--- title: "Delivery Companies in the UK: Top 8 Carriers for E-Commerce | byrd" description: Discover the top 8 UK delivery companies for e-commerce, focusing on speed, sustainability, and customer satisfaction to boost your online shop's success. image: https://blog.getbyrd.com/hubfs/epr-pflichten-3%202.png --- [![Getbyrd](https://blog.getbyrd.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Getbyrd_May2021/images/Header_logo.svg "Getbyrd")](https://getbyrd.com/en) 12+ fulfillment centers in Europe - [Home](https://getbyrd.com/en) - Product - [Our Fulfillment Services](https://getbyrd.com/en/fulfillment) - [Switching 3PL](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/3pl-switch) - [Returns Portal](https://getbyrd.com/en/returns-portal) - [Dedicated Support](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/account-management) - Integrations - [Overview](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/all-integrations) - [Amazon](https://getbyrd.com/en/amazon-fulfillment) - [Billbee](https://getbyrd.com/en/billbee-fulfillment) - [ChannelEngine](https://getbyrd.com/en/integration-channelengine) - [eBay](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/ebay-fulfillment) - [Mirakl](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/mirakl-fulfillment) - [PlentyOne](https://getbyrd.com/en/plentymarkets-fulfillment) - [PrestaShop](https://getbyrd.com/en/integration-prestashop) - [Procuros](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/procuros-fulfillment) - [Shopify](https://getbyrd.com/en/shopify-fulfillment) - [Shopware](https://getbyrd.com/en/shopware-fulfillment) - [WooCommerce](https://getbyrd.com/en/woocommerce-fulfillment) - [Xentral](https://getbyrd.com/en/xentral-integration) - Solutions - [Baby Products](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/baby-products) - [Beauty, Health & Cosmetics](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/beauty-health) - [Electronics](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/electronics) - [Food, Beverages & Supplements](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/food-beverages) - [Jewelry, Accessories & Watches](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/jewelry-accessories) - [Pet Supplies](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/pet-supplies) - [Toys and Games](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/toys-fulfillment) - [For New Businesses](https://getbyrd.com/en/new-businesses) - [For Established Retailers](https://getbyrd.com/en/established-retailers) - [For Enterprises](https://getbyrd.com/en/enterprise) - [Pricing](https://getbyrd.com/en/pricing) - Fulfillment Center Network - [Fulfillment Center Europe](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network) - [Austria](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/austria) - [France](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/france) - [Germany](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/germany) - [UK](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/uk) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en) - [Success Stories](https://getbyrd.com/en/references) - [Demo](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/fulfillment-software) - [Whitepaper: E-Commerce Slowdown](https://getbyrd.com/en/survive-and-thrive-ecommerce-whitepaper) - [E-Book: Sustainable Supply Chain](https://getbyrd.com/en/sustainable-e-commerce-supply-chain-e-book) - [E-Book: Cross-Border E-Commerce](https://getbyrd.com/en/cross-border-ecommerce-eu-ebook) - [Whitepaper: 7 Fulfillment Tips](https://getbyrd.com/en/7-fulfillment-tips-whitepaper) - About us - [Team](https://getbyrd.com/en/team) - [Career](https://getbyrd.com/en/jobs) - [Sustainability](https://getbyrd.com/en/sustainability-at-byrd) - [Partnerships](https://getbyrd.com/en/partnerships) - [Press](https://getbyrd.com/en/press) - [Login](https://app.getbyrd.com/en/login?