Royal Mail tracking

What is Royal Mail?

Royal Mail is the national postal service of the United Kingdom, recognized as one of the oldest and most emblematic postal operators in the world. Founded in the 16th century under the reign of Henry VIII, this British institution has been ensuring the collection, sorting and distribution of mail and parcels across the entire British territory for nearly five centuries. As the designated universal postal service operator, Royal Mail guarantees mail delivery six days a week to more than 32 million addresses across the United Kingdom, from major metropolitan areas to the most isolated rural areas.

Royal Mail's history begins in 1516, when King Henry VIII creates the position of Master of the Posts to manage royal communications. Initially reserved for the monarch and his court, the postal service opens to the public in 1635 under Charles I. In 1784, the service is officially named Royal Mail with the introduction of the famous postal coaches that travel across the country. The year 1840 marks a major revolution: Royal Mail introduces the Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, democratizing access to mail for the entire British population.

• Date of establishment: 1516, with the establishment of the first royal postal network under Henry VIII, more than 500 years of existence
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom, with operational centers distributed across the entire British territory
• Parent company: International Distributions Services plc (IDS), holding company that brings together Royal Mail and GLS
• Workforce: Approximately 150,000 employees dedicated to the collection, sorting and distribution of mail and parcels
• Volume handled: Billions of letters and hundreds of millions of parcels dispatched each year
• Coverage: More than 32 million addresses served daily across the United Kingdom

Royal Mail's evolution during the 20th century testifies to its ability to adapt to changes in the postal sector. In 1969, the General Post Office becomes a public corporation distinct from government ministries. In 2001, the mail branch officially takes the name Royal Mail, separating from Post Office Ltd which manages post offices. This restructuring gives the company greater autonomy to face the challenges of the digital age and e-commerce.

Royal Mail's privatization constitutes a major historical turning point. After nearly five centuries in the public sector, the company is partially listed on the stock exchange in October 2013, then fully privatized in 2015, raising a total of 3.3 billion pounds sterling for the British government. In 2022, the parent company is renamed International Distributions Services (IDS) to reflect its international scope. In December 2024, a new chapter is written with the British government's approval of IDS's acquisition by EP Group, controlled by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, for 3.6 billion pounds sterling. This acquisition, the first placing Royal Mail under foreign ownership, comes with commitments to maintain the universal service, British headquarters and employee benefits.

Which countries does Royal Mail deliver to?

Royal Mail has exceptionally extensive geographic coverage, combining dense territorial networking across the United Kingdom and international presence through global postal agreements and its logistics subsidiaries. On British territory, the carrier serves all addresses, from the densest urban centers to rural regions of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the British Isles, including the territories of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The strength of Royal Mail's domestic network rests on impressive logistics infrastructure. Thousands of iconic red postboxes dot the territory, complemented by a network of post offices, automated sorting centers and local distribution depots. This organization ensures daily mail collection and reliable delivery from Monday to Saturday, thus guaranteeing compliance with the universal service obligation which imposes delivery to any British address.

• United Kingdom: Complete coverage of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
• Europe: Delivery to all European countries with delivery times of 3 to 4 working days to major destinations such as France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands
• World Zone 1: North America, South America, Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia and Far East
• World Zone 2: Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, with services adapted to long distances

Internationally, Royal Mail relies on its membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which facilitates mail exchange between postal administrations in more than 190 member countries. In practice, a parcel sent from the United Kingdom to a European country will be transported by Royal Mail to the border, then taken over by the local postal operator for final delivery. This international cooperation system guarantees continuity of service and traceability of shipments across borders.

The International Distributions Services group strengthens this global presence through its specialized subsidiaries. General Logistics Systems (GLS), acquired by Royal Mail, operates one of the largest parcel delivery networks in continental Europe and extends its activities to North America. Parcelforce Worldwide, another group subsidiary, focuses on national and international express shipments, offering fast delivery solutions with complete tracking. This vertical integration allows Royal Mail to offer a complete range of shipping services, from a simple letter to a bulky parcel, to virtually any destination in the world.

What are the Royal Mail services and delivery times?

Royal Mail offers a diverse range of postal services adapted to all needs, from economical shipments to guaranteed express deliveries. This variety allows shippers to choose the level of service corresponding to the urgency of their shipment and their budget. Domestic services cover the entire British territory, while international options make it possible to reach destinations worldwide with different levels of speed and tracking.

