ParcelForce tracking

What is ParcelForce?

ParcelForce Worldwide is an express and logistics messaging service based in the United Kingdom, specializing in parcel delivery with guaranteed timeframes. A subsidiary of the Royal Mail group, itself owned by International Distribution Services (IDS), ParcelForce has established itself as one of the leading players in British express transport. The company distinguishes itself through its ability to offer next-day or two-day deliveries across the entire British territory, while providing extensive international coverage thanks to its network of partners.

The history of ParcelForce is closely linked to that of the British postal service. The origins of Royal Mail's parcel service date back to 1883, when the Parcel Post was created to enable the sending of packages through the postal network. In 1986, the British Post Office was restructured into four separate entities, including Royal Mail Parcels, a division dedicated to parcels. This entity was renamed ParcelForce in March 1990, marking the official birth of the brand as it exists today. Eight years later, in 1998, the company adopted the name ParcelForce Worldwide to reflect the expansion of its activities on an international scale.

A major turning point occurred in March 2002, when the universal parcel service was transferred to Royal Mail, allowing ParcelForce to focus exclusively on guaranteed timeframe express deliveries. This specialization enabled the carrier to develop recognized expertise in the field of urgent and time-sensitive shipments. In December 2024, the British government approved the sale of IDS to Daniel Křetínský's EP group for £3.6 billion, making the British postal service, which is over 500 years old, fall under foreign control for the first time in its history.

• Date of creation: 1990, although the origins of the parcel service date back to 1883 with the creation of Parcel Post
• Parent company: Royal Mail, subsidiary of International Distribution Services (IDS), now owned by the EP group
• Headquarters: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
• Workforce: Over 6,500 employees dedicated to express service, within a Royal Mail group employing nearly 160,000 staff members
• Business volume: Participation in the delivery of over 1.8 billion parcels per year within the Royal Mail group
• Coverage: Serves 99.6% of the world population through its partner network

ParcelForce's positioning in the British market is based on a unique combination of expertise in express delivery and integration with Royal Mail's vast postal network. This synergy allows the carrier to offer more than 11,500 collection points, 2,000 automated lockers, 8,000 Royal Mail Shop locations and 54 depots across the United Kingdom. This dense infrastructure guarantees optimal accessibility for both senders and recipients, whether they are individuals or professionals.

Which countries does ParcelForce deliver to?

ParcelForce Worldwide ensures remarkably extensive geographic coverage, both on British territory and on an international scale. In the United Kingdom, the carrier serves the entire territory, from major cities such as London, Manchester or Birmingham to the most remote rural areas of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This complete national coverage is made possible by a dense logistics network comprising around fifty local depots strategically distributed across the entire territory.

Internationally, ParcelForce delivers to more than 240 countries and territories around the world, offering British businesses true global reach. This exceptional coverage is made possible through a network of solid partnerships with trusted local postal operators and carriers. In Europe, ParcelForce relies in particular on the network of General Logistics Systems (GLS), a subsidiary of the same group, which has over 700 depots and 41 hubs across the European continent and handles over one million parcels daily.

• United Kingdom: Complete coverage of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including islands
• Channel Islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark are served with customs declarations required
• Europe: All European Union countries and beyond, via the GLS network
• North America: United States and Canada with express and economical services
• Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries in the region
• Rest of the world: Africa, South America, Middle East with over 240 destinations in total

For international shipments, ParcelForce is part of the EMS (Express Mail Service) express messaging postal network, which allows it to integrate with the postal services of each destination country. This membership facilitates customs clearance and final distribution of parcels in countries where national postal operators have well-established infrastructure. The local partners used by ParcelForce are recognized players in their respective communities, ensuring reliable delivery to the last mile.

It should be noted certain particularities concerning Northern Ireland. Customers shipping parcels from Northern Ireland to the European Union do not need to fill out a customs declaration, as Northern Ireland remains in the European customs union. This specificity, resulting from the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated as part of Brexit, considerably simplifies commercial exchanges between this region and the rest of Europe.

