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.
1. 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.
2. Major UK Couriers Compared
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
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)
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
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
3. 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
4. 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!