Royal Mail Services
Royal Mail operate in the UK delivering goods domestically and internationally with one of the largest parcel delivery networks in Europe.
Services available to retailers shipping orders with Royal Mail can range from basic, cost-effective delivery to a more advanced, trackable and secure offering.
Domestic Royal Mail Services
First Class Mail
First Class Mail is a good value option, which aims to deliver the next working day, including Saturdays (93% of parcels are delivered next day). Cost is the same throughout UK, and is dependent on size and weight. Packages of up to 20kg can be sent using this service.
Second Class Mail
Second Class Mail is a value service that aims to have letters and parcels delivered within three working days. It should not be used to send items of value, which should be sent using Special Delivery Guaranteed.
Signed For First Class
Signed For First Class aims to deliver your letter or parcel the next working day, and provides the added security of requiring a signature from the receiver. You are able to check the status of delivery online with this service.
Signed For Second Class
Signed For Second Class aims to deliver letters and parcels within three working days with the security of a required signature. Both signed for services offer compensation cover of up to £50.
Royal Mail Tracked 24
Royal Mail Tracked 24 aims to deliver packages within 24 hours, and includes the ability to track your delivery online. Optional SMS and email notifications are also available.
Royal Mail Tracked 24 with Signature
Royal Mail Tracked 24 with Signature includes optional added service to require signature upon delivery when using Tracked 24.
Royal Mail Tracked 48
Royal Mail Tracked 48 is an alternative and more affordable choice to Tracked 24 where parcels are aimed to be delivered within 48 hours.
Royal Mail Tracked 48 with Signature
Royal Mail Tracked 48 with Signature includes optional added service to require a signature upon delivery when using Tracked 48.
Royal Mail Sameday
Royal Mail Sameday guarantees delivery of urgent and valuable items received and sent on the same day. This is a premium service, and so is recommended for important deliveries.
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
Though Royal Mail aim to deliver 93% of standard First Class parcels the next day, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed is the only option that guarantees next day delivery.
Royal Mail International Services
International Economy
International Economy is the most affordable yet timely option of sending overseas. Delivery time ranges from two weeks in Western Europe to 12 weeks for Australia.
International Standard
International Standard is a cost-friendly international option with the aim to deliver to Europe within five business days, and rest of the world within seven business days.
International Signed
International Signed means your parcel will be tracked from the moment it leaves the UK until it has arrived and been signed for at its final destination.
International Tracked
International Tracked is recommended for sending valuable goods overseas. It offers five tracking points as well as online confirmation and tracking.
International Tracked & Signed
International Tracked & Signed is a combination service which includes full tracking and the requirement of a signature upon delivery. All tracking services aim to deliver within seven days.
Parcelforce Worldwide
For a more specialised domestic and international parcel delivery, Parcelforce Worldwide is available. Parcelforce services are recommended for larger items within the UK, as well as more urgent deliveries sent internationally. Parcelforce globalexpress offers delivery to USA, Canada and Europe on the next working day.
Royal Mail for Business
Royal Mail offers a range of benefits for business customers shipping regularly with them. For more information, see our article on opening a Royal Mail Online Business Account (OBA).
