-critical items that need to arrive ahead of business hours.
Express48 Large
A service designed specifically for oversized parcels that don’t meet standard dimensions but remain within Parcelforce limits.
International Priority
Worldwide delivery within 2–5 days. Parcelforce uses a large global partner network, making this one of the most reliable ways to ship abroad without using a private international courier.
International Economy
A slower but more affordable international option for non-urgent shipments.
ParcelForce Pricing
Parcelforce pricing varies depending on parcel weight, service speed and dimensions. Below is an expanded list showing realistic ranges businesses can expect.
Small Parcels (up to 5kg)
Express48: £9.20
Express24: £12.12
ExpressAM (by 9am, 10am or midday): typically £18–£30+ depending on time slot
These services include tracking, delivery confirmation and compensation cover.
Medium Parcels (5kg–10kg)
Express48: £16.45
Express24: £21.90
ExpressAM: often £25–£40+ depending on delivery window
Suitable for larger ecommerce parcels, boxed goods or multiple-item shipments.
Large Parcels (10kg–15kg)
Express48: £18–£25
Express24: £24–£32
ExpressAM: usually £30–£45+
Useful for bulky items where Royal Mail isn’t suitable.
Extra Large Parcels (15kg–20kg)
Express48: £22–£30
Express24: £30–£38
ExpressAM: often £40–£55+
Ideal for heavy or thick-walled packaging, larger electronics, wholesale orders etc.
Heavy Parcels (20kg–25kg)
Express48: £25–£40
Express24: £35–£50
ExpressAM: typically £50–£70+
Parcelforce becomes more competitively priced at this weight compared to most UK couriers.
Oversized Parcels – Express48 Large
For parcels that exceed standard dimension limits but are still within Parcelforce’s maximum allowances:
Express48 Large: starting from £30+
Increases based on length and girth, not just weight.
Oversized pricing varies significantly depending on size, but Parcelforce is one of the more flexible UK couriers for these items.
Collection Fees & Drop-Off Differences
Depot Drop-Off: Usually the cheapest option
Post Office Drop-Off: Slightly higher
Home/Business Collection:
Typically adds £2–£5 depending on location and parcel count
Businesses sending daily shipments often choose depot drop-off to keep costs low.
Why Choose Parcelforce?
Great for heavier or bulkier shipments
More cost effective than many private couriers when sending 5kg–25kg parcels.
Strong international network
Reliable global delivery through trusted partners, making it suitable for exporters.
Secure premium service options
Includes tracked handling, delivery confirmation and compensation cover for high-value goods.
Ideal step up from Royal Mail
When your parcel size or weight exceeds Royal Mail limits, Parcelforce is the natural upgrade.
Downsides to Using ParcelForce
More expensive than most UK couriers
Especially when sending smaller parcels where Evri or Royal Mail are cheaper.
Not as fast domestically as DPD
DPD’s next-day service is generally more consistent and offers better tracking.
Parcel size restrictions still apply
While generous, very oversized items may still require specialist couriers.
What’s the Best Courier for Your Business Size?
Choosing the right courier often comes down to the size of your business and the volume of parcels you’re sending. Different couriers suit different stages of growth, and selecting the right one can save money, reduce delivery issues and improve customer satisfaction.
Small Businesses
For small businesses sending a lower volume of parcels, Royal Mail or Evri are usually the most practical choices.
They’re affordable, easy to access and ideal for lightweight or low-value parcels. Royal Mail offers reliability and extensive coverage, while Evri provides some of the lowest shipping rates in the UK — perfect for brands trying to control costs in the early stages.
Medium Businesses
As order volumes increase, customer expectations also rise. DPD becomes a strong option for medium-sized businesses because of its excellent tracking, one-hour delivery windows and consistently reliable next-day service.
If your customers value predictable delivery and detailed updates, DPD’s service often justifies the higher price point.
Large Businesses
Larger businesses shipping heavier goods, large quantities or sending parcels internationally often benefit most from Parcelforce.
Their network is built to handle bulky items, time-sensitive shipments and cross-border delivery. Many enterprises choose Parcelforce for its secure handling, faster global transit times and flexible services for oversized parcels.
Using a 3PL Like PackPro to Save Time and Money
Managing multiple couriers yourself can quickly become overwhelming. Each service has different booking systems, cut-off times and pricing rules — and keeping on top of all of them takes time away from running your business.
That’s where PackPro comes in.
We handle all warehousing, packing and eCommerce fulfilment, work directly with several couriers and offer same day options when needed. Every parcel is packed correctly to reduce damages or rejections, and you’re never tied to a single courier.
A Flexible Courier Setup Most 3PLs Don’t Offer
Unlike many 3PLs that force you to use their courier accounts, PackPro gives you two choices:
1. Integrate Your Own Courier Accounts
If you already have Royal Mail, Evri, DPD or Parcelforce accounts — especially with negotiated rates — you can connect them directly to our system. You keep full control of your pricing while we manage the fulfilment.
2. Use PackPro’s Courier Accounts
If you prefer not to manage your own accounts, you can ship through ours. We provide access to Royal Mail, Parcelforce and Evri at competitive rates.
With both options available, you’re free to choose whatever keeps your shipping costs low and your deliveries running smoothly – without being restricted by a single courier or rigid pricing model.
Final Thoughts
There’s no universal “best” courier. The right choice depends on your priorities – whether that’s keeping costs low, speeding up delivery times, handling heavier items or sending parcels overseas. By understanding how each major UK courier performs and matching that to your workflow, you can make a smarter, more confident decision.
And if you’d rather avoid the complexity altogether, PackPro can take care of everything on your behalf.
