How to Choose the Right Courier for Your Business

By Lee Miller | 23rd May, 2025

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Here’s how to choose the right courier for your business, with tips to avoid common pitfalls and pick a partner that fits your needs perfectly.

1. Understand Your Delivery Needs

Start by reviewing what you’re sending and how often. Ask yourself:

• Are your deliveries local, national, or both?
• Do you need same-day, next-day, or scheduled deliveries?
• Are the items fragile, bulky, or time-sensitive?
• Will you be sending daily, weekly, or ad-hoc shipments?

Knowing your volume, frequency, and item type helps narrow down couriers that specialise in exactly what you need.

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2. Compare Costs – But Look Beyond the Headline Price

A low headline price probably doesn't include milage, tolls and insurance - be careful!

Cost matters—but don’t be fooled by low quotes. Many large courier chains show low base prices, then add:

• Fuel surcharges
• Clean Air Zone or congestion charges
• Handling or "booking" fees
• Extra charges for delays or re-deliveries

Tip: Ask for a quote that includes everything, including VAT and insurance, to avoid nasty surprises.

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3. Speed and Flexibility of Service

Do they offer:

• Same-day collection?
• Weekend or out-of-hours options?
• Timed delivery slots?

Tip: If your customers rely on speed and reliability, make sure your courier doesn't depot-swap or multi-drop routing like some national networks. Local couriers often offer faster, direct-to-door services.

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4. Look at Specialisation and Experience

Some couriers are generalists, others specialise in areas like:

• Medical or legal documents
• Pallets and large goods
• Retail or e-commerce
• Refrigerated or sensitive deliveries

Choose a courier that knows your industry, so they can handle your packages safely and on time.

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5. Tracking and Proof of Delivery

Real-time tracking isn’t just a nice-to-have—it's expected. Make sure your courier offers:

• GPS tracking or real-time status updates
• Proof of delivery (POD) by photo or signature
• Notifications via text or email for you and your customers

This improves trust and reduces the number of “Where’s my parcel?” queries.

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6. Customer Support & Communication

Big-name courier brands often route you through call centres with long hold times. A good courier should offer:

This can be disastrous if you're sending:

• Direct phone or WhatsApp contact
• Quick responses to booking or delivery questions
• Proactive updates if something goes wrong

Most customers want their items yesterday!

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7. Insurance and Liability

Accidents happen—even with the best couriers. Check:

• What’s the default cover (e.g., £50, £250, £5000)?
• Do they have Public Liability Insurance?
• Can you purchase additional cover?
• What’s the claims process if a parcel is lost or damaged?

Don’t assume your goods are protected — ask for proof.

Tip: Most couriers only provide minimal insurance, others none at all - always ask!

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8. Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals

Search for:

• Google reviews or Trustpilot ratings
• Case studies or testimonials from businesses like yours
• Social media feedback (especially from local communities)

Avoid couriers with consistent complaints about delays, damages, or poor service.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right courier isn’t about price alone. It’s about trust, speed, flexibility, and communication. A courier should feel like a partner, not just a service.

Whether you're a startup or a growing business, investing time in the right choice pays off long-term.