UK Overnight Shipping Cost Calculator
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Based on UK-wide rates and cheapest available service
When you need a package to arrive by the next morning, overnight shipping is a service that guarantees delivery before the end of the following business day, usually before 9 am or 12 pm depending on the carrier becomes the go‑to choice. Whether you’re a small business sending out orders or an individual sending important documents, the price tag can vary wildly, so finding the cheapest overnight shipping option saves both money and stress.
In the UK, a handful of carriers dominate the overnight market, each with its own pricing model, service guarantees, and add‑on options. Understanding how they calculate costs, where they excel, and where they fall short lets you pick the right service for any budget.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Mail Special Delivery and Parcelforce Express often have the lowest base price for parcels under 2 kg.
- DPD Express and UPS Express Saver become cheaper as weight climbs above 5 kg.
- Using a shipping broker like Parcel2Go can shave 5‑15% off the listed rates.
- Packaging efficiently and choosing pre‑paid business accounts reduce costs dramatically.
- Avoid surcharge zones and weekend pickups to keep the price low.
How Overnight Shipping Prices Are Built
Most carriers base their overnight rates on four core components:
- Weight tier - a flat fee up to a certain weight, then a per‑kilogram add‑on.
- Distance or zone - major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh may have a premium compared to regional hubs.
- Service level - guaranteed delivery by 9 am, by noon, or by end‑of‑day each carries a different price.
- Additional options - signature required, insurance, and Saturday pickup all add extra fees.
Understanding these variables helps you control cost. For example, a 1 kg parcel from Liverpool to London with a noon guarantee will cost less than the same parcel with a 9 am guarantee, even though the delivery window is only a few hours apart.
Top Cheap Overnight Couriers in the UK
Below is a quick look at the most affordable overnight carriers for typical business and personal shipments. The first mention of each service includes microdata markup.
Royal Mail Special Delivery is the national post office’s premium overnight offering, guaranteeing delivery by 9 am or 1 pm the next day across the UK. Its pricing starts at £4.95 for parcels up to 1 kg, with a £1.20 increase per extra kilogram.
Parcelforce Express is the courier arm of Royal Mail that focuses on larger parcels and business accounts. It offers a "Next Day" service from £5.30 for the first kilogram and £1.15 per additional kilogram.
DPD Express is a pan‑European carrier known for solid tracking and flexible pickup windows. Its overnight rate begins at £6.20 for up to 1 kg, then £1.05 per kg thereafter.
UPS Express Saver is the US‑based logistics giant’s cost‑effective overnight option in the UK, delivering by end‑of‑day. Pricing starts at £6.80 for the first kilogram and £1.10 for each extra kilogram.
Evri (formerly Hermes) is a budget‑focused UK carrier that introduced an overnight service for parcels under 5 kg in 2024. Rates are £5.50 for up to 2 kg and £0.90 per additional kilogram.
ParcelHero is a tech‑driven broker that aggregates rates from multiple carriers, often delivering lower prices for the same service. Its overnight price for a 1 kg package is typically £4.70, but the exact cost depends on the chosen carrier.
CollectPlus is a local collection network that partners with major couriers to offer next‑day delivery from convenience‑store drop‑offs. Base overnight price sits at £5.20 for the first kilogram.
Parcel2Go is an online shipping broker that lets you compare and book overnight services from many carriers in one place. By leveraging bulk discounts, it can reduce listed rates by up to 12%.
Price Comparison by Weight
| Weight | Service | Base Price (up to 1 kg) | Price per Extra kg | Delivery Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0‑2 kg | Royal Mail Special Delivery | £4.95 | £1.20 | 9 am or 1 pm |
| 0‑2 kg | Parcelforce Express | £5.30 | £1.15 | Next‑day by noon |
| 2‑5 kg | DPD Express | £6.20 | £1.05 | By end‑of‑day |
| 2‑5 kg | UPS Express Saver | £6.80 | £1.10 | End‑of‑day |
| 0‑5 kg | Evri | £5.50 | £0.90 | By noon |
| 0‑2 kg | ParcelHero (via Parcelforce) | £4.70 | £1.10 | 9 am guaranteed |
From the table you can see that for lightweight parcels (under 2 kg) Royal Mail Special Delivery and ParcelHero consistently beat the competition. Once the parcel exceeds 2 kg, DPD Express and Evri become the most cost‑effective choices.
Practical Tips to Trim Overnight Shipping Costs
- Batch your shipments. Most carriers give a discount if you ship more than five parcels in a single collection.
- Print labels at home. Avoid the extra £0.30 surcharge for in‑store label printing.
- Use business accounts. Signing up for a corporate account can shave 5‑10% off the listed rates.
- Choose a reliable packaging size. A snug box reduces dimensional weight charges.
- Schedule pickups wisely. Early‑morning pickups often attract a premium; a mid‑day slot is cheaper.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned shippers slip up. Here are three mistakes that inflate the overnight bill and how to prevent them.
- Over‑dimensional packages. Carriers measure length + 2 × (Width + Height). Keeping parcels under 60 cm on any side avoids the extra charge.
- Ignoring surcharge zones. Some remote postcodes in Scotland, Wales, and the North add £2‑£3 per parcel. Check the carrier’s postcode lookup tool before booking.
- Choosing the wrong guarantee. If a 12 pm guarantee isn’t essential, downgrade to an end‑of‑day option and save 15‑20%.
FAQ
What is the difference between “next‑day” and “overnight” shipping?
“Next‑day” usually means the package will be delivered sometime on the following business day, often by the end of the day. “Overnight” guarantees delivery before a specific time (e.g., 9 am or noon) on that same next day, which is crucial for time‑sensitive items.
Can I get a cheaper overnight rate by using a broker?
Yes. Brokers like Parcel2Go and ParcelHero negotiate bulk discounts with carriers and pass the savings to you. The price difference can be 5‑15% compared with booking directly on the carrier’s website.
Is it worth paying for “signature on delivery” on overnight parcels?
If the contents are high‑value or legally important, the £1.20‑£2.00 surcharge adds peace of mind. For low‑value items, it usually isn’t necessary because most carriers already track shipments in real time.
Do weekend pickups affect overnight pricing?
Yes. Most carriers charge an extra £2‑£4 for Saturday or Sunday collection because the parcel still needs to be processed for a Monday delivery.
Which carrier is best for sending a 3 kg parcel from Liverpool to London?
For a 3 kg parcel, DPD Express typically offers the lowest total cost (£8.35) while still providing a tracking‑rich service and a guaranteed delivery by the end of the next day.
Finding the cheapest overnight shipping option isn’t about picking the cheapest name on a list. It’s about matching weight, distance, and service guarantee to the right carrier, and then using the right tricks to shave off extra fees. Follow the steps above, test a few providers, and you’ll keep your overnight costs as low as possible while still getting the reliability you need.
