Best courier and delivery services for small UK businesses

Small UK ecommerce businesses rely on fast and affordable courier services to deliver customers' orders on time. For small businesses sending tens or even hundreds of packages a week, minor price differences between couriers can quickly add up.

**Note prices and services correct on 01/05/2025 and exclude VAT.

For new businesses and those starting up, convenient pick-up and delivery options and an easy-to-use website make all the difference. Some couriers and parcel delivery services offer add-on services like label printing, next-day delivery, collection, loss or damage protection and tracking services. This means there are lots of variables to consider when choosing a courier.

Here's our guide to the best courier services to use as a small business, including one of the oldest organisations in the world (Royal Mail) and some of the newer entrants to the market.

 

Find out more about:

• Royal Mail
• DPD
• Evri
• UPS
• Parcel Force Worldwide
• YODEL
• FedEx
• DHL

Royal Mail

Why choose Royal Mail?

Royal Mail is a trusted household name with extensive coverage across the UK. They offer services tailored to small businesses, including the ability to send parcels via their local Post Office or arrange for a collection. Known for their reliability and ease of use, Royal Mail is an excellent choice for businesses just starting out or those dealing with lighter shipments.

Key Royal Mail parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless services available for some options.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Sunday delivery available.
• Click and Drop accounts available for ecommerce businesses.
• Maximum weight: 20kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 61cm (longest side).
• Drop-off and collection services via Post Office or scheduled pick-up.
• Tracking and inclusive compensation for certain services.
• Affordable rates for small parcels and letters.
• Reliable delivery times with tracking options.
• Discounts for regular senders via business accounts.

Prices:

• send a parcel weighing up to 2kg from £3.35
• arrange parcel collection from £0.30 or less

Discover Royal Mail's parcel delivery services

DPD Local

Why choose DPD Local?

DPD Local specialises in addressing small business needs, offering fast and reliable delivery with excellent tracking technology. Their app and web tools make it easy to manage deliveries, and their customer-focused approach ensures recipients stay informed every step of the way.

Key DPD parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless services available.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Maximum weight: 31.5kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 300cm (length + girth).
• Drop-off and collection options available.
• Predictive delivery with one-hour time slots.
• Easy integration with ecommerce platforms.
• International shipping options.
• Carbon-neutral deliveries.

Prices

• next-day delivery from £2.99 (excl VAT)
• ship internationally from as little as £6.40 excl VAT

Learn more about DPD's services

Evri

Why choose Evri?

Evri is known for affordable pricing and a strong network for small to medium-sized parcels. They cater well to businesses on a budget and offer flexibility in drop-off and collection points, making them a practical option for businesses seeking low-cost solutions.

Key Evri parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless services available.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Maximum weight: 15kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 120cm (length + width + height).
• Drop-off and collection points widely available.
• Parcel tracking and proof of delivery.
• Competitive pricing.
• Flexible parcel insurance options.
• Next day delivery available.

Prices:

• Parcels from £2.18.

Explore Evri's parcel services

UPS

Why choose UPS?

UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering robust shipping solutions for businesses of all sizes. Their services include domestic and international shipping with a strong emphasis on reliability. UPS is ideal for businesses looking for premium services and tailored shipping options.

Key UPS parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless options for certain services.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Maximum weight: 70kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 274cm (length).
• Collection services and scheduled pick-ups available.
• Discounts for small businesses via UPS Connect.
• Extensive international network.
• Advanced tracking and delivery alerts.
• Flexible collection schedules.

Prices:

• Send an extra small parcel from £7.55.

Discover UPS's small business services

ParcelForce Worldwide

Why choose ParcelForce?

A part of the Royal Mail Group, ParcelForce is ideal for businesses needing to send larger or heavier parcels. They offer a range of services for UK and international deliveries, with a focus on reliability and secure handling of oversized shipments.

Key ParcelForce parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless services available.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Maximum weight: 30kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 135cm (length).
• Drop-off and collection services available.
• Inclusive compensation cover (except on global economy).
• Integration with marketplaces for seamless order processing.
• Door-to-door delivery with tracking.
• Special services for large and bulky items.
• Next-day and two-day delivery options.
• Business account discounts.

Prices:

• Depending on weight, dimensions and destination.

Discover ParcelForce's services

Yodel

Why choose Yodel?

Yodel focuses on affordable delivery services for small to medium-sized businesses. They also offer specialised services for wine, flowers, and other fragile items, making them a go-to for businesses dealing with niche products.

Key Yodel parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless services available.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Maximum weight: 25kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 120cm (longest side).
• Drop-off and collection services available.
• Tailored services for specific product categories.
• Nationwide coverage.
• Competitive pricing for bulk shipping.
• Customer portal for tracking and management.

Prices:

• Send parcels from £2.25.

Learn more about YLearn more about Yodel's services

FedEx

Why choose FedEx?

FedEx offers premium delivery services with a focus on international shipping. Their solutions cater to businesses that need fast and reliable deliveries globally, supported by advanced logistics and technology.

Key FedEx parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless options for certain services.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• Maximum weight: 68kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 274cm (length).
• Drop-off and collection options available.
• Advanced tracking systems and proof of delivery.
• Extensive international reach.
• Express and economy options.
• Advanced tracking systems.
• Specialised services for high-value shipments.

Prices:

• Depending on weight, dimensions and destination.

Find out more about FedEx

DHL

Why choose DHL?

DHL is a global leader in logistics, offering an extensive range of shipping options for businesses of all sizes. Known for their speed and efficiency, DHL specialises in international deliveries, making them a top choice for small businesses expanding globally.

Key DHL parcel/delivery services:

• Printerless services available.
• Operating hours: 8am–6pm on working days.
• DHL ecommerce shipments up to 30 kg, and up to 120 (l) x 70 (w) x 70 (h)
• DHL Express maximum weight: 70kg.
• Maximum parcel size: 300cm (length + girth).
• Drop-off and collection services available.
• Easy-to-use tools for shipping and tracking.
• Specialised services for international customs and clearance.
• Worldwide shipping network with fast transit times.
• Flexible delivery options for time-sensitive shipments.

Prices:

• Send a parcel from £2.79 inc VAT.

Discover DHL's shipping services

Compare courier and delivery prices

With offers, delivery options, terms and pricing changing from package to package, you might want to use one of the comparison sites where you can filter by size, destination, printing options, collection operations and delivery speed. There are several comparison sites you can use to search for the best courier for your needs. For example:

• Parcel2Go
• Parcel Compare
• Parcel Hero
• Parcel Monkey