First and second class services form the foundation of Royal Mail's offering for domestic shipments. First class aims for delivery on the next working day of shipment, while second class, more economical, provides transport in two to three working days. These services are perfectly suited for everyday letters and small parcels, even though they do not offer delay guarantees or standard tracking.

• Royal Mail 1st Class: Priority service aiming for delivery the next working day, ideal for everyday mail requiring fast distribution without formal guarantee
• Royal Mail 2nd Class: Economical option with a delivery time of two to three working days, perfect for non-urgent shipments where cost takes priority over speed
• Tracked 24: Parcel service with complete tracking and next-day delivery, with a 93% success rate for 24-hour delivery and coverage of more than 95% of British postcodes
• Tracked 48: Parcel service with full tracking and delivery in two to three working days, offering excellent value for non-urgent shipments requiring complete traceability
• Special Delivery Guaranteed: Premium service with guarantee of next-day delivery before 9:00 or 1:00 PM depending on the option chosen, including priority tracking and insurance up to 500 pounds sterling
• Signed For: Signature option available in first and second class, providing proof of delivery for important shipments

Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 services represent particularly popular options for sending parcels. These services include end-to-end tracking accessible online, SMS or email notifications at each stage of the journey, as well as delivery confirmation with photo. Integrated compensation can reach 100 pounds sterling in case of loss or damage. Additional options such as signature on delivery or age verification are available for an additional fee.

For urgent or high-value shipments, Special Delivery Guaranteed is the most secure solution. This express service contractually guarantees next-day delivery, with the option to choose delivery before 9:00 AM for the most pressing situations or before 1:00 PM for ordinary needs. In case of delay, Royal Mail offers a refund of shipping fees. Integrated insurance covers items up to 500 pounds sterling, with the possibility of increasing this coverage to 2,500 pounds sterling for an additional fee.

Royal Mail ensures its deliveries from Monday to Saturday across the entire British territory. Sunday deliveries are not part of the standard service, although some specific options may be offered during peak activity periods such as Christmas. British public holidays may result in adjustments to delivery times, with services resuming normally on the next working day.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Royal Mail?

Royal Mail's pricing is based on a system of categories based on the format and weight of shipments. Understanding these different categories is essential to optimize shipping costs and avoid surcharges related to exceeding dimensions. The British carrier distinguishes four main formats: letters, large letters, small parcels and medium parcels, each with its own limits and pricing grids.

Standard letters constitute the most economical format for light and flat shipments. This format accepts documents or thin objects not exceeding 5 millimeters in thickness, 240 millimeters in length and 165 millimeters in width, for a maximum weight of 100 grams. Beyond these dimensions, the shipment automatically switches to the large letter category, which allows dimensions up to 353 millimeters by 250 millimeters by 25 millimeters in thickness, with a maximum weight of 750 grams.

• Letters: Maximum 240 mm × 165 mm × 5 mm and 100 g, the most economical format for standard mail and thin documents
• Large Letters: Maximum 353 mm × 250 mm × 25 mm and 750 g, ideal for thick envelopes, magazines and small flat objects
• Small Parcels: Maximum 450 mm × 350 mm × 160 mm and 2 kg, suitable for modest-sized e-commerce orders and small items
• Medium Parcels: Maximum 610 mm × 460 mm × 460 mm and 20 kg, corresponding to the maximum format accepted by Royal Mail for standard parcels

Small parcels represent the preferred format for common e-commerce shipments. With maximum dimensions of 450 millimeters by 350 millimeters by 160 millimeters and a weight limit of 2 kilograms, this category covers the majority of everyday consumer product shipping needs. Medium parcels, meanwhile, can reach 610 millimeters by 460 millimeters by 460 millimeters for a maximum weight of 20 kilograms. This format constitutes the upper limit of standard Royal Mail shipments.

For parcels exceeding these dimensions or weighing more than 20 kilograms, Royal Mail directs shippers to its Parcelforce Worldwide subsidiary. This accepts parcels up to 30 kilograms, with dimensions reaching up to 1.5 meters in length and 3 meters in length and width combined for standard services. Particularly large items may benefit from customized solutions via palletized services or specific collections offered to businesses.

Royal Mail rates vary according to several criteria: the format of the shipment, the actual weight, the service chosen and the destination. For domestic shipments, prices start at a few pence for a standard letter in second class and can reach several pounds sterling for premium services such as Special Delivery. Royal Mail regularly reviews its rates, usually in spring and autumn of each year. For international shipments, prices also vary depending on the geographic destination zone, with Europe generally benefiting from more favorable rates than distant destinations in World Zones 1 and 2.

