Sending Heavy Parcels: Which Courier Is Cheapest?
Shipping anything over 5 kg in the UK gets expensive fast — but prices vary wildly between couriers. This guide compares costs by weight bracket so you can pick the best deal every time.
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Price Comparison by Weight (UK Next-Day, Drop-Off)
| Weight | Evri | Yodel | Royal Mail | DPD | ParcelForce |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | £3.49 | £4.10 | £5.50 | £6.99 | £9.99 |
| 10 kg | £4.99 | £5.60 | £7.85 | £8.49 | £14.99 |
| 15 kg | £5.49 | £7.20 | N/A | £10.99 | £19.99 |
| 20 kg | N/A | £9.50 | N/A | £14.99 | £24.99 |
| 30 kg | N/A | N/A | N/A | £19.99 | £34.99 |
Indicative prices via comparison platforms (2025/26). Actual prices vary by dimensions, destination and service level.
Maximum Weights by Courier
- Evri: 15 kg (ParcelShop), 15 kg (collection)
- Yodel: 20 kg standard, 30 kg Xpect service
- Royal Mail: 20 kg (only via counter services)
- DPD: 30 kg per parcel
- ParcelForce: 30 kg standard, up to 60 kg on selected services
When to Consider Pallet Delivery
If your shipment exceeds 30 kg — or you have multiple heavy boxes — a pallet courier is often cheaper than sending individual parcels. Services like Palletways, PalletOnline and TNT/FedEx pallets handle shipments from a quarter-pallet (300 kg) up to a full pallet (1,000 kg+). Prices start around £30–40 for a quarter-pallet on an economy 2–3 day service.
Collection vs Drop-Off for Heavy Parcels
Drop-off is almost always cheaper — typically £1–3 less per parcel. But if your parcel weighs 20 kg, carrying it to a ParcelShop isn’t always practical. Most couriers offer home or business collection for a small premium, and for DPD and ParcelForce collection is often included in the price.
Tip: If you’re sending multiple heavy parcels at once, collection nearly always makes more sense.
Tips for Shipping Heavy Items
- Weigh accurately. Use bathroom scales if you don’t have a postal scale. Stand on the scales holding the parcel, then subtract your own weight.
- Always round up. Couriers will reweigh at the depot and surcharge you if you’ve under-declared.
- Check volumetric weight. A large, light box can cost more than a small, heavy one. The formula is usually (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5,000.
- Reinforce the box. Use double-walled cardboard for anything over 10 kg. Single-wall boxes will split.
- Distribute weight evenly. Centre the heavy item in the box with padding to stop it shifting during transit.
Best Value by Weight Bracket
- Under 5 kg: Evri — cheapest by far at around £3.49
- 5–15 kg: Evri or Yodel — both significantly cheaper than premium couriers
- 15–20 kg: Yodel — best mid-weight option with competitive pricing
- 20–30 kg: DPD — reliable and accepts up to 30 kg
- 30 kg+: ParcelForce or pallet couriers — the only realistic options
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