Couriers - Everything you need to know

ICC has exhaustively researched the domestic and international courier market in the UK. We have a better knowledge and understanding of this market than any other company. It is interesting to note the history of the UK Courier market to better understand it and to help identify strengths and weaknesses.

The origins of the UK sameday courier market stems from the London Taxi companies but soon expanded into dedicated motorcycle despatch riders with the taxi companies setting up separate arms to their companies to cover the courier work. During the late 1970’s small provincial and regional companies were popping up throughout the country. Today, there are many large companies offering next-day courier services and UK divisions of international couriers such as APC, FedEx, DHL, UPS and TNT.

There are many 'specialist' couriers usually for the transportation of items such as freight/palettes, sensitive documents and liquids.

The 'Man & Van'/Freelance courier business model is highly popular in the United Kingdom, with thousands upon thousands of independent couriers and localised companies, offering next-day and sameday services. This is likely to be so popular because of the low business requirements (a vehicle) and the lucrative number of items sent within the UK every day. Since the turn of the millennium there has been a noticeable increase in owner drivers, self employed couriers, operating mainly from home with a sole vehicle. Advantages of this rather than working for an established sameday courier firm are that they are able to offer far better rates to their customers. Self employed couriers come from varied employment backgrounds from non skilled through to highly qualified trades people.

Motorbike couriers still exist, but mainly in and around London (and other large cities), where there is often congestion, as they are much cheaper to run in heavy traffic.

Many large companies provide P.O.Ds online. Lots of the smaller companies and freelance 'Man & Vans' are unable to provide this, but this is changing with forever lowering costs of technology.

Royal Mail was up until recently a reasonable competitor of most of the large couriers; offering next day and special delivery services. This has however changed, with higher costs, strike action and a lowering public perception of the company. With companies like Royal Mail & The DX (who offer a private courier 'box network'), it can be difficult to draw a clear-cut line between postal services and couriers.

Some UK couriers offer next-day services to other European countries. FedEx and Interlink Express both offer next-day air delivery to many EU countries. Cheaper 'By-Road' options are also available, varying from 2 days delivery time (eg. France), to up to a week (eg. Former USSR countries).

Large couriers often require an account to be held (and this can include daily scheduled collections). Senders are therefore primarily in the commercial/industrial sector (and not the general public); some couriers such as DHL do however allow public sending (at a far higher cost than regular senders). Most international courier rates can vary enormously whether you hold an account or not.

Overall there can be a bewildering level of choice for the courier user. ICC helps companies to navigate through the myriad choices of suppliers and is able identify those that offer, best customer service, best value for money, and those most suitable for any individual requirements.

Contact our Sales Team on 0800 077 6106 for more information.