Courier Tips & News

Courier pricing is based on a combination of distance, parcel weight and dimensions, speed of service and time of day. This guide breaks down each factor, explains common surcharges for fuel, congestion zones and out-of-hours collection, and shows you how to get the best rate.

Courier demand surges from late November through December, with capacity issues causing delays and price increases of 20% to 40%. This guide explains when to book, how to secure guaranteed slots, and the cut-off dates for same-day and next-day services over the festive period.

Electric vans, cargo bikes and carbon-offset programmes are making courier services greener. This guide covers which courier companies offer genuine eco credentials, how to choose a lower-carbon delivery option, and whether green couriers cost more than traditional ones.

When you need a parcel abroad urgently, the options range from international same-day air couriers to next-day express services. We compare costs, customs requirements, transit times and reliability for Europe, the US and further afield — plus the paperwork you will need post-Brexit.

Standard goods-in-transit insurance typically covers loss, theft and accidental damage up to a set limit — usually £5,000 to £25,000. But exclusions for inadequate packaging, inherent vice and consequential loss catch many senders out. This guide explains what to check before you send anything valuable.

Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) protects both sender and recipient. Modern systems capture signatures, photographs, GPS coordinates and timestamps. This article explains the different types of POD, when to insist on named-person delivery, and how ePOD helps with insurance claims.

From lithium batteries and aerosols to perfume and nail varnish, the list of restricted courier items is longer than most people realise. This guide covers what is banned outright, what needs special handling, and where to find specialist carriers for hazardous goods.

If your business sends more than a few parcels a month, a courier account can save 10% to 20% on every delivery. We explain how accounts work, typical minimum commitments, the billing cycle, and extra benefits like priority booking and dedicated account managers.

Motorcycle couriers are faster in traffic and cheaper for small items like documents and small parcels. Van couriers handle larger loads, fragile items and multi-drop routes. This comparison helps you choose the right option based on size, speed and budget.

Broken goods and damaged packaging are the top causes of courier claims. This step-by-step guide covers the right materials, box sizes and cushioning techniques to protect fragile items — from wine bottles and electronics to framed artwork and ceramics.

Transporting diagnostic specimens in the UK requires UN3373 Category B packaging, ADR-trained drivers and proper documentation. This guide explains the legal requirements, what happens if packaging fails in transit, and how to verify your courier is properly certified.

Same-day delivery costs more but guarantees your parcel arrives within hours. Next-day is cheaper but means waiting until tomorrow. We break down when each option makes sense — from urgent legal documents to routine stock transfers — and the real cost difference between the two.