The 5 best courier services in London to keep your deliveries hassle-free and on time
When it comes to deliveries in a fast-paced city like London, having a reliable courier service can make all the difference. The right courier ensures peace of mind and timely arrivals when you need to send a package across the city or internationally.
London is home to a wide range of courier services, each claiming to be the best. But for you to find one that truly delivers on its promises, we’re here to make your decision a whole lot easier.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best courier services in London that stand out for their reliability, speed, and customer satisfaction. These companies have earned their reputation by consistently going the extra mile for their clients.
Let’s dive in and discover which service is the perfect match for your needs!
How much do courier services cost in London?
Courier services in London cost as low as £5 for small, local deliveries to over £50 for larger items or express services. Factors affecting the cost include parcel weight, delivery speed, and the chosen delivery service.
1. DPD
Address: Wentloog Corporate Park
Phone: +44 121 275 0500
Business hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
DPD is one of the most trusted courier services in London, known for its efficiency and user-friendly tracking system. The company specializes in both domestic and international deliveries, ensuring packages arrive on time.
One of DPD’s standout features is its Predict Service designed to enhance convenience and transparency for customers awaiting deliveries. This service provides recipients with a one-hour delivery window, eliminating the frustration of waiting all day for a package to arrive.
In addition to tracking, the Predict Service allows recipients to adjust their delivery preferences if needed. They can opt to reschedule for another day, have the parcel delivered to a neighbor or a safe place, or redirect it to a nearby DPD Pickup Shop for collection at their convenience.
This service is particularly beneficial for busy Londoners, offering flexibility and reducing the chances of missed deliveries. It’s one of the reasons DPD is widely regarded as a customer-centric courier service in the city.
However, like any service, DPD isn’t without its drawbacks. Some customers report occasional missed delivery windows, which can be frustrating when planning around tight schedules.
Another common issue is their handling of high-volume periods, such as holidays, when delays and communication breakdowns are more frequent. Despite these challenges, DPD remains a reliable option for most day-to-day delivery needs in London.
Reliable handling across the UK and Ireland
“Within 2 weeks 30/30 large parcel in time, in safe, on budget delivered in UK and Ireland. Tracking amazing. And the sms and email notifications, too. Customers’ service is helpful. Our local depot in Cardiff employees are helpful and even on Sunday night after opening time with helpful smiles accepting our shipments . I can just say thank you to all DPD employees who contribute to our success. We are looking forward to shipping with DPD inland and overseas.”
- Gabor Gulics, Google Review
Finding my parcel on Christmas Eve
“A huge thank you to Steve the compliance manager and his colleague who helped me find my parcel on Christmas eve. I really appreciated your help today. You guys do an amazing job.”
- Maz, Google Review
2. Evri
Address: 5 Capitol Blvd
Phone: +44 330 808 5456
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Evri, formerly known as Hermes, has long been recognized as a go-to courier for affordable deliveries across the UK. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for individuals sending personal parcels and small businesses managing tight budgets.
One of Evri’s most appealing features is its extensive network of ParcelShop drop-off points. These convenient locations allow users to drop off parcels at their leisure, without the need to wait for a courier pickup.
Additionally, Evri provides flexible delivery options, including standard and next-day services. So, whether you’re shipping gifts or fulfilling customer orders, they offer a cost-effective solution to accommodate your set budget and timelines.
Despite their affordability, Evri has faced ongoing criticism for issues like parcel mishandling, inconsistent tracking updates, and delayed deliveries. For customers with high-value or time-sensitive shipments, these shortcomings can be a source of frustration and concern.
While Evri remains a popular choice for those prioritizing affordability and convenience, it may not be the best option if reliability and premium service are at the top of your list. For critical deliveries, you might want to explore alternatives with stronger reputations for dependability.
National shipping is more reliable
“Had to come here in person to get answers about my parcel; they didn’t exactly solve my issue (as expected) but I was at least able to have someone explain to me face to face what was going on. I wouldn’t recommend Evri for international shipping – as for national shipping, I haven’t had an issue so far.”
