What to Consider When Choosing a Parcel Carrier
Delivery Speed
Customers today expect fast delivery, with next day and even same day delivery options becoming the norm. If you’re selling time-sensitive products, carriers that specialise in expedited shipping, such as DHL or DPD, may be your best bet.
Coverage Area
Are you shipping locally, nationally, or internationally? Domestic-focused carriers like DX or Royal Mail might suit UK-only businesses, while DHL and UPS excel at international logistics with reliable global networks.
Pricing and Flexibility
Shipping costs can eat into your profit margins. Affordable options like Evri are great for lightweight, non-urgent parcels, while premium services from DPD or DHL may provide better reliability and speed for higher-value goods. Flexible pricing options such as discounts for bulk shipments are a big plus for businesses with fluctuating order volumes.
Integration and Tools
Modern businesses require carriers that integrate with eCommerce platforms to automate label printing, tracking, and notifications. Carriers like Royal Mail, Amazon Shipping, and DHL offer robust systems and tools to make this process seamless.
Reliability and Customer Service
A reliable carrier not only delivers parcels on time but keeps customers in the loop every step of the way. Delayed or undelivered parcels can leave customers frustrated and wondering where their orders are. To avoid this, choose carriers known for their tracking capabilities and proactive customer notifications. Carriers like DPD or Amazon Shipping excel in providing real-time updates, ensuring a smooth experience.
Best Parcel Carriers in the UK and Their Benefits
Royal Mail
A trusted household name, Royal Mail offers a wide range of services, from economical options like 2nd Class delivery to premium 24-hour delivery services. Their extensive UK coverage makes them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses targeting domestic customers. They also offer international shipping, though other carriers may provide faster global delivery.
Benefits:
- Reliable and affordable domestic shipping.
- Flexible service levels.
- Excellent for small businesses and start-ups.
DPD
Renowned for its reliability and customer-focused services, DPD is perfect for businesses looking to impress customers with timely deliveries and detailed tracking. They offer an interactive delivery service that allows customers to select a delivery time or location, reducing failed deliveries.
Benefits:
- Predictable 1-hour delivery window notifications.
- Excellent tracking and customer communication.
- Well-suited for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.
DHL
A leader in global logistics, DHL excels in international shipping, offering fast and reliable delivery across the world. They handle customs clearance and provide detailed tracking for international shipments, making them a go-to choice for businesses looking to expand their reach.
Benefits:
- Strong global network.
- Speedy international delivery.
- Advanced tracking tools.
DX
Specialising in secure and time-critical deliveries, DX is a popular choice for businesses in industries like healthcare, legal services, or retail. They also excel in handling heavy or large parcels that require special attention.
Benefits:
- Specialist handling for sensitive goods.
- Great for bulky or oversized parcels.
- Reliable domestic service.
Evri
As one of the most affordable carriers in the UK, Evri is ideal for small businesses looking to save on shipping costs. While they may not match premium carriers in speed or reliability, they are a solid choice for low-value or non-urgent deliveries.
Benefits:
- Budget-friendly pricing.
- Good for non-urgent, lightweight parcels.
Amazon Shipping
Amazon Shipping offers businesses access to the logistics network behind Amazon's own retail operations. Their focus on reliability and speed, along with competitive rates, makes them an excellent choice for eCommerce businesses, even if you’re not selling on Amazon.
Benefits:
- Competitive rates for next-day and same-day delivery.
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction.
- Reliable network backed by Amazon's logistics expertise.
Exclusive Delivery Network (EDN)
Exclusive Delivery Network (EDN) provides tailored logistics solutions for businesses requiring dedicated, high-priority shipping. Their premium service ensures that deliveries are handled with the utmost care and efficiency, catering to businesses with specialised shipping needs.
Benefits:
- Exclusive, high-priority shipping services.
- Personalised delivery solutions.
- Ideal for businesses needing dedicated logistics support.
How Speedy Parcels Can Help
Managing relationships with multiple carriers can be overwhelming, particularly for businesses with diverse shipping needs. That’s where Speedy Parcels comes in. Our multi-carrier service allows you to:
- Compare Carriers: Instantly view pricing, delivery times, and other features across multiple carriers to choose the best option for each shipment.
- Integrate Seamlessly: Connect with your eCommerce platform to streamline the shipping process, including label generation and automated tracking updates.
- Scale: Effortlessly scale your shipping operations as your business grows, whether you’re adding new product lines, expanding internationally, or targeting faster delivery times.
- Optimise Costs: Take advantage of competitive rates from top carriers through our discounted rates without being locked into a single provider.
Whether you need the affordability of Evri, the speed of DHL, the reliability of DPD, or the dedicated service of EDN, Speedy Parcels helps you find the perfect match for your shipping requirements—all in one place.
Simplify your logistics today with Speedy Parcels and ensure your customers receive their orders on time, every time.