How to Send a Parcel in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Step 1: Measure and Weigh Your Parcel
Before booking any courier service, you need to know your parcel's weight (in kg) and dimensions (length × width × height in cm). Most courier pricing is based on actual weight or volumetric weight — whichever is greater.
Volumetric weight formula:
(Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5,000 = volumetric weight in kg
For example, a box measuring 40cm × 30cm × 30cm weighs 7.2kg volumetrically — even if the actual contents only weigh 2kg. If your parcel is large but light (like a pillow or lampshade), the volumetric weight will likely be higher, and that's what you'll be charged for.
Step 2: Package Your Parcel Properly
Good packaging protects your item and prevents costly delivery delays caused by damaged goods. Follow these golden rules:
- Use a new, strong cardboard box where possible — reused boxes have weakened walls
- Wrap fragile items individually in at least two layers of bubble wrap
- Fill all empty space with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air cushions
- Seal all edges with strong brown parcel tape (at least 50mm wide) in an H-pattern
- Remove or cover old labels and barcodes from reused boxes to prevent mis-routing
A good test: shake the sealed box gently. If you can feel the contents moving, add more padding.
Step 3: Label Your Parcel Clearly
Your parcel needs a clear, legible label with:
- Recipient's full name
- Full delivery address including flat number, building name, and postcode
- Recipient's phone number (so the driver can call if needed)
- Your return address in case of failed delivery
When you book with Away Courier Express, your tracking number is automatically assigned — no need to print separate labels unless you prefer to.
Step 4: Choose the Right Delivery Service
The right service depends on urgency and budget:
- Same-day — collected and delivered today. Ideal for urgent, time-sensitive, or high-value items. Typically 2–4 hours from collection.
- Next-day — delivered the following working day. More economical for non-urgent parcels where tomorrow is soon enough.
Away Courier Express offers both services with instant online pricing. Simply enter your postcodes and parcel weight to compare costs immediately — no account needed.
Step 5: Book and Pay Online
Online booking is faster, cheaper, and gives you a complete paper trail. At Away Courier Express:
- Visit awaycourierexpress.com
- Enter sender and recipient postcodes and parcel weight
- Choose same-day or next-day and see your instant price
- Fill in contact details for both sender and recipient
- Pay securely via card
- Receive booking confirmation and your ACE tracking number instantly by email
Step 6: Track Your Parcel
Once booked, you can track your parcel in real time using your unique ACE tracking number on our website. You'll also receive email notifications at every status change — from collection to delivery — so you always know exactly where your parcel is.
What Can You Send?
Most everyday items are fine to send via courier. However, the following are generally prohibited by all UK courier services:
- Dangerous goods (firearms, explosives, flammable liquids)
- Live animals
- Perishable food without appropriate insulated packaging
- Cash, cheques, and financial instruments
- Illegal items of any kind
If you're unsure whether your item can be sent, feel free to contact us before booking.