_ga=2.175706018.1283541857.1621736684-626381589.1621482964) - [English](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en/uks-top-7-parcel-shipping-providers-in-ecommerce/) - [Deutsch](https://blog.getbyrd.com/top-7-versanddienstleister-in-uk-fuer-online-shops) - [English - United Kingdom](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en-gb/uks-top-7-parcel-shipping-providers-in-ecommerce/) - [Español](https://blog.getbyrd.com/es/las-7-mejores-empresas-de-paqueteria-en-inglaterra-para-el-comercio-electronico) - [Français](https://blog.getbyrd.com/fr/transporteurs-de-colis-populaires-ecommerce-royaume-uni) - [Italiano](https://blog.getbyrd.com/it/aziende-di-consegna-nel-regno-unito-i-7-migliori-corrieri-per-le-commerce) [Request a quote](https://www.getbyrd.com/en#angebot-anfordern) # Delivery Companies in the UK: Top 8 Couriers for E-Commerce These Are the Best Shipping Providers for Your Online Shop [**Phillip Pitsch**](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en/author/phillip-pitsch) Published: May 07, 2020 Updated: October 02, 2026 ## Table of Content The possibility of choosing a preferred parcel delivery company can be the decisive factor between completing a purchase and abandoning the basket for many online shoppers in the UK. While some might look for a preferred delivery company based on previous experiences, others might favor ones with fast shipping. Moreover, [the rise of sustainable e-commerce](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en/rise-of-sustainable-ecommerce?hsLang=en) has increased the importance of environmentally friendly shipping options. That is why e-commerce companies should make a conscientious and well-informed decision about which parcel delivery service provider to choose in the UK in 2026, to raise the conversion rate and positive delivery experience. In practice, the UK parcel market changes quickly. [Ofcom](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/postal-services/monitoring-reports/2024-25/post-monitoring-report---postal-services-in-the-financial-year-2024-25.pdf?v=408465) reports that Royal Mail remains the main provider of “single piece” parcel services in the consumer-to-business/consumer (C2X) segment, while other operators (such as Evri, DHL, Yodel, and DPD) compete strongly for B2C e-commerce deliveries. ## Choosing the right parcel delivery company for e-commerce in the UK While most online retailers mainly take fast delivery and a cheap price into consideration when choosing a parcel shipping service provider, one should never forget about the customers’ needs and wants. Now, what is the most important characteristic to look for? Unfortunately, there is no one-fits-all solution for every e-commerce company. Every webshop owner has to find the best-fitting solution for their business. Some of the multiple factors that should be considered are: - Who is the target group - What details do online shoppers look for - How many parcels are shipped per month - What products are shipped - Are products shipped within the UK or shipped across Europe - What are the company’s priorities: time, safety, money, sustainability, reputation ## Top 8 parcel delivery companies in the UK We will now have a closer look at the already mentioned couriers and provide more information about each one of them. For that, we will give a general overview, details about whether express delivery and environmentally friendly options are available, and how many pick-up points there are for each of them. These pick-up points provide a convenient alternative to home delivery for people who are not at home for any reason. Also, referred to as parcel shops, they have longer opening hours and make it possible for people to pick up their packages after work, for example. Additionally, we will have a look at what extent the companies focus on international operations. ### Royal Mail The British company was established in 1516 and was in the UK government’s ownership for 497 years until it was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2013. Today, Royal Mail is privately owned again: its parent company, International Distribution Services (IDS), was taken over by Daniel Křetínský’s EP Group and delisted in June 2025 ([CEP Research](https://www.cep-research.com/2025/06/03/royal-mail-enters-new-era-as-ids-delists/)). Royal Mail and Parcelforce state they have around 130,000 employees. IDS (Royal Mail + GLS) reported group revenue of £13.1 billion for the year ended 30 March 2025 ([reported](https://www.ipc.be/news-portal/general-news/2025/09/08/13/50/international-distribution-services-plc-2024-25-results) September 2025). In terms of market role, Royal Mail remains the main provider of single-piece parcel services in the UK’s C2X segment. **Express Delivery** Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 9 am and 1 pm guarantees to deliver the parcels by the next working day domestically. **CO2 Neutral Option** No option for