POSTABLE
Letterbox-sized items
Slim books, documents and accessories can use postable services when they stay within the courier’s exact size and weight limits.
Small & light parcel delivery
Send small, lightweight and letterbox-sized parcels without paying for more delivery than you need. Compare low-cost collection, drop-off, economy and next day services from trusted couriers for UK and international delivery.
- Low-cost small parcel options
- Collection & drop-off choice
- Tracked UK & international services
Parcel
Same Day
Pallet
Prices, size limits and service availability depend on the packed dimensions, weight, route, courier and delivery option selected.
Small parcels should not need big delivery prices
A small parcel can be inexpensive to send when its finished size and weight fit the right courier service. Interparcel compares low-cost options for letterbox-sized packets, lightweight items and compact boxes so you do not have to rely on one carrier.
Small parcel delivery can cover far more than envelopes. Books, clothing, accessories, spare parts, gifts and compact eCommerce orders can all qualify for cheaper or specialist services depending on their packed dimensions.
If your item is genuinely letterbox-sized, postable services can be especially economical. If it is a little larger, compare standard small-box services as well so you do not pay for speed or capacity you do not need.
Compare small parcel prices
SMALL BOX
Compact boxed parcels
Gifts, parts, clothing and everyday goods can stay inexpensive when the outer box is strong, compact and accurately measured.
ECOMMERCE
Lightweight online orders
Small customer orders, samples and returns are ideal for comparing economy, drop-off and postable services instead of defaulting to next day.
NEXT DAY
Urgent small parcels
Small does not always mean slow. Compare postable next day, small-pack and express services when a compact shipment needs to arrive quickly.
Compare cheap small parcel delivery services
Compare a mix of low-cost, postable, drop-off and next day services for small and lightweight parcels. The best option depends on the finished parcel dimensions, weight, route and how quickly it needs to arrive.
InPost Economy Shop
Delivery in 3 working days
from £2.05 + VAT
Evri ParcelShop Postable
Delivery in 2 to 3 working days
from £2.30 + VAT
Evri ParcelShop
Delivery in 2 to 3 working days
from £3.05 + VAT
Evri Postable
Delivery in 3 working days
from £3.30 + VAT
Evri ParcelShop Postable Next Day
Delivery in 1 working day
from £3.65 + VAT
FedEx UK Economy Drop Off
Delivery in 1 to 2 working days
from £3.85 + VAT
APC Mail Pack
Delivery in 1 working day
from £6.25 + VAT
APC Courier Pack
Delivery in 1 working day
from £7.05 + VAT
A small cross section of our small and light parcel services. Prices and eligibility change by parcel size, weight, route and service requirements, so always run a live quote to compare the latest options for your shipment.
What counts as a small or light parcel?
There is no universal small-parcel size used by every courier. The most useful approach is to measure the finished package and compare the services whose limits it actually fits.
Letterbox-sized postable parcels
Evri ParcelShop Postable currently accepts parcels up to 1kg and 35cm x 23cm x 2.5cm, making it useful for compact, low-value items that can fit through a standard letterbox.
Very light parcels up to 1kg
APC Mail Pack is designed for documents and small packages up to 1kg. The courier supplies an APC bag at collection, and the service is aimed at compact next-day shipments.
Small packages up to 5kg
APC Courier Pack is designed for small packages up to 5kg, giving heavier compact items a next-day collection option without moving straight to a larger parcel service.
Small means different things to different couriers
A parcel that is “small” for one network may be standard size for another. Enter the exact packed weight and dimensions so the quote only shows services that can accept it.
Letterbox-sized parcel or small box?
The packed shape matters as much as the weight. A slim 500g packet may qualify for a postable service, while a 500g cube needs a standard small-parcel service.
SLIM & POSTABLE
Letterbox-sized
Best for flat, lightweight items that fit the courier’s strict thickness limit.
Evri Postable: up to 1kg and 35cm x 23cm x 2.5cm
View postable delivery OR
COMPACT & BOXED
Small box
Best when the item needs more depth, cushioning or a rigid outer carton.
Compare exact dimensions: small standard, economy and next day services
Compare small box delivery Not sure which fits? Enter the finished dimensions and weight once and the quote will only show compatible services.
How to send a small parcel
Small parcels are easy to underestimate. Pack the item first and then measure the finished package so the comparison reflects the parcel the courier will actually handle.
!
Get a small parcel quote Do not guess the parcel size A few extra centimetres of packaging can move a parcel out of a postable or small-pack service, so measure after sealing.
- 01
Pack the item
Choose packaging that is strong enough for the contents without making the parcel unnecessarily large.
- 02
Weigh and measure
Record the finished weight, length, width and height after the parcel has been sealed.
- 03
Compare small-parcel services
Review postable, economy, collection, drop-off and next day options that fit the shipment.
- 04
Choose the best fit
Balance price, speed, handover method, tracking and any transit cover shown with the service.
- 05
Book and track
Complete the booking, follow the label or QR instructions and track the parcel online after handover.
How to package a small or lightweight parcel
Keep the parcel compact without sacrificing protection. These four checks help reduce wasted space and keep the finished shipment suitable for lower-cost small-parcel services.
Choose a snug outer
Use the smallest strong box or mailer that comfortably fits the item and protection.
Stop movement
Add cushioning only where needed so the contents cannot slide, rattle or strike the outer walls.
Seal every opening
Use strong parcel tape across the main seam and exposed openings, with the label flat on top.
Measure after sealing
Record the final weight, length, width and height - not the dimensions of the unpacked item.
Small-parcel saving tip: unnecessary packaging can push a parcel out of a postable or small-pack service. Protect the contents properly, but avoid paying to ship empty space.
No printer? Selected small parcel services can print in store
Several low-cost UK drop-off services offer QR code or Print In Store options, which can make sending a small parcel easier when you do not have a printer at home.
Printer requirements vary by courier and service. International parcels may also need printed customs documents, so check the booking instructions before travelling to the drop-off point.
Compare no-printer deliveryChoose a compatible service
Look for printer-free, printer-optional or Print In Store information when you compare the available courier options.
Receive the QR code or barcode
Use the code supplied for the selected service and compatible shop, locker or service point.
Print, attach and send
Produce the label at the correct location, attach it securely to the parcel and complete the handover.
Built for eCommerce
Small parcel delivery for eCommerce orders
Small and lightweight orders can make up a large share of eCommerce fulfilment. Comparing the right small-parcel service for each order can help keep shipping costs under control without forcing every parcel through the same courier.
- Import orders from supported marketplaces and stores
- Compare postable, economy and next day services per order
- Keep tracking and repeat-shipping tools in one account
Why send small and light parcels with Interparcel?
Compare low-cost services while keeping collection, drop-off, tracking and support connected to the same booking.
Collection and drop-off choice
Choose between home or business collection and convenient shop, locker or service-point drop-off services.
Free online tracking
Follow the parcel online after the courier accepts it into the network, with notification options on supported services.
Transit cover options
Most services include a level of transit cover, with enhanced options shown where the contents and service are eligible.
UK-based parcel support
Get help from the Interparcel team by phone, live chat, contact form or email if you need assistance with your booking.
Sending small parcels regularly?
If compact parcels make up a large part of your shipping, a free review can help identify when postable, economy, drop-off or next day services make the most sense.
- Review the parcel sizes, weights and routes you send most often
- Separate letterbox-sized goods from small boxed parcels and urgent orders
- Use integrations and repeat-shipping tools to reduce booking admin
Get a free small-parcel shipping review
Tell us what you send, how often and the typical packed dimensions. Our shipping team can help you review the most practical courier mix.
Request a free reviewSmall & light parcel delivery FAQs
Answers to common questions about small parcel sizes, letterbox services, cheap delivery, tracking, collection, drop-off, packaging and international shipping.
Contact usWhat is classed as a small or light parcel?+
There is no single small-parcel definition used by every courier. A parcel may qualify for a postable, small-pack or standard service depending on its finished weight, length, width and height. Enter the packed dimensions to see the services that can accept it.
How much does it cost to send a small parcel?+
The price depends on the parcel size and weight, collection and delivery locations, delivery speed and whether you choose collection or drop-off. Use the live quote to compare current small-parcel prices for the exact shipment.
What is the cheapest way to send a small parcel?+
For a non-urgent lightweight parcel, a drop-off or postable service can often be among the cheapest options. The lowest price changes with the parcel and route, so compare compatible services rather than relying on a single headline price.
Can I send a letterbox-sized parcel?+
Yes. Evri ParcelShop Postable currently accepts parcels up to 1kg and 35cm x 23cm x 2.5cm. The parcel must meet the service limits, so measure the finished package carefully before booking.
Can I send a parcel under 1kg?+
Yes. Interparcel offers several services suitable for parcels up to 1kg, including postable and small-pack options. Available services depend on the parcel dimensions as well as its weight.
Can I send a small parcel up to 5kg?+
Yes. Small parcels do not have to be under 1kg. APC Courier Pack, for example, is designed for small packages up to 5kg, while other standard courier services can also accept compact parcels in this weight range.
Can I choose collection or drop-off for a small parcel?+
Yes. Small and light parcels can be sent using door-to-door collection or a range of drop-off services using shops, lockers, service points and depots where the selected courier supports them.
Can I send a small parcel without a printer?+
Selected UK drop-off services offer Print In Store or QR code options, so a printer may not be required. Check the booking instructions because label requirements vary by courier and service.
Is small parcel delivery tracked?+
Yes. The small-parcel services shown through Interparcel include online tracking, with updates beginning after collection or the first accepted drop-off scan.
Can I send a small parcel next day?+
Yes. Next working day options are available for eligible small parcels, including Evri ParcelShop Postable Next Day and APC small-pack services. Availability depends on the route, booking time and parcel details.
Can I send small parcels internationally?+
Yes. Small parcels can be sent from the UK to international destinations using eligible economy and express courier services. Customs information and documentation may be required depending on the destination.
How should I package a small or light parcel?+
Use an appropriately sized, secure outer box or mailer, protect the contents from movement and impact, fill unnecessary empty space and seal the package with strong parcel tape. Measure and weigh the parcel after packing.
Is transit cover included with small parcel delivery?+
Most Interparcel parcel services include a level of transit cover, with the included amount and any enhanced cover options shown during booking. Eligibility depends on the contents and service selected.
Can businesses use small parcel delivery services?+
Yes. Small and light services are useful for eCommerce orders, returns, spare parts, samples and other compact goods. Businesses can also connect supported sales channels and use Interparcel account tools for repeat sending.
Ready to compare small parcel delivery prices?
Enter the finished parcel details once, compare low-cost services and choose the small or light parcel option that best fits your price, speed and handover preferences.
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