What are ParcelForce's services and delivery times?

ParcelForce offers a complete range of delivery services adapted to all needs, from the most urgent shipments to economical consignments. Each service is designed to meet specific requirements in terms of speed, tracking and guarantee, allowing senders to choose the option best suited to their situation. ParcelForce's specialization in guaranteed timeframe express deliveries is reflected in a particularly rich offering of fast services.

At the national level, ParcelForce's flagship service is Express24, which guarantees next business day delivery for the vast majority of UK destinations. This premium service meets the needs of senders for whom every hour counts. Deliveries generally take place between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM, offering a wide reception time window. For less urgent shipments, Express48 offers two-business-day delivery at a more favorable rate, while maintaining a high level of service and tracking.

• Express24: Guaranteed delivery the next day before 5:30 PM for most UK postcodes, with full tracking included
• Express48: Delivery in two business days, ideal for less urgent shipments while benefiting from reliable service
• Express48Large: Service specially designed for bulky and heavy parcels, with extended maximum dimensions
• ExpressAM: Guaranteed delivery before noon the next day for shipments requiring morning reception
• Express Saturday: Collection on Friday and delivery on Saturday between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• WeekendExpress: Weekend delivery services, including WeekendAM and Weekend24 for Sunday deliveries

For international shipments, ParcelForce offers several service levels adapted to different urgencies and budgets. Global Express offers next business day delivery to many international destinations, representing the fastest option for urgent shipments abroad. Global Priority ensures delivery in three business days to Europe and major global destinations, offering an excellent balance between speed and cost.

For senders with more flexibility on timeframes, Global Value offers deliveries in 5 to 8 days to many destinations, while Global Economy allows reaching the most distant destinations in 28 to 46 days for shipments where cost takes priority over speed. It is important to note that full tracking is only available for Global Express, Ireland Express and Global Priority services; other services offer more limited tracking.

Regarding weekend deliveries, ParcelForce distinguishes itself with its Saturday and Sunday options. Saturday deliveries generally take place between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, although the carrier commits to delivering before 6:00 PM. For Sunday deliveries, Saturday collections can only be reserved with WeekendAM and Weekend24 services. Outside of these specific services, ParcelForce does not deliver on Sundays or British bank holidays.

What are ParcelForce's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

ParcelForce rates vary depending on several parameters: the service chosen, the weight and dimensions of the parcel, the destination and the booking method. The carrier offers an evolving rate grid updated regularly. Prices indicated on the website include British VAT at the rate of 20%, and may differ depending on whether the booking is made online or at the counter of a post office or ParcelForce depot.

For domestic shipments in the United Kingdom, basic rates vary according to parcel weight. A shipment up to 5 kg starts from approximately £11, while a parcel up to 10 kg costs from approximately £14. For heavier shipments, count from approximately £17 up to 20 kg and approximately £20 up to 30 kg. These base rates can be increased by various surcharges, particularly a fuel surcharge and a green surcharge intended to offset environmental impact.

• Up to 5 kg: Starting from approximately £11 for domestic services
• Up to 10 kg: Starting from approximately £14
• Up to 20 kg: Starting from approximately £17
• Up to 30 kg: Starting from approximately £20 (maximum authorized weight)
• Fuel surcharge: Variable percentage applied to the service price
• Green surcharge: Amount per item to offset environmental impact
• Peak surcharge: Applicable during the year-end holiday period

Regarding maximum dimensions accepted, ParcelForce applies strict limits to ensure the proper functioning of its automated sorting systems. For standard domestic services, a parcel must not exceed 1.5 meters in length and 3 meters in combined length plus girth. The girth (or circumference) is calculated by adding twice the width and twice the height of the parcel. For the Express48Large service, specially designed for bulky shipments, the limits are extended to 2.5 meters in length and 4 meters in combined length plus girth.