- Ana Catarina Jose, Google Review
Never a late delivery
“Excellent service, never a late delivery coming into me, and only 2 received damaged and they were totally due to the sellers awful (lack of) packaging! Outgoing, I’ve never had a late parcel or damaged parcel delivered to a customer. Can’t fault them (unlike Royal Fail) except on the difficulty obtaining more of the excellent quality myhermes branded parcel tape (please, anyone, let me buy some more!)”
- D Scotty, Google Review
3. Royal Mail
Address: Voyager Park South
Phone: +44 345 774 0740
Business hours:
- Monday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM; 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Royal Mail’s Tracked 24 and 48 service provides flexibility depending on the urgency of the delivery. Meanwhile, their Business Mail services are designed to accommodate solutions for bulk postage.
One of their most popular options is the Special Delivery service, which guarantees next-day delivery by 1 pm.
This service is ideal for time-sensitive or high-value items, which come with features like signature confirmation and insurance for parcels up to a certain value.
That said, one common issue customers report is delays during peak seasons, particularly around holidays. This can be frustrating for those relying on prompt delivery, especially when it involves items with a tight deadline.
Another downside is that while Royal Mail’s prices are competitive for standard letters and small parcels, costs can increase significantly for larger packages or expedited shipping. This makes them a less attractive option for those with heavier or more urgent shipments.
Efficient parcel collection point
“The parcel collection point is efficient with very helpful if limited staff. It’s main problem is that its rather out of the way. Anyone without transport would be at a disadvantage.”
- Michael Moss, Google Review
Friendly and professional staff
“Staff are always so friendly and professional. The car park is huge, although visitor spaces are limited, but you’re OK to park on a double line for a couple of minutes to collect your parcel. Monday is their shortest day. But its open 7 days a week which for me is fantastic.”
- Goly Natural, Google Review
4. UPS
Address: Deane Rd
Phone: +44 345 787 7877
Business hours: Everyday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
UPS is a go-to courier service for businesses requiring international shipping, offering extensive global coverage and a range of delivery options. Whether you’re shipping sensitive documents or high-value goods, UPS ensures that packages are treated with care and arrive intact.
One of UPS’s standout features is its robust tracking system, which provides detailed updates at every stage of your shipment’s journey. This level of precision is particularly valuable for businesses managing time-sensitive deliveries or coordinating complex supply chains.
However, this premium service comes at a cost, as UPS tends to be more expensive than many competitors, especially for international deliveries. While their pricing often reflects the quality and reliability they provide, it might not be the best fit for those on a tight budget.
Another consideration is that UPS’s pickup services often require scheduling in advance, which may pose challenges for businesses with urgent or last-minute shipping needs. Despite these limitations, UPS remains a trusted name in the logistics industry.
Consistently excellent service
“I always use this store on a regular basis and have had no problems ever!! Thanks”
- John Redpath, Google Review
Convenient package pick-up
“Very convenient place to pick up packages. 24/7 In-post collection boxes.”
5. DHL Express
Address: Melton Rd
Phone: +44 116 266 7788
Business hours: Everyday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Known for its speed and efficiency, DHL Express specializes in time-critical deliveries, making it a go-to for businesses and individuals alike.
What makes DHL Express stand out is its extensive global network, which ensures fast shipping to even the most remote destinations. Their tracking system is highly detailed, providing real-time updates and allowing customers to follow their parcels every step of the way.
On the domestic front, DHL offers a range of options to suit varying needs, from same-day services to next-day deliveries. This flexibility is invaluable in a bustling city like London, where timely and dependable delivery services are essential for both businesses and residents.
That said, their premium services often come with a premium price tag, making them less ideal for budget-conscious users. Also, if you’re only sending small items domestically, you might want to explore cheaper alternatives.
Despite these drawbacks, DHL’s London operations guarantee that your items are handled with care and delivered promptly. Their reputation for professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction solidifies their status as a trusted delivery partner.
Honest reliable service
“A great experience with a professional company with honest reliable service. Looking forward to receiving my Goods from the UK to Australia. Thanks for your input into world Heritage.”
- Linda S Scott, Google Review
Timely pickup and early delivery
“Documents were picked up on time and delivered before expected delivery date. Excellent service and cutomer service.”
- Yvonne Leacock-Worrell, Google Review