retailers. **Pick-up Points** Royal Mail has been expanding its out-of-home offering. UK reporting in 2025 referenced an out-of-home network of about 24,000 points. In addition, the Post Office network remains at over 11,500 branches ([11,683 as of March 2025](https://corporate.postoffice.co.uk/media/5oehfxvd/network-report-2025-regular-final.pdf)). **International Focus** Focus mainly on the UK, however, it is also a good option for exporting from the UK. --- --- ### Evri (formerly Hermes in the UK) Founded in 1972, Hermes historically operated as part of Hermes Europe GmbH, a Germany-based parcel delivery group headquartered in Hamburg. In the UK, the business operates under the name [Evri](https://www.evri.com/press/evri-record-results) following a rebrand in March 2022. In FY 2024/25, Evri delivered over 805 million parcels and generated £1.85 billion in revenue, supported by around 8,800 employees and approximately 28,000 self-employed couriers. Evri remains one of the UK’s most widely used parcel carriers. In 2025, it merged with DHL eCommerce UK, with DHL Group taking a significant minority stake. DHL eCommerce’s premium network continues as Evri Premium, and the combined Evri Group delivers more than one billion parcels a year, according to [DHL Group](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-ecommerce-uk-to-merge-with-evri-to-create-uks-premier-parcel-delivery-business.html). **Express Delivery** Next day & stated day options available. **CO2 Neutral Option** N.A. (availability depends on your contract/service level. Check directly with Evri). **Pick-up Points** Evri reported a network of over 10,000 ParcelShops and Lockers and [announced](https://www.evri.com/press/evri-record-results) a £50m investment in more than doubling its network to 25,000 locations by 2030. **International Focus** Primarily UK domestic; international services are typically provided via partners/products (depending on contract). ### DPD The France-based company, founded in 1999, delivers parcels globally, while they primarily focus on delivery across Europe. DPD’s parent group (Geopost, part of France’s La Poste Group) [reported](https://www.geopost.com/en/news/annual-results/) €15.838 billion in sales in 2024 and 2.138 billion parcels delivered, with around 55,000 employees. **Express Delivery** DPD offers various types of delivery, including a next-day option. **CO2 Neutral Option** Geopost positions decarbonisation as a core pillar and states it has committed to reaching net-zero by 2040. **Pick-up Points** Geopost reports 128,000+ out-of-home points in Europe (including 31,000 lockers). For the UK specifically, DPD’s pickup network has been reported as expanding to 12,000 stores and lockers. **International Focus** DPDgroup has a very strong focus on delivering parcels across Europe. [![byrdAI - logistics ai](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7590762/c0b87961-8ddb-462b-a41c-429824180b87.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7590762/c0b87961-8ddb-462b-a41c-429824180b87) ### Parcelforce Worldwide Parcelforce Worldwide is the express and parcels business of Royal Mail Group. Its roots go back to 1986, when Royal Mail set up a separate parcels operation, and it has traded as Parcelforce Worldwide since 1998. According to [Parcelforce](https://www.parcelforce.com/about-parcelforce-worldwide), 54 depots across the UK feed three highly automated sorting centres. Royal Mail and Parcelforce now offer their services together. **Express Delivery** The company offers express delivery for domestic and international shipping. For Europe, [Europriority](https://www.parcelforce.com/business-parcels/international-parcel-delivery/europriority) delivers from two working days, for business account customers sending more than 15 parcels a week. **CO2 Neutral Option** No dedicated carbon-neutral option stated. Check directly with Parcelforce. **Pick-up Points** N.A. **International Focus** For international shipments, Parcelforce uses the GLS network (42 countries), EMS and the E Parcel Group with 24 postal partners across Europe. ### DHL Founded in 1969, DHL is part of the world’s biggest logistics company, **DHL Group (formerly Deutsche Post DHL Group)**, which [recorded](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-group-annual-earnings-2024.html) **€84.2 billion revenue in 2024 (group revenue).