The maximum authorized weight is 30 kg per individual parcel, regardless of the service chosen. Items with a length exceeding 1.1 meters or whose second largest dimension exceeds 0.7 meters may require special handling and incur additional charges. If a parcel exceeds the specified dimensions or weight, it may still be processed but risks being delayed, damaging other parcels in the network, or being returned to the sender.

For international shipments, maximum dimensions vary depending on the destination country. Each parcel must comply with the size and weight limits in force in the destination country, as specified on the ParcelForce website. It is therefore essential to verify this information before shipping a parcel abroad. ParcelForce has simplified its pricing structure to align it with that of Royal Mail Tracked International, with domestic rates based on the customer's average shipment profile over 12 months.

What are ParcelForce's delivery options?

ParcelForce offers great flexibility in delivery options, allowing recipients to receive their parcels according to their preferences and constraints. This flexibility is particularly appreciated in a context where many people are unavailable at their home during usual delivery hours. The carrier has developed several alternatives to adapt to contemporary lifestyles.

Home delivery remains the option preferred by the majority of recipients. Deliveries generally take place between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM Monday to Friday, and between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Saturday for services including this option. If no one is present to receive the parcel and no safe place has been designated, the driver will automatically make a second delivery attempt the next business day, offering two chances to receive your parcel at home.

• Home delivery: Standard option with two automatic delivery attempts
• Safe place (Safeplace): Possibility to designate a secure location where the driver can leave the parcel if the recipient is absent
• Local Collect: Delivery to a post office chosen by the recipient at the time of order
• Collection points: Over 11,500 collection points accessible across the United Kingdom
• Automated lockers: 2,000 lockers available for depositing or collecting parcels 24/7
• ParcelForce depots: 54 depots where parcels can be collected directly

The Safeplace option allows recipients to define a safe location where the driver can leave the parcel if they are not present. This preference can be configured via the Royal Mail app, allowing the recipient to specify for example a covered porch, a garage or any other secure location. This feature avoids delivery failures and trips to the depot to collect your parcel.

The Local Collect service represents a convenient alternative for those who prefer to collect their parcel at their convenience. When a business offers this option at checkout, the customer can choose the post office of their choice as the delivery point. Once the parcel arrives, the recipient receives an SMS or email notification informing them that their item is available. Parcels are retained for 18 days, after which they are returned to the sender if not collected.

For parcel shipments, ParcelForce also offers the Parcel Collect service with Royal Mail, which allows collection at home, at a designated safe location or at the workplace. This service is limited to a maximum of 25 items per collection. Senders can also drop off their parcels at any post office, ParcelForce depot or collection point in the network, offering great flexibility in choosing when and where to send.

In case of absence at the first delivery attempt, ParcelForce offers several rescheduling options. The recipient can request a new delivery at a later date, have the parcel delivered to another address, or opt for collection at the local depot. These options are accessible via the ParcelForce website or mobile app, allowing simple and quick management of delivery preferences.

What should I do if my ParcelForce parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage to a parcel shipped via ParcelForce, a clear and structured claims procedure allows senders to obtain compensation. It is essential to respect deadlines and provide appropriate supporting documents to maximize the chances of a successful claim. ParcelForce only accepts claims from the person or business that directly paid for the shipping service.

The deadline for filing a claim is 30 days from the parcel's dispatch date. For lost parcels, the claim can be initiated as early as 3 days after the estimated delivery date. It is crucial not to exceed this 30-day deadline, as ParcelForce reserves the right to reject late claims. In case of damaged parcel, it is recommended to keep the packaging and parcel until the claim is fully resolved.

• Claim deadline: Maximum 30 days from dispatch date
• Online claim: Via the claims portal on the ParcelForce website, with document uploads
• Paper form: Available at any ParcelForce depot or post office
• By email: To [email protected]
• Response to information requests: 21 days to provide additional documents requested

To build a strong claims file, several documents are necessary. The postage receipt and any document relating to the shipment must be kept. For claims concerning loss or damage, a proof of value of the contents (purchase invoice, receipt or similar document) is essential. For items purchased on an auction site, the auction reference number and final purchase receipts must also be provided. In case of damage, photographs of the parcel and its damaged contents greatly strengthen the file.