From fulfilment to courier management – using either your accounts or ours – we make shipping simple, flexible and cost effective.
FAQs: Choosing the Best Courier for Your Business
1. What is the best courier service for small businesses in the UK?
Royal Mail and Evri are usually the best options for small businesses. They’re affordable, easy to use and well suited to lightweight parcels and lower shipping volumes.
2. Which courier is the most reliable for next-day delivery?
DPD is widely known for reliable next-day delivery, accurate tracking and one-hour delivery windows. It’s a strong choice for businesses with higher customer expectations.
3. What’s the cheapest courier for UK parcel delivery?
Evri is typically the most cost-effective option for non-urgent parcels. Royal Mail can also be affordable, especially for small parcels and letters.
4. Which courier is best for heavy or bulky items?
Parcelforce is designed for heavier parcels and larger shipments. It’s also a strong option for international deliveries and oversized items.
5. Should I choose a courier based on speed or cost?
It depends on your business. If your customers expect fast delivery, prioritise speed. If your margins are tight or your products aren’t time-sensitive, choosing a cheaper courier may make more sense.
6. Can I use different couriers for different types of parcels?
Yes. Many businesses use one courier for small parcels, another for next-day orders and another for heavier items. This helps balance cost, speed and reliability.
7. How do I know which courier offers the best value for my business?
Compare prices, delivery speeds, tracking quality and parcel size limits. Your ideal courier depends on what you’re shipping and how quickly customers expect it.
8. Can a 3PL help me manage multiple couriers?
Absolutely. A 3PL like PackPro handles fulfilment and courier management for you, making it easier to scale without juggling several courier systems.
Picking the right courier service can make or break your business. Get it wrong, and you’re dealing with lost parcels, frustrated customers, and sky-high shipping costs. Get it right, and you’ve got happy buyers, reliable deliveries, and a solid reputation.
Understanding Your Needs First
Before diving into courier comparisons, think about what your business actually needs. Ask yourself:
How fast do my customers expect deliveries? Next-day? Same-day?
What’s my budget? Am I prioritising cost over speed, or vice versa?
What am I shipping? Small parcels? Fragile items? Heavy goods?
Where am I shipping to? Just the UK, or internationally too?
Now, let’s look at the big players in the UK courier scene.
Royal Mail Shipping
Best for: Small businesses, letters, standard parcels, and nationwide delivery. Royal Mail is the go-to for many businesses, offering a reliable and affordable service with nationwide coverage. They provide:
First-Class Mail – Delivery in 1 working day
Second-Class Mail – Delivery in 2-3 working days
Special Delivery Guaranteed – Next-day by 1 pm with tracking and compensation
Pricing:
Small parcel (up to 2kg): £4.09 (First-Class) | £3.25 (Second-Class)
Large Letter (up to 750g): £2.35 (First-Class) | £1.85 (Second-Class)
Why choose Royal Mail?
Great for small businesses shipping lightweight parcels and letters
Extensive drop-off locations (Post Offices everywhere)
No hidden fees – clear, upfront pricing
Downsides:
Slower compared to private couriers
Limited same-day services
DPD Shipping
Best for: Businesses that need fast, tracked deliveries with high customer satisfaction. If you want a courier with an impeccable reputation, DPD is your best bet. They offer:
Next-Day Delivery – Guaranteed next working day
Predict Service – 1-hour delivery windows with real-time tracking
Pricing:
Next-Day 1kg parcel: £6.99
Next-Day 5kg parcel: £8.99
Why choose DPD?
Industry-leading tracking system with delivery time slots
Great for businesses with high-value items needing reliable delivery
Carbon-neutral delivery (eco-friendly options)
Downsides:
More expensive than competitors
Strict packaging requirements (they reject poorly packed items)
Evri Shipping
Best for: Cost-conscious businesses and non-urgent parcels. Evri is one of the cheapest courier services in the UK. If you need affordability over speed, this is a solid choice.
Standard Delivery – Typically 2-3 days
Next-Day Delivery – Available, but not always the most reliable
Pricing:
Small parcel (up to 1kg): £2.62
Medium parcel (up to 2kg): £3.28
Why choose Evri?
Cheapest option for small businesses
Nationwide coverage with drop-off points everywhere
Good for sending non-urgent parcels
Downsides:
Historically bad reputation for lost parcels (but improving)
Limited tracking options compared to DPD
Parcelforce Shipping
Best for: Businesses shipping large parcels or international deliveries
Parcelforce (part of Royal Mail) is a good option if you’re sending heavier items or need worldwide shipping.
Express24 – Next working day
Express48 – Two-day service
International Priority – Worldwide delivery in 2-5 days
Pricing:
Small parcel (up to 5kg): £9.20 (Express48) | £12.12 (Express24)
Medium parcel (up to 10kg): £16.45 (Express48) | £21.90 (Express24)
Why choose Parcelforce?
Good for heavier shipments
Reliable for international shipping
Offers secure courier service UK options for valuable goods
Downsides:
Expensive compared to competitors
Slower than DPD for domestic shipments
What’s the Best Courier for Your Business Size?
Small businesses: Royal Mail or Evri for affordability and ease of use
Medium businesses: DPD for reliability and tracking
Large businesses: Parcelforce for bulk shipping or international needs
Using a 3PL Like PackPro to Save Time & Money
Handling courier relationships yourself can be a headache. That’s where Third-Party Logistics providers like PackPro come in.
At PackPro, we:
Handle warehousing, packing, and fulfilment
Offer same day courier service UK for urgent shipments
By using a 3PL fulfilment service, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the logistics.
The right courier depends on your priorities—cost, speed, tracking, or international reach.
Choosing a courier doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Now, you’ve got all the info—go make the best choice for your business!