When it comes to getting your business’ packages delivered, you’ve got a few different options to choose from. For those who’ve never used a private courier company before, it may feel as though the postal service is your only option for a truly reliable delivery other than delivering the package yourself! However, there is a world of courier services out there that can offer a more efficient service that you will want to use time and time again.

Whether you are looking for a one-off delivery service or require your consignments to be delivered more regularly, there is a service that can work best for you. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of the postal service and private courier services, so you can understand the benefits and drawbacks of each and make an informed decision on which is best for your business’ requirements.

The Postal Service

The national postal service is UK’s predominant parcel and letter delivery provider. In fact, almost every country in the world has its own version of our Royal Mail service that will deliver post to any address within that country. The service is unique as it is operated through the government and with a universal service mandate, requiring them to deliver to every address in the country and ship any necessary international consignments. 

Due to the sheer scale of the service, it operates in a fully standardised manner. This means that every letter or package will be delivered using the same methods and in set time frames, with little deviation from this. This ensures that the service is reliable and enables it to run as smoothly as possible. Royal Mail has also partnered with third-party businesses to help businesses make better use of their services when requiring deliveries on a larger scale.

Key Features of the Postal Service:

• Transporting letters & parcels
• Varied time frames
• Nationalised service
• More affordable
• Basic/ standardised service
• Estimated delivery window
• They don’t operate on Sundays

Courier Services

Courier companies work differently from the postal service but with the same end goal in mind. Courier services operate as private companies with no involvement from the government. They often work in conjunction with other businesses, such as eCommerce companies acting as the sole delivery service for their customers.

Courier services have the facilities to be more accommodating with their delivery times, offering benefits such as same day delivery and door to door consignment tracking. 

Key Features of a Courier Service:

• All-inclusive service
• Collects & delivers
• Shortest possible time frame
• Fewer parcel size restrictions
• Better tracking facilities
• Bespoke services
• Private ownership
• More accurate delivery times

Which Delivery Service Is Best For You?

Trying to determine which delivery service will benefit you the most comes down to certain factors. If you are operating as a business that requires frequent product shipments or you simply require a singular package to be delivered, there are advantages and disadvantages to both, depending on the circumstances. 

Courier services tend to be pricier than nationalised postal services because you are hiring a private service with quicker and more accurate delivery times. In order to be able to provide this service, it tends to cost more. Courier companies can also collect consignments from a pickup location and deliver them to any destination, whether locally or further afield. They also offer same day delivery services that can be highly useful for those times when you require more urgent deliveries.

Companies like Royal Mail now offer a courier service tailored to deliveries for larger packages. This can be a great option if you need a one off parcel delivered. This service is notably cheaper than alternative private courier companies. However, the delivery windows for this service are standardised. Just like their regular postal service, the guaranteed delivery windows are 2-3 or 3-5 working days. 

Benefits of Using a Courier Service

Running a business that requires frequent deliveries can be stressful, particularly when dealing with an unreliable delivery service. You need a service you can count on to ensure that your packages are delivered to the correct location at the right time. Regular postal services can’t match this level of service because of the volume and other requirements they must fulfill. If you want to remain competitive in your industry, you need to offer fast and reliable delivery for your customers. Making them wait is no longer an option you can afford. 

The right courier service can provide you with speed and reliability you can depend on time and again. You know your consignments will be in safe hands because they can be tracked every step of the way along with your specific courier. You can also enter into a contract with your chosen courier company to establish a longstanding relationship. Their service can be uniquely tailored to your exact requirements and schedule. 

Choose Grabbit & Run for Your Courier

If you are looking for a courier service that delivers on time and with a smile. We know what it’s like to be burnt by your delivery company, which is why we do things differently. Get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more about how we can help you.

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