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Parcel delivery guide

How to send a parcel in five simple steps

From measuring your box to tracking the delivery, this practical guide makes booking a UK or international parcel clear from the start.

UK and worldwide delivery Collection and drop-off options UK customer support
A courier collecting a securely packed parcel from a UK home
1

Step 1

Measure your parcel and get an accurate quote

Enter the collection and delivery postcodes, then add the packed weight and dimensions of every parcel. Measuring after packing helps prevent price adjustments later.

  • Weigh in kilograms: 500g is 0.5kg
  • Measure length, width and height in centimetres
  • Use Add Parcel when several boxes share one destination
Worth knowingCouriers price using the greater of the parcel's actual weight or volumetric weight.
Parcel
Same Day
Pallet

From quote to collection

Everything you need to do before your parcel leaves

Choose the right service, give the courier accurate information and prepare your parcel for automated sorting and road transport.

2

Compare services

Choose by price, speed and convenience

Your quote shows the available services for the exact route and parcel size. Compare the total price, earliest collection or drop-off date, estimated delivery time and courier.

Collection or drop-offChoose what works around your day.
Transit coverCheck the included amount and upgrade options.
Printer requirementResults say needed, optional or not required.
Service detailsReview restrictions, signatures and delivery conditions.

Use the information icon on a quote before booking: the cheapest service is not always the best fit for your parcel or schedule.

A parcel being measured, weighed and compared online
3

Complete the booking

Add the addresses, contents and collection details

Enter accurate contact details for both addresses, select the collection date or drop-off option, and describe the parcel contents and total value. Check the Prohibited and Restricted Items guide before paying.

  • Use both address lines if the address is long
  • Give a clear contents description, not a vague label such as "goods"
  • Choose tracking notifications and any additional transit cover
  • Pay by card, PayPal, Amazon Pay or account PrePay
A parcel booking being completed online

Sending overseas?

Customs information needs to be specific

For each type of item, enter a detailed description, HS code, country of manufacture, quantity and individual value. Add the reason for export and any relevant EORI, IOSS or other tax number. Then choose whether duties and taxes are payable by the recipient or prepaid when that option is available.

The booking produces the required customs documents. Print and attach them exactly as instructed on the confirmation page.

4

Pack and label

Protect the contents and make the label easy to scan

Use a strong double-walled box that is only slightly larger than the contents. Wrap items separately, leave about 3-5cm of cushioning around them, fill every gap and seal the box using the H-taping method.

Do

Remove old labels, cover every seam and place the new label flat on the largest surface.

Avoid

String, loose wrapping, overfilled boxes, exposed barcodes or a label folded over an edge.

Read the full parcel packing guide
A parcel being securely packed, sealed and labelled
5

Hand over and track

Be ready for collection or take it to the drop-off point

For a collection, keep the parcel accessible and make sure someone is available throughout the selected collection window. For a drop-off service, follow the booking instructions and take the parcel to the chosen location.

  • Attach every label and document before handover
  • Keep your booking and tracking numbers
  • Track online using the 12-digit number beginning GB
Same Day services may have different labelling instructions. Always follow the documents supplied with your booking.
A courier collecting a parcel while its delivery is tracked

Before you begin

Have these details ready

A few minutes of preparation makes the quote and booking much quicker.

01 Packed weight and dimensions02 Collection and delivery addresses03 Contents description and value04 Customs details for overseas parcels

Real people, real help

Not sure which service to choose?

Our UK customer support team can help with quotes, booking questions, customs documents and deliveries by phone, live chat or email.

Helpful answers

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find my shipping label?

Your documents are available from the confirmation page immediately after payment and are also sent in your booking confirmation email. Account holders can download them again from My Orders.

How should I prepare my parcel for delivery?

Use a strong, suitably sized double-walled box, wrap items individually and fill empty space so nothing moves. Seal every opening with parcel tape and remove old labels or barcodes before attaching the new label.

Can I quote several parcels in one booking?

Yes. Use Add Parcel in the quote box to enter each parcel's weight and dimensions when they are all travelling from and to the same addresses.

Do I need a printer?

It depends on the service. Quote results clearly show whether a printer is needed, optional or not required. International shipments may still require printed customs documents.

Does someone need to be present for collection?

Yes. For a collection service, someone must be available throughout the selected collection window to hand the parcel to the driver. A drop-off service may be more convenient if that is difficult.

How do I track my parcel?

Use the Interparcel tracking page and enter your 12-digit tracking number beginning GB. You can also choose tracking notifications while booking.

What is needed for an international parcel?

You will need a specific description for every type of item, its HS code, country of manufacture, quantity and value, plus the reason for export and any applicable tax identifiers. Your booking will generate the required customs documents.

Can I change a booking after payment?

Contact Interparcel as soon as you notice an error. Some details can be corrected before the courier processes the job; other changes may require cancellation and a new booking.

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