Parcelforce Worldwide and Royal Mail are two of the most well-known parcel delivery services in the UK.
Many people assume they are the same company, but they operate differently despite being part of the Royal Mail Group.
Understanding their relationship is crucial for individuals and businesses looking for reliable shipping options.
While Royal Mail focuses on letters and small parcels, Parcelforce specializes in express and larger parcel deliveries.
This blog will explore is Parcelforce Royal Mail, how they differ, and which service is best for specific needs.
What Is Parcelforce?
Parcelforce Worldwide is a UK-based courier and logistics company that provides domestic and international parcel delivery services.
It was initially established as Royal Mail Parcels but rebranded as Parcelforce Worldwide in 1990 to focus on fast and reliable parcel delivery services.
Parcelforce operates as a separate division under the Royal Mail Group, serving businesses and individuals who require next-day or timed delivery options.
Unlike Royal Mail, which primarily delivers letters and smaller parcels, Parcelforce specializes in larger shipments and express courier services.
Parcelforce has an extensive delivery network that covers the entire UK and over 240 international destinations. The company collaborates with international partners to ensure smooth cross-border deliveries.
Additionally, Parcelforce offers a range of business shipping solutions, including bulk parcel handling and e-commerce integrations.
Is Parcelforce Royal Mail?
Although Parcelforce is part of the Royal Mail Group, it operates independently as a separate courier service.
This distinction is essential for understanding the differences in services, pricing, and delivery methods.
Ownership
- Parcelforce is owned by Royal Mail Group but operates under its own brand and management.
Services
- Parcelforce provides express parcel delivery services, while Royal Mail mainly handles letters and small parcels.
Target Market
- Parcelforce caters more to businesses and individuals needing fast, guaranteed deliveries, whereas Royal Mail offers standard, tracked, and first-class mail services.
Despite being separate, Royal Mail and Parcelforce often work together. Royal Mail sometimes hands over larger or express parcels to Parcelforce, especially when customers choose next-day or international shipping options.
What Are the Key Differences Between Parcelforce and Royal Mail?
Understanding the differences between Parcelforce and Royal Mail helps customers choose the right service for their needs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Parcelforce Worldwide | Royal Mail |
| Ownership | Part of Royal Mail Group | Royal Mail Group service |
| Primary Focus | Express parcel delivery | Letters and small parcels |
| Delivery Speed | Next-day, timed, and express | Standard, First-Class, and Tracked |
| International Service | Available through courier partners | Limited global coverage |
| Target Customers | Businesses & individuals need fast delivery | General public & small businesses |
| Parcel Size | Larger parcels and bulk shipments | Smaller parcels and letters |
The Key Differences
- Parcelforce is designed for larger, urgent shipments, while Royal Mail is best for letters and small parcels.
- Parcelforce’s services are typically more expensive but offer faster and more reliable delivery options.
- Businesses that require bulk or international shipping may prefer Parcelforce, while standard letter delivery is best through Royal Mail.
In summary, both services cater to different shipping needs. Understanding these distinctions allows you to make an informed choice based on your specific delivery requirements.
Does Royal Mail Use Parcelforce for Parcel Deliveries?
Yes, Royal Mail sometimes uses Parcelforce for parcel deliveries, especially for express and oversized shipments.
If a customer sends a package through Royal Mail’s Tracked 24 or Tracked 48 services, and it exceeds standard Royal Mail parcel size limits, it may be transferred to Parcelforce.
Parcelforce specializes in faster and larger parcel deliveries, making it a preferred choice for handling Royal Mail’s bulkier and time-sensitive shipments.
When Royal Mail hands a parcel over to Parcelforce, the tracking system may show updates like “Handed to Parcelforce for delivery.”
Customers receiving a parcel may need to check both Royal Mail and Parcelforce tracking systems to monitor their shipment.
This collaboration ensures efficient parcel handling and delivery across the UK and internationally.
How Does Parcelforce Compare to Other UK Courier Services?
Parcelforce competes with several UK courier services, including DPD, Hermes (Evri), DHL, and UPS. Here’s how it compares:
Comparison with Other Couriers
- Parcelforce vs. DPD: Parcelforce offers wider international coverage, while DPD provides better domestic tracking and customer service.
- Parcelforce vs. Evri (Hermes): Parcelforce is more reliable for express delivery, while Hermes offers budget-friendly options.
- Parcelforce vs. DHL/UPS: DHL and UPS specialize in global express deliveries, while Parcelforce is more UK-focused with international partnerships.
Important Considerations
- Parcelforce is ideal for time-sensitive and international shipments.
- Other couriers may offer cheaper domestic services, but Parcelforce is more reliable for business shipping.