** Important for the UK market: DHL’s UK parcel business, DHL eCommerce UK, merged into Evri in 2025. According to [DHL Group](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-ecommerce-uk-to-merge-with-evri-to-create-uks-premier-parcel-delivery-business.html), DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding in the UK are not affected. If you ship with DHL in the UK today, you will mostly be working with DHL Express. **Express Delivery** DHL Express, with a strong focus on time-definite domestic and international express delivery. **CO2 Neutral Option** There are various environmentally friendly options available, ranging from making the emission transparent to emission offsetting possibilities and options for circular economy solutions. The company's goal is to be emission-free by 2050. **Pick-up Points** The former DHL eCommerce UK parcel network is now part of Evri. For DHL Express drop-off and collection options, check directly with DHL. **International Focus** One of DHL’s biggest advantages is the strong focus on international parcel delivery. The company ships to more than 220 countries and territories. ### Yodel In April 2025, InPost acquired a 95.5% stake in Yodel’s parent company (Judge Logistics Ltd), with PayPoint retaining 4.5%. The Guardian [reported](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/17/polish-parcel-locker-network-inpost-buys-uk-delivery-firm-yodel) the deal covered Yodel’s 10,000 employees and made it the third-largest independent delivery business serving in Britain. **Express Delivery** With its service Yodel Xpress, the company offers a quick next-day delivery service. **CO2 Neutral Option** No options are available. **Pick-up Points** Via InPost’s out-of-home network in the UK: InPost’s FY2025 trading update [states](https://inpost.eu/sites/default/files/2026-01/Trading%20update%20for%20Q4%202025%20and%20FY25_1.pdf) it started 2026 with over 19,200 OOH points, including 13,721 lockers. **International Focus** Yodel offers the possibility to ship parcels across Europe within 3-5 days and deliver to the rest of the world within 6-10 days. [![7 Fulfillment Tips for Your Success in E-Commerce](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7590762/68dff9eb-b6d0-48e3-b57e-50963c424a50.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7590762/68dff9eb-b6d0-48e3-b57e-50963c424a50) ### UPS The American company was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta. UPS [reported](https://investors.ups.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/2135/ups-releases-4q-2024-earnings-and-provides-2025-guidance) full-year 2024 revenue of $91.1 billion and stated it has approximately 500,000 employees. **Express Delivery** With services like UPS Worldwide Express Plus and UPS Worldwide Express Shipping, you can deliver your parcels the next day. **CO2 Neutral Option** UPS [offers](https://about.ups.com/gb/en/our-company/governance/carbon-neutral-credentials.html) a “UPS carbon neutral” shipping option that supports carbon offset projects tied to shipment transport emissions. **Pick-up Points** UPS operates UPS Access Point locations in the UK for convenient collection/drop-off, but [doesn't mention](https://www.ups.com/gb/en/business-solutions/expand-your-online-business/ups-access-point) how many. **International Focus** UPS operates globally (200+ countries/territories are referenced in UPS investor materials), and is widely used for both intra-Europe and international shipping. ### **FedEx** FedEx is another major carrier frequently used by UK merchants, especially when you need time-definite international delivery (e.g., UK to EU or UK to North America). In fiscal year 2025 (ended 31 May 2025), FedEx [reported](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1048911/000104891125000011/fdx-20250531.htm) consolidated revenue of $87.926 billion. As of 31 May 2025, Federal Express (FedEx’s largest operating company) employed approximately 237,000 permanent full-time and 203,000 permanent part-time employees. **Express Delivery** FedEx Express offers time-definite express services (product availability depends on lane and pickup cut-off times). **CO2 Neutral Option** N.A. (depends on service and contract. Check FedEx options directly). **Pick-up Points** FedEx provides drop-off and pick-up via FedEx locations and partner points in the UK (via its location finder). **International Focus** Strong international focus (express and economy cross-border services are core offerings). ## Conclusion