Here you can find some info and advice about courier services in the UK derived from my own experience.
Last updated: 05/04/2024
Booking through middleman agent like InterParcel, ParcelMonkey or Parcel2Go could give you better price and most importantly – easy way to deal with any issues. Please note: with ParcelMonkey and and Parcel2Go carriage of audio equipment is on no compensation basis or loss only, so not advised for higher value audio gear. Contacting couriers directly has proven to be a pain, while if booked through agent, you only have to deal with the agent. My preference is to InterParcel, as they are one of the easiest to get in touch with and are great in dealing with problems.
International shipping – if you’re sending your amplifier from overseas, usually easiest again is to use agent. InterParcel in particular has been tested to/from EU countries multiple times.
It is advisable to insure your parcel adequately.
Couriers Update:
RoyalMail – usually good service for sending smaller and lately bigger parcels at very reasonable cost and usually excellent parcel handling, especially on Special Delivery service. If you’re sending in a Kube series amplifier module, that’s probably the best one to use. RoyalMail is now offering collection service (mostly reliable) as well – for more information check RoyalMail’s website here or to send a parcel and book a collection click here.
ParcelForce – good service most of the time. I’d advise to book using InterParcel as it makes it a lot easier to make a claim if needed. Prices are usually better compared to directly booking with them or in Post Office.
DPD UK – probably the most reliable service so far. Can be booked via InterParcel, ParcelMonkey or similar for better price. Customer service directly by DPD isn’t great, practically impossible to speak to a human, so always book through an agent.
DPD Local (Interlink Express) – use with caution, possible delivery issues. Book DPD UK instead where possible.
DX – works, no problems so far.
UPS – AVOID if possible. No easy way of changing delivery if needed, it’s very likely your parcel to be dropped off at a shop (UPS access point instead) which causes delays and parcel returns. If you insist on using UPS, make sure you advise them NOT to drop off at access points, where it can’t be collected from.
Collect+ – cost effective, no problems so far. Doesn’t yet do collections, so only suitable to send in.
EVRi (Hermes) – AVOID if possible. Use if no other service is suitable. They mostly fail to collect and can be very slow to deliver. Parcel handling isn’t great, high loss and damage risk.
UK Mail (iPost) – AVOID. Used to be working okay, but as it appears lately, the service has become one of the worst in UK and I have ever dealt with. They don’t reply to contact attempts, do not accept liability for damage claims at all! Currently acquired by DHL and trading as DHL Parcels, service hasn’t improved.
DHL (DHL Parcel in UK) – used to be good service before becoming DHL Parcel – re-branded UK Mail (see above). Should you have a problem, it’s nearly impossible to chase them. They’d do everything possible to deny liability, even when evidence clearly shows otherwise! Same horrific UK Mail experience under different label.
Yodel – AVOID. Probably the courier with worst reputation in the UK.
APC – works, no problems so far, but there are online reports regarding APC Overnight for major issues handling lost parcels.
TNT (FedEx) – no problems so far.