This allows customers to choose the best courier service based on their shipping priorities, whether it’s cost, speed, or international reach.
What Services Does Parcelforce Offer for UK and International Shipping?
Parcelforce offers a wide range of domestic and international delivery services for individuals and businesses.
In the UK, Parcelforce provides:
- Next-day delivery with guaranteed times (9 AM, 10 AM, or Noon) for urgent parcels.
- 48-hour economy service for cost-effective, non-urgent shipments.
- Saturday delivery for convenient weekend options.
For international shipping, Parcelforce offers services like:
- Global Express, delivering parcels to major destinations in 1-3 days.
- Euro Priority for fast European shipments, ideal for businesses.
- International Air Express, providing quick worldwide deliveries for time-sensitive parcels.
Businesses also benefit from bulk shipping, e-commerce integrations, and advanced tracking tools for efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
How Can You Track Parcelforce and Royal Mail Shipments?
Tracking shipments with Parcelforce and Royal Mail is easy using their online tracking systems. Here’s how it works:
Royal Mail
- Use the standard tracking tool for letters and smaller parcels. It provides updates on the delivery progress and estimated arrival times.
Parcelforce
- Provides real-time tracking for larger and express shipments. Status updates include stages like “Collected,” “In Transit,” and “Out for Delivery.”
When a parcel is transferred from Royal Mail to Parcelforce, customers should check both tracking systems for the most accurate updates.
Is Parcelforce More Expensive Than Royal Mail?
Parcelforce is generally more expensive than Royal Mail, but the higher cost reflects its faster and more specialized delivery services.
Royal Mail is best suited for small, non-urgent parcels, offering cost-effective options like Second Class, First Class, and Tracked 24/48 services. These services are widely used for standard mail and everyday parcel deliveries.
On the other hand, Parcelforce specializes in express and large parcel deliveries, making it a premium service.
The next-day and timed delivery options provided by Parcelforce come at a higher price, but they ensure fast and secure transportation.
Businesses and individuals needing urgent, tracked, or bulk parcel deliveries may find Parcelforce to be a better investment despite its cost.
Choosing between Royal Mail and Parcelforce depends on budget, speed requirements, and parcel size, with Parcelforce offering a more premium and time-sensitive shipping solution.
Which Is Better for Businesses: Parcelforce or Royal Mail?
Best for Small Businesses
- Royal Mail is a cost-effective solution for small businesses that send letters and lightweight parcels.
- It provides Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 services, offering reliability at an affordable rate.
- Ideal for businesses with lower shipping volumes and standard delivery needs.
Best for Large Businesses
- Parcelforce is the preferred choice for companies shipping large or urgent parcels.
- It provides bulk shipping discounts, next-day delivery, and international courier solutions.
- Businesses using e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Shopify benefit from integrated tracking and order fulfilment services.
For companies needing bulk, time-sensitive, or international shipments, Parcelforce is the better choice.
However, small businesses shipping letters and light parcels may find Royal Mail more budget-friendly.
The best choice depends on shipping volume, delivery speed, and international requirements.
Conclusion
Parcelforce and Royal Mail, while both part of the Royal Mail Group, offer distinct services.
Royal Mail focuses on letters and small parcels, providing standard and tracked delivery at affordable rates.
In contrast, Parcelforce handles larger parcels and express deliveries, offering faster but more expensive services.
The choice between them depends on speed, parcel size, and budget. Royal Mail is ideal for every day, non-urgent deliveries, while Parcelforce excels in time-sensitive and international shipping.
For businesses, Parcelforce offers advanced solutions for bulk or express deliveries, ensuring a tailored service.
FAQs About IS Parcelforce Royal Mail
Why was Parcelforce created separately from Royal Mail?
Parcelforce was established to handle express parcel services independently while Royal Mail focused on letters and small parcels.
Can I drop off a Parcelforce parcel at a Royal Mail Post Office?
Yes, certain Royal Mail Post Offices accept Parcelforce parcels. However, this is only available for specific services, not all locations.
Does Parcelforce deliver on weekends?
Yes, Parcelforce offers weekend delivery options, but they are usually premium services. Additional charges may apply for weekend deliveries.
How long does Parcelforce take to deliver internationally?
Parcelforce international delivery times depend on the service chosen, with express options typically taking 1-3 days for delivery.
Can I redirect my Parcelforce parcel if I’m not home?
Yes, Parcelforce offers parcel redirection services, but a fee may apply for changes to the delivery plan.
Does Parcelforce insure parcels against loss or damage?
Parcelforce provides standard compensation for parcels, with an option to purchase enhanced cover for higher protection.
How do I contact Parcelforce customer service for delivery issues?
You can reach Parcelforce customer service through their website, customer service number, or social media channels for assistance with delivery issues.
