Delivery Costs: What You Really Pay for Same Day Courier Services in the UK

When you need something delivered same day delivery, a service that guarantees your parcel reaches its destination within 24 hours, often within hours. Also known as express delivery, it’s not just about speed—it’s about reliability when timing matters. Whether you’re sending a contract to a client, a birthday gift to a family member, or spare parts to a workshop, delivery costs aren’t just a number. They’re shaped by weight, distance, urgency, and even the time of day you book.

Many people assume all couriers charge the same, but that’s not true. A small parcel sent across town might cost under £10, while a heavy box going from London to Edinburgh could hit £40 or more. courier cost, the total price charged by a delivery company to transport a parcel from sender to recipient isn’t fixed—it jumps based on how fast you need it, how big it is, and whether you’re booking during peak hours. shipping rates, the pricing structure used by carriers to calculate delivery fees based on size, weight, and destination often include hidden charges: fuel surcharges, weekend fees, or extra costs for rural areas. You won’t see them until checkout unless you ask.

Here’s what actually moves the needle on your bill: weight matters more than you think. A 5kg box isn’t just twice as expensive as a 2.5kg one—it’s often 3x. Distance plays a role, but not as much as you’d expect. A parcel going 50 miles can cost more than one going 200 if it’s going to a hard-to-reach postcode. And timing? Book after 3pm and you might pay extra for same day service. The cheapest option isn’t always the fastest, and the fastest isn’t always the best value.

Real people save money every day by planning ahead. If you can wait until morning to book, you get better rates. If you use a standard box instead of a custom one, you avoid oversized fees. And if you know your courier collects from home, you skip the trip to a drop-off point. These aren’t tricks—they’re basic moves that cut costs without cutting service.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what delivery costs look like in 2025. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear numbers, practical tips, and honest comparisons so you know exactly what to expect—and how to pay less.