Business and regular shippers can access preferential rates through Royal Mail business accounts. These programs offer volume discounts, scheduled collection options and centralized billing. Note that Royal Mail applies a fuel and energy surcharge on certain services, the rate of which is reviewed periodically. A peak season surcharge may also apply during the holiday season, usually from mid-November to early January.

What are the Royal Mail delivery options?

Royal Mail offers a variety of delivery options designed to adapt to modern lifestyles and provide maximum flexibility to recipients. From traditional home delivery to parcel locker or automated locker solutions, the British carrier has developed a complete ecosystem allowing you to receive your parcels according to your preferences and personal constraints.

Home delivery remains Royal Mail's primary distribution method. Postal workers carry out their daily rounds from Monday to Saturday, depositing mail and parcels directly in mailboxes or handing over shipments in person when the size or service requirements dictate. For parcels requiring a signature, the postal worker delivers in person against recipient acknowledgment, thus providing formal proof of delivery.

• Home Delivery: Standard distribution to the indicated address, with delivery in mailbox or in person depending on format and service chosen
• Safeplace: Option allowing the recipient to designate a secure location (garden shed, garage, closed porch) where the postal worker can leave the parcel in their absence, available free of charge on Tracked 24, Tracked 48 and Royal Mail 24/48 services
• Neighbor Delivery: Possibility of entrusting the parcel to a trusted neighbor designated by the recipient, thus avoiding delivery notices and failed delivery attempts
• Parcel Lockers and Post Offices: Network of more than 11,500 partner post offices where parcels can be collected after a delivery attempt or on prior request
• Automated Lockers: Growing network of Royal Mail parcel lockers allowing parcel deposit and collection 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in accessible locations such as shopping centers and car parks

The Safeplace option represents a particularly appreciated innovation by Royal Mail customers. This free service allows recipients to communicate in advance a secure location where the postal worker can leave parcels in case of absence. Whether it's a garden shed, an accessible garage, a closed veranda or a secure safe, this option avoids the inconvenience of repeated delivery notices and trips to the post office. The recipient can configure their Safeplace directly when placing an order with the merchant or via Royal Mail tracking tools.

Royal Mail automated lockers are experiencing growing deployment across British territory. These parcel lockers offer a convenient solution for sending, receiving and returning parcels autonomously, without time constraints. Located in frequently visited and accessible locations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they allow users to manage their shipments according to their own schedule. The service accepts Tracked shipments, in first or second class, as well as returns and international shipments.

When a delivery cannot be made, Royal Mail leaves a delivery notice specifying available options. The recipient can then schedule a new delivery attempt, request deposit with a neighbor or collect their parcel at the nearest post office. Parcels are generally kept for 18 days in post offices before return to the sender, allowing a reasonable period to arrange collection.

Royal Mail also offers notification services allowing recipients to track the progress of their parcel in real time. Alerts by SMS or email are sent at each key stage of the journey: pickup, passage through sorting center, delivery preparation and distribution confirmation. These notifications facilitate recipient organization and allow anticipating parcel arrival to be present at the opportune moment.

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

Despite the control procedures and precautions taken by Royal Mail, incidents can occur during shipment transport. Facing a lost, damaged or partially delivered parcel, it is important to know the steps to take to assert your rights and obtain compensation. Royal Mail has a structured claims procedure, accessible to both shippers and recipients, with specific deadlines and conditions to comply with.

The first step is to verify the status of the shipment via the online tracking system. A parcel appearing as undelivered may actually have been left with a neighbor, in a secure location or made available at the local post office. Checking the tracking and any delivery notices often allows you to locate a parcel mistakenly considered lost. If the shipment is not found after these checks, the claims procedure can be initiated.

• Who can claim: Both the shipper or recipient can file a claim, but only one compensation will be paid. For Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 services, only the shipper can claim
• Deadline to claim (domestic shipments): The claim must be filed within 80 days following the dispatch date for shipments to an address in the United Kingdom
• Deadline to claim (international shipments): A period of 6 months after dispatch is allowed for claims concerning shipments abroad
• Loss insurance: If additional insurance has been purchased, the claim must be made within 14 days of dispatch

To file a claim, several channels are available. The simplest and fastest method is to use the online form in Royal Mail's Claims Centre, accessible on the official website. This paperless procedure takes only a few minutes and allows you to attach supporting documents directly. Alternatively, a paper P58 form can be obtained at any post office and sent by mail to the claims service, accompanied by supporting documents.

The evidence to provide varies depending on the nature of the claim. For a loss, you will need to provide the shipping receipt or certificate of mailing, as well as supporting documents of the value of the lost item: purchase invoices, bank or credit card statements, PayPal confirmation, or an appraiser's estimate for antiques or collectibles. For a damaged parcel, detailed photographs of the item and its packaging are essential, accompanied by a repair quote if applicable.

• Signed For and 1st/2nd Class Compensation: Up to 20 pounds sterling for standard shipments without additional insurance
• Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 Compensation: Up to 100 pounds sterling included in the basic service
• Special Delivery Guaranteed Compensation: From 500 to 2,500 pounds sterling depending on the level of insurance chosen at dispatch
• International Services: Up to 20 pounds sterling for International Standard and Economy, more for Tracked and Signed services

Royal Mail commits to responding to claims within 30 calendar days for domestic shipments and 90 days for international shipments. If the claim is accepted, compensation is paid by check sent by mail to the claimant. The amount corresponds to the actual loss incurred, determined by the acquisition or manufacturing cost of the item, taking into account its age and depreciation, within the limits of the compensation caps applicable to the service used.

Certain situations may result in claim refusal. Royal Mail excludes liability for superficial cosmetic damage affecting only the packaging, as well as for insufficiently protected items that do not resist the normal conditions of postal transport. Prohibited goods or incorrectly declared merchandise may also be excluded from any compensation. In case of disagreement with Royal Mail's decision, the claimant can appeal the decision or contact competent mediation bodies.

Does Royal Mail handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Royal Mail offers a complete range of international shipping services allowing you to send letters and parcels to more than 190 countries worldwide. These services meet varied needs, from economical shipping without delivery time constraints to tracked shipment with delivery confirmation. Customs procedures management, which has become unavoidable since Brexit for shipments to the European Union, is integrated into the shipping process with different levels of support depending on the service chosen.

For shipments abroad, Royal Mail structures its pricing according to three main geographic zones. The Europe zone includes all European countries, including Russia and Greenland. World Zone 1 covers North and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. World Zone 2, reserved for the most distant destinations, includes Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Delivery times and rates vary significantly depending on the destination zone and the service selected.

• International Standard: Basic economical service with delivery times of 3 to 4 working days to Europe and up to 2 weeks to more distant destinations, compensation included up to 20 pounds sterling
• International Economy: The most affordable option for non-urgent shipments, with longer delivery times but particularly competitive rates
• International Tracked: Tracked service allowing you to view the parcel's journey online from dispatch to delivery, with distribution confirmation in many countries
• International Signed: Service with signature-required delivery at the destination, providing formal proof of delivery
• International Tracked and Signed: Premium service combining complete tracking throughout the journey and mandatory signature on delivery, offering the highest level of security for valuable international shipments

Since the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, customs procedures apply to all shipments from Great Britain to the EU and the rest of the world. Royal Mail now requires the transmission of electronic customs data for virtually all international shipments, with the exception of shipments from Northern Ireland to the EU which still benefit from simplified procedures. This electronic data must be provided before shipment via Royal Mail online tools or merchant partner solutions.

For each international merchandise shipment, the shipper must complete a customs declaration detailing the nature, quantity, value and country of origin of the items shipped. CN22 forms (for low-value shipments) and CN23 forms (for larger shipments) must be affixed to the parcel visibly. Royal Mail offers pre-filled forms automatically generated when purchasing postage online, simplifying this administrative task.

At destination, shipments may be subject to customs duties and local taxes depending on the destination country's regulations. For shipments to the European Union, local VAT applies to all merchandise, regardless of amount. The recipient is generally responsible for paying these taxes and fees on delivery, unless the shipper has opted for a pre-payment scheme such as the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) for sales to the EU. Royal Mail can handle customs clearance on behalf of the importer for a processing fee.

International delivery times can be affected by customs controls in the destination country. A parcel retained by customs for verification or awaiting tax payment may see its delivery time significantly extended. Royal Mail recommends that shippers complete customs declarations accurately and comprehensively to minimize the risk of delays. Tracking tools generally allow you to identify if a parcel is stuck in customs, facilitating regularization procedures.

Certain items are prohibited or subject to restrictions for international shipping. Royal Mail publishes country-by-country guides detailing prohibited goods and specific shipping conditions. Hazardous materials, perishable food products, prescription medications and counterfeit items are among the general exclusions. Non-compliance with these restrictions can result in parcel seizure by customs authorities and no compensation.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Royal Mail parcel online, different statuses may appear. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: