Compare Quotes from Courier Services!

The Courier

Couriers are an excellent alternative to large logistics firms. If you have large or heavy items which are unsuitable for a normal parcel network, then courier services are often the most appropriate, cost effective delivery solution.

This guide is intended to help users understand the different courier services available and the key considerations to bear in mind when wishing to engage the services of UK courier companies.

Advantages and disadvantages of courier services

One of the main advantages of using a dedicated UK courier service is that there is far less risk of damage or loss. With parcel delivery services, such as DHL and Parcelforce, your consignment can be handled up to 10 times during a typical transit which can greatly increase the risk of damage or loss, whereas with a courier company it tends to be a dedicated service, in that your consignment will collected and delivered straight to the destination address.

Other advantages of using couriers include greater security, as the consignment will only be handled by the one individual (which is particularly beneficial for valuable items), as well as greater flexibility with respect to dates and times.

The downside of using dedicated courier services is that because it is bespoke to your requirements it can be more expensive, however finding cheap couriers has become easier with the advent of price comparison websites which provide much more affordable services by enabling courier companies to secure additional work along their scheduled route, thus enabling them to provide the service at a lower cost.

Packaging items for courier delivery

When organising any form of courier delivery, whether it’s an urgent consignment or an eBay delivery,  it is absolutely essential to get the packaging right; good packaging will ensure that your items arrive undamaged and will prevent any costly disputes with the courier company. When packaging an item you need to ensure that it is capable of withstanding impact from other items on the vehicle as most couriers will carry out multiple drops along a particular route which means that your items will be travelling alongside other, potentially heavier, consignments.

For items which cannot be packaged, such as furniture, bicycles, or garden equipment it is advised that you speak with your courier in advance of collection to see whether they are able to provide blanket wrapping and strapping for protection during transit.

Courier Companies & Insurance

All professional courier services will include Goods in Transit insurance in addition to general vehicle insurance; it is essential that you check to ensure that the level of cover provided is sufficient to cover the value of your goods whilst in transit.

All of our registered courier companies are required to detail the level of insurance cover they provide. If the level of cover is insufficient, ask to see whether it can be increased for a small additional fee.

Signing for delivery of goods

It is important to remember that the couriers’ responsibility for the goods ends as soon as they have been delivered to your door and signed for. As such it is imperative that you check the condition of the goods prior to signing for them. Claims for damages will not be accepted after the goods have been signed for. If the consignment is in any way damaged do not sign for it and contact the courier company immediately.

Different services available

There are many different types of service available depending upon your needs. For urgent consignments you might want to consider same day couriers. A same day courier service is a bespoke service used primarily for high value, or important items. The courier company will collect your goods and travel straight to the destination address, often carrying just your consignment, which is reflected in the cost of the service.

For overseas courier services you will require an international courier service. When using International couriers you will need to ensure that your consignment conforms to certain dimensions and weight restrictions, which although different depending upon the carrier tends to be approximately 120cm x 60cm x 60cm with a maximum weight of 30kgs. Local courier services tend to be a very cost-effective solution for most people as the distance involved in travelling to each job helps keep costs down to a minimum, please see our local couriers section for more information on using a courier near you.

Courier service costs

Costs for courier services vary dramatically depending upon your individual requirements, the distance between collection and delivery points, the size and weight of the consignment and the level of insurance required, which is why finding cost effective courier services using traditional methods can be a time consuming process.

We can help you in this process by matching your requirements against 100’s of national and international couriers competing online for your business. The way it works is simple; enter details of your requirements, including the weight, dimensions, collection and delivery points and we’ll match those requirements against courier companies providing those services who will then submit bids for your consideration. The service is entirely free of charge and there is no obligation to accept any of the quotes submitted, so when you next require reliable, cost effective courier services just click on the button below and start comparing quotes!

Courier Services Related Links

• Cheap couriers
• European couriers
• International couriers
• Parcel delivery
• eBay delivery
• Same day courier
• Large item courier