About Parcel Delivery Services

UK Parcel Delivery Companies

Nowadays there are endless options for parcel delivery, whether you just want to send a birthday gift, or are running a small business. This means you no longer have to head down to the Post Office, stand in a queue for ages and pay a small fortune to send your parcel. Using us to help you compare UK parcel delivery services will save you time and money as we compare all the main parcel companies in the UK so that you can choose the best service and price for your parcel delivery.

How parcel delivery through Delivery Quote Compare works

Finding a trusted company to deliver your parcel is easy. All you have to do is enter the details of parcel (dimensions, weight, where to collect from and where to deliver to) and we will instantly show you quotes and services from all the main carriers, whether it’s a next day urgent consignment, economy or international service.

You then choose the service that suits you – plus there’s no obligation to accept any of the quotes offered as all rates are provided free of charge and without any obligation.

When to use a parcel delivery service

Parcel services have a very specific place in the delivery marketplace. It’s all about shifting and delivering parcels as quickly and as efficiently as possible to keep the amount it costs to send a parcel down.

We could explain how the parcel delivery network works, but believe us it’s quite dull and really all you need to know is that your parcel will reach it’s destination on time and at a reasonable price. One thing to remember is that your parcel will be one of hundreds being handled at once. It’ll be transferred from van to van and through an automated sorting centre on a conveyor belt, so it must be well packaged within the maximum dimensions and the contents must be suitable for parcel delivery.

If your package falls into the parcel post category, using our service is a great way to get your parcel delivered for less throughout the UK. The companies will collect from your home or wherever is convenient for you, the consignment will benefit from the company’s standard parcel insurance and many offer next day parcel deliveries for any urgent consignments.

What is suitable for parcel post?

The main criteria are size and weight. Your parcel, once wrapped and ready for delivery, should be no more than 150cm long x 60cm deep x 60cm high and weigh no more than 30kg. Don’t chance it if your parcel is just over, as parcel delivery drivers simply aren’t allowed to physically pick up more than 30kg and if the dimensions are oversized, your parcel won’t pass the automated sorting.

All parcel delivery firms have a list of items than can’t be delivered. Mostly it’s common sense, such as not sending passports, perishable items, flammable goods, juices, liquids and even Christmas crackers. Other items will be carried, but completely at your risk with no insurance, such as antiques, pottery, china, lights and jewellery. If your items aren’t suitable for parcel delivery, it might be worth thinking about a courier delivery service instead.

Tips for using a parcel delivery service

The most important tip we can give you is to make sure you package your goods up well. Parcel tape, packaging boxes and bubble wrap will be your new best friends when it comes to packing goods up ready for parcel delivery.

If you’re sending things like clothes, think about using those strong plastic postage bags as a tough, lightweight way of sending them. Remember your parcel might get dropped, knocked or bashed in the delivery process, so make sure it’s packaged to withstand all that.

Finally, remember that price isn't everything and that a cheap parcel delivery quote may not be the most suitable for you. Check details such as expected delivery time (especially with worldwide services) and the amount of insurance included carefully and then think about what’s important to you to get the right balance between price and level of service, all of which will save you a packet on standard parcel delivery charges.