Best Courier for Heavy Items UK
Sending something heavy? Most couriers cap at 30kg, and prices jump significantly above 15kg. Here is who offers the best value for heavy parcels.
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Quick Answer
For parcels 10–20kg, DPD via Parcelfire offers the best value at £7.99–11.99 with next-day tracked delivery. For 20–30kg, Parcelforce is usually cheapest at £14.99–19.99. For items over 30kg, you need a pallet courier like Palletways from £29.99.
Weight Limits by Courier
| Courier | Max Weight | 15kg Price | 25kg Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPD | 30kg | £9.99 | £13.99 |
| Parcelforce | 30kg | £10.99 | £15.99 |
| UPS | 30kg (70kg with surcharge) | £11.49 | £16.99 |
| FedEx | 30kg (68kg with surcharge) | £12.99 | £18.99 |
| Evri | 15kg | £7.49 | N/A |
| Palletways | 1,000kg | £29.99 (quarter pallet) | £29.99 |
Over 30kg: Pallet Delivery
Standard couriers will not accept items over 30kg. For heavier shipments, pallet delivery is the answer. A quarter pallet (up to 250kg) starts from around £29.99 for UK delivery. Half pallets and full pallets cost £49.99–89.99. Pallet couriers collect with a tail-lift vehicle, so you do not need to lift anything.
Tips for Heavy Parcels
- Use a strong, new box. Reused boxes have weakened corrugation. For heavy items, use double-walled cardboard
- Reinforce the base. Add extra tape along the base seam — this is where heavy parcels fail
- Consider collection. You do not want to carry a 25kg box to a ParcelShop. The extra £2–3 for home collection is worth it
- Check volumetric weight. Couriers charge whichever is higher: actual weight or volumetric weight. A big, light box may cost more than you expect