about courier services in the UK Choosing the right parcel delivery company is a crucial step for e-commerce businesses in the UK, not just for cost-effectiveness and speedy delivery, but also for enhancing customer satisfaction and conversion rates. The value of investing time in research before making a choice can't be overstated. Equally important is the choice of a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider. Opting for a [flexible fulfillment partner in the UK](https://www.getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/uk), collaborating with multiple delivery companies can be a game-changer. From our UK warehouses, we ship with carriers including Royal Mail, DPD and Parcelforce. That allows you to switch carriers during high-demand seasons and to tailor your delivery options according to package size, destination, and urgency, while you always see which shipment is travelling with which carrier. Want to sell in the UK through marketplaces as well as your own shop? Take a look at our overview of the [most popular online marketplaces in the UK](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en/online-marketplaces-uk?hsLang=en). Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in your e-commerce journey. --- --- ## As seen on               [![Getbyrd](https://blog.getbyrd.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Getbyrd_May2021/images/Footer_logo.svg "Getbyrd")](https://getbyrd.com/en/) - Services - [Fulfillment](https://getbyrd.com/en/fulfillment) - [New Businesses](https://getbyrd.com/en/new-businesses) - [Established Retailers](https://getbyrd.com/en/established-retailers) - [Enterprises](https://getbyrd.com/en/enterprise) - [European Fulfillment Network](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network) - Integrations - [Amazon FBM](https://getbyrd.com/en/amazon-fulfillment) - [Billbee](https://getbyrd.com/en/billbee-fulfillment) - [Mirakl](https://getbyrd.com/en/mirakl-fulfillment) - [ChannelEngine](https://getbyrd.com/en/integration-channelengine) - [PlentyONE](https://getbyrd.com/en/plentymarkets-fulfillment) - [PrestaShop](https://getbyrd.com/en/integration-prestashop) - [Shopify](https://getbyrd.com/en/shopify-fulfillment) - [Shopware](https://getbyrd.com/en/shopware-fulfillment) - [WooCommerce](https://getbyrd.com/en/woocommerce-fulfillment) - [Xentral](https://getbyrd.com/en/xentral-integration) - Locations - [Logistics Locations Europe](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network) - [UK](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/uk) - [Austria](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/austria) - [France](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/france) - [Germany](https://getbyrd.com/en/european-fulfillment-network/germany) - Partner - [Become a partner](https://getbyrd.com/en/partnerships) - About us - [Team](https://getbyrd.com/en/team) - [Blog](https://blog.getbyrd.com/en) - [Our Customers](https://getbyrd.com/en/references) - [Press](https://getbyrd.com/en/press) - [Career](https://getbyrd.com/en/jobs) - [Sustainability](https://getbyrd.com/en/sustainability-at-byrd) - Additional links - [Terms and Conditions](https://getbyrd.com/en/tac) - [Privacy Policy](https://getbyrd.com/en/privacy) - [Imprint](https://getbyrd.com/en/imprint) - [Contact](https://getbyrd.com/en/contact) - [Help](https://support.getbyrd.com/en/knowledge-base) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Phillip Pitsch", "url" : "https://blog.getbyrd.com/en/author/phillip-pitsch" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-02", "datePublished" : "2020-05-07", "description" : "Discover the top 8 UK delivery companies for e-commerce, focusing on speed, sustainability, and customer satisfaction to boost your online shop's success.", "headline" : "Delivery Companies in the UK: Top 8 Couriers for E-Commerce", "image" : [ "https://7590762.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7590762/epr-pflichten-3%202.png" ], "inLanguage" : "en", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.getbyrd.com/en/uks-top-7-parcel-shipping-providers-in-ecommerce/", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://api.hubapi.com/avatars/v1/signed-uris/1ClMKDwgEEgtnZXRieXJkLmNvbRiayvb9BSD_sesFKidicmFuZGluZzphcGk6d2ViOnVzZXItdHJhZmZpYzp1cy1lYXN0LTEyDDIuMjAyLjEyNS43MBIZAHsNx2Q747acIaTrTi2IsGzRxJC60wqRSg" }, "name" : "byrd technologies", "url" : "https://www.getbyrd.com" } } ```