Regarding compensation levels, ParcelForce's domestic services include standard compensation of up to £150, included in the cost of shipping. If the parcel's value exceeds this amount, it is possible to subscribe to enhanced compensation coverage for loss or damage, up to a maximum of £2,500 per shipment. This additional insurance must be taken out at the time of shipment and represents an additional cost.

Compensation covers actual loss, that is the cost of acquisition, purchase, manufacture or repair of the item in case of damage. For a damaged but repairable item, compensation is limited to the cost of repair, provided that the packaging was appropriate. If the item is lost or damaged beyond repair, an independent expert can be called upon to assess the replacement, taking into account wear and depreciation.

Certain elements are explicitly excluded from compensation: indirect or consequential costs, including labor costs, business losses, time lost or personal expenses. Shipping costs are not refunded for damage claims, and premiums paid for enhanced compensation are not refundable. Furthermore, if the packaging is deemed insufficient and has contributed to the damage, any compensation coverage may be invalidated.

In case of disagreement with the decision rendered on a claim, an appeal can be submitted within 30 days of the initial decision. This appeal must be submitted in writing and include any additional evidence (photos, receipts) likely to support the case. The appeal can be sent by email to [email protected]. If the disagreement persists after the appeal, the file can be submitted to the independent British postal complaints service.

Does ParcelForce handle international shipments and customs procedures?

ParcelForce offers a complete range of services for international shipments and handles customs procedures to simplify the experience for senders. Since Brexit, customs procedures have become an essential element of trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and ParcelForce has developed solutions adapted to support its customers in this new commercial reality.

A customs declaration is mandatory for all parcel exports from the United Kingdom to foreign destinations, as well as for imports to the United Kingdom. This declaration is managed and submitted by ParcelForce and its chosen partners. Customs authorities use the information provided in the declaration to verify compliance of items with local regulations and calculate any applicable duties and taxes.

• Customs declaration: Mandatory for all shipments abroad, managed by ParcelForce
• Northern Ireland exception: No declaration required for shipments to the EU from Northern Ireland
• Channel Islands: Customs declarations required, with 5% GST applicable in Jersey
• Information required: Accurate description of contents, value, weight, country of origin of goods
• Export license: May be required for certain products to certain destinations

Customs duties and taxes vary considerably depending on the destination country, the type of goods, the weight and value of the parcel. Each country sets its own thresholds from which taxes and duties become applicable. It is the sender's responsibility to provide complete and accurate information to prevent parcels from being rejected by customs or delayed during customs clearance.

ParcelForce offers several delivery condition options to manage VAT, customs duties and handling fees. The IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) option is a simplified VAT declaration service for items valued under 150 euros, facilitating trade between Great Britain and the European Union. For items over 150 euros or when IOSS is not suitable, the DTP (Delivered Taxes Paid) service allows the foreign delivery partner to handle customs clearance and then invoice the sender through ParcelForce for VAT and import duties.

The DDU (Delivery Duties Unpaid) option leaves the recipient responsible for handling all import formalities, including duties and taxes. This option is appropriate when the sender wants the recipient to assume customs charges. It is however recommended to clearly inform the recipient of this responsibility to prevent the parcel from being refused or returned.

For parcels imported to the United Kingdom, ParcelForce advances customs duties and taxes to HMRC (the British tax administration) on behalf of the recipient. These charges, plus ParcelForce's customs clearance fees, must then be settled before the parcel can be delivered. Parcels are held for 21 days to allow payment; after this period, they are returned to the sender. Customs charges may include import duties, excise duties and import VAT, applicable to goods from both the EU and non-EU countries.

Certain goods exported to certain countries may require an export license or document from other regulatory bodies. These documents must be attached to the parcel in a clearly identified envelope, and the sender must inform ParcelForce electronically during the booking process. Failure to meet these requirements may result in seizure or return of the parcel.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a ParcelForce parcel online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: