Courier services in the United Kingdom play a crucial role in delivering documents, parcels, and packages quickly and safely across towns, cities, and internationally. Whether it’s for personal use or business needs, selecting an exemplary courier service ensures your delivery is on time and secure. 

Trace Your Parcel provides you with everything you need to know about UK couriers, from top companies to helpful tips on selecting the best service for your delivery.

Top Courier Companies UK

The UK has many courier companies that continually evolve and adapt, just like its dynamic economy. Courier Service UK helps with both personal and business deliveries. Below, you’ll find a simple overview of the best courier service UK.

Here are some of the most trusted and widely used courier services in the UK:

Royal Mail

Royal Mail is one of the oldest and most well-known postal services in the UK, dating back to 1516. Its red vans and mailboxes are a familiar sight across the country. Known for its reliability, Royal Mail has kept pace with modern times by introducing online features and faster parcel delivery. Today, it’s a trusted choice for both small businesses and everyday people who need to send mail or packages.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
Royal MailTracked 24Next DayUp to 2kgFrom £4.19
Royal Mail

Hermes (Evri)

Hermes, now known as Evri since 2022, is a popular courier service in the UK, recognized for its budget-friendly pricing and extensive delivery network. It began in Germany in 1972 and has since grown into a top choice for businesses seeking affordable parcel delivery. With over 4,500 Parcel Shops across the UK, Evri makes it easy and convenient for people to send and receive packages.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
Evri (Hermes)Next Day DeliveryNext DayUp to 2kgFrom £5.13
Hermes/Evri

DPD UK

DPD (Dynamic Parcel Distribution) is known as one of the most trusted courier companies in the UK. It started in 1976 and is now part of the Geo Post group, working in over 230 countries. DPD focuses on keeping customers happy and delivers more than 260 million parcels each year in the UK.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
DPD UKNext Working Day DeliveryNext Working DayUp to 2kgFrom £5.99
DPD UK

Parcel Force Worldwide

Parcel Force Worldwide is part of Royal Mail and focuses on fast and international parcel deliveries. Established in 1990, it utilizes Royal Mail’s extensive network to deliver packages to 240 countries and regions worldwide.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
ParcelForceExpress 24Next DayUp to 2kgFrom £9.20
Parcel Force World wide

Yodel

Yodel began as Home Delivery Network in 2008 and has since evolved into one of the leading courier services in the UK. It is known for being low-cost and flexible. Yodel delivers over 190 million parcels annually and collaborates with various industries, including retail and healthcare.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
YodelNext Working Day DeliveryNext Working DayUp to 2kgFrom £3.26
Yodel

DHL UK

DHL UK is part of the worldwide Deutsche Post DHL Group and is one of the most well-known names in international delivery and logistics. It started in 1969 and now delivers to over 220 countries, with a strong network in the UK. DHL is recognized for its innovative use of technology and commitment to meeting customer needs, providing delivery and shipping solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
DHL UKExpress Worldwide1–3 DaysUp to 2kgFrom £35
DHL UK

FedEx UK

FedEx UK is part of the global FedEx network, providing reliable delivery and shipping services throughout the United Kingdom. With many years of experience, FedEx is recognized for its speed and reliability. The company also utilizes advanced technology to provide easy tracking and seamless deliveries.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
FedEx UKInternational Priority1–3 DaysUp to 2kgFrom £35
Fedex UK

Tuffnells

Tuffnells, started in 1914, is known for delivering oversized, heavy, and oddly shaped parcels. It’s a popular choice for businesses that need to send items that don’t fit in regular boxes. With 33 depots and a strong network across the UK, Tuffnells offers broad delivery coverage.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
TuffnellsStandard Parcels1–3 DaysFlexibleFrom £5.99
Tuffnells

UK Mail

UK Mail, now part of the DHL Parcel UK group, has been working in the delivery business since 1971. It offers trusted parcel delivery services for both small businesses and big companies across the UK.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
UK MailStandard Delivery1–3 DaysFlexibleFrom £4.50
UK Mail

DX Group

DX Group, founded in 1975, is a UK-based courier and delivery company operating across the UK and Ireland. It is well known for providing safe and on-time deliveries, particularly in essential sectors such as legal and healthcare services.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
DX GroupDX24 DeliveryNext DayFlexibleFrom £8.70
DX Group

Addison Lee

Addison Lee is a well-known name in the UK for both courier and private hire services. Started in 1975, it offers high-quality same-day and next-day deliveries. While it’s also known for its car services, the company is a top choice for fast and reliable deliveries in London, especially when speed and accuracy are essential.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
Addison LeeSame-Day DeliverySame DayFlexibleFrom £15
Addison Lee

PostNL

PostNL is a Dutch postal and delivery company that also operates in the United Kingdom. It began in 1998 and is recognized for its efficient parcel handling and commitment to environmental sustainability. PostNL offers delivery services for both personal and business needs, including cross-border and local shipping.

PostNL

Whistl

Whistl is a top UK delivery company that handles mail, parcel delivery, and order shipping. It focuses on helping online (eCommerce) businesses work more smoothly. Whistl is a trusted choice for both small and large companies, offering custom delivery services as a good alternative to regular postal services.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
WhistlStandard Tracked2–4 DaysFlexibleFrom £3.50
Whistl

Collect Plus

CollectPlus, now part of Yodel, changed the way people send and receive parcels by creating drop-off and pick-up points. With over 7,000 parcel points across the UK, it’s a convenient option for both individuals and businesses seeking flexible and easy delivery services.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
CollectPlusNext Day DeliveryNext DayUp to 2kgFrom £4.99
Collect Plus

Fastway Couriers

Fastway Couriers originated in New Zealand and has since expanded to become well-established in the UK. The company utilizes a franchise system, which means local couriers operate their own designated areas. It enables Fastway to offer friendly, personal service while maintaining high international standards.

Courier CompanyServiceDelivery TimeWeight LimitPrice (GBP)
Fastway CouriersLocal Delivery1–2 DaysFlexibleFrom £3.50
Fastway Couriers

Types of UK Courier Services

Depending on your needs, you can choose from various courier options:

Standard Delivery

  • Delivered in 2–3 business days.
  • Cheaper option for non-urgent parcels.

Next-Day or Same-Day Delivery

  • The fastest way to send important documents or products.
  • Ideal for urgent business needs.

International Delivery

  • Send parcels from the UK to Europe, the US, and worldwide.
  • Courier firms offer customs handling and tracking.

Drop-Off vs Collection Services

  • You take the parcel to a local shop or center.
  • The courier picks it up from your home or office.

Why Choose a Courier Over Regular Mail?

  • Faster Delivery: Especially with same-day and next-day services.
  • Parcel Tracking: Real-time updates from dispatch to delivery.
  • Doorstep Pickup: Saves time and effort.
  • Better Protection: Insurance options and safe handling.

How to Choose the Best UK Courier for You

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

  • Check Delivery Time: Need it fast? Go for next-day options.
  • Compare Prices: Use comparison sites like Parcel2Go or Shiply.
  • Look at Reviews: See what other users have to say.
  • Trackability: Ensure it offers full tracking.
  • Support and Reliability: Opt for companies that provide excellent customer service.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

Hermes (Evri) and Royal Mail offer some of the most affordable services, especially for small parcels.

Yes, most UK couriers offer real-time tracking via their website or mobile apps.

DPD, FedEx, and Royal Mail Special Delivery are among the fastest options, offering same-day or next-day delivery.

Conclusion

Choosing a reliable UK courier doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re shipping locally or internationally, many trusted courier companies offer fast, affordable, and secure delivery. Compare options, read reviews, and choose a service that best suits your needs. A smooth and timely delivery starts with the right courier.