Parcel guidelines

Packaging

It’s really important that you package your items well to keep them safe on their journey. If your goods are not packaged sufficiently and become damaged any compensation cover provided on our services will be invalidated. Find advice about packaging here to help ensure your items are well protected and are delivered on time. 

Manual handling surcharges

We have seen a significant increase in the type of parcels and packaging that require manual processing. These parcels incur additional costs as they cannot be processed via our automated sort in our distribution centres.

From the 15th May 2023, we have applied a manual handling surcharge of £3.15* per item, on all items that cannot be processed automatically. Please see our manual handling page for more details and information on items that require manual processing. This page also includes our manual handling which contains details of how in some instances, you can avoid the surcharge through following our packaging guidelines. 

^{*These surcharges apply to the following services: expresscollect, express9, express10, expressAM, expressPM, express24 and express48}

How to measure parcels

When you send a parcel it is important to make sure that you measure the dimensions accurately. This is because parcels sent on our services must be within the maximum length and 'length and girth combined' measurements. Find advice about how to measure your parcel correctly here.

Maximum weights and sizes

We carry up to 30kg per parcel and up to 2.5m length and 4m length and girth combined. Our maximum sizes and weights can be found here.