If you ask “Who is the cheapest delivery service?” you join countless people and businesses hunting for affordable ways to send parcels across the UK. Prices fluctuate based on weight, speed, and distance, but smart shoppers always compare options.
In this 2025 guide, we break down leading couriers, show you how price comparison works, and reveal which company offers the best mix of low cost and dependability. You deserve reliable delivery without overspending, and this article helps you find it.
We’ll also highlight aggregator platforms that cut costs by securing bulk deals. By the end, you’ll see why Xtra Mile Couriers stands out as the cheapest delivery service for many UK senders.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Delivery Service
When you’re looking for the lowest prices, don’t forget value matters too. A courier that’s cheap but unreliable ends up costing you more in stress and replacements. Here are the main factors to weigh:
1. Reliability and Trust
On-time delivery matters. Missed deadlines frustrate customers and ruin confidence. Always read recent reviews to gauge how well a courier sticks to schedules.
2. Speed of Delivery
Do you need it there tomorrow or is three days fine? Standard shipping saves money, while next-day or same-day shipping comes with a premium.
3. Coverage and Availability
Not all couriers cover rural and remote areas without adding extra charges. Some excel in urban centres but add fees for the Highlands or offshore UK islands.
4. Weight and Size Limits
Most couriers handle parcels up to 15–25kg. Anything beyond triggers surcharges or requires special freight. Oversized packages, even if light, may cost more.
5. Insurance and Protection
Accidents happen. Free cover usually ranges from £20–£50, but you can buy more. If your items are valuable, this makes a big difference.
6. Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is now a deciding factor for many senders. Some couriers use electric vehicles or offset carbon emissions at no extra cost.
7. Customer Service and Support
A low price means little if you can’t get help when things go wrong. Good couriers offer live chat, tracking portals, and responsive customer teams.
8. Ease of Booking
Online booking, instant quotes, and doorstep collection make shipping effortless. Some also let you drop parcels at lockers or shops for cheaper rates.
9. Hidden Fees
Always check for fuel surcharges, Saturday delivery charges, or rural location extras. A “cheap” rate may double once those apply.
Balancing these factors helps you see true value—not just the sticker price.

Price Comparison of UK Delivery Services (2025)
We compared standard domestic delivery rates for popular couriers in 2025. Here’s an overview of average prices by weight bracket.
| Weight | Xtra Mile Couriers Standard | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1kg | £2.49 | ||||
| 1–2kg | £3.99 | ||||
| 2–5kg | £5.49 | ||||
| 5–10kg | £5.99 | ||||
| 10–15kg | £8.49 |
Key takeaways:
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Xtra Mile Couriers consistently undercuts competitors, offering £2.49 for parcels under 1kg and strong mid-weight pricing.
Aggregators like Parcel2Go and Parcel Monkey sometimes go even lower, as they tap into bulk courier discounts.
Who is the Cheapest Delivery Service? Our Verdict
After weighing the data, Xtra Mile Couriers emerges as the cheapest delivery service for 2025 in the UK.
Here’s why:
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Lowest entry price: £2.49 for parcels under 1kg.
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Nationwide coverage: From cities to rural villages, they deliver everywhere.
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Next-day option: Available from £3.99, undercutting many rivals.
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Free insurance: £50 cover included as standard.
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High reliability: 98% on-time delivery rate reported in customer reviews.
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Customer service: Fast responses and proactive support.
If you’re a regular sender, their bulk plans bring even more savings. For affordability without sacrificing service, they lead the pack.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Delivery Service
Want to shave even more off your shipping costs? Follow these tips:
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Compare before booking. Use Parcel2Go, Parcel Monkey, or similar platforms.
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Weigh and measure accurately. Guesswork leads to costly surcharges.
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Choose standard over express. Only pay for speed when necessary.
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Book early. Lock in rates before peak-season surges.
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Use promo codes. Check discount sites before booking.
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Drop off instead of collection. Save £1–2 per parcel.
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Look into loyalty schemes. Some couriers reward frequent senders.
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Read reviews. Ensure “cheap” doesn’t equal unreliable.
These strategies help you consistently find the best balance of price and performance.
Why Choose Xtra Mile Couriers
Xtra Mile Couriers set themselves apart not just with low rates, but with customer-first policies.
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Affordability: Starting prices at just £2.49.
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Convenience: Doorstep collection or local drop-off.
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Technology: Real-time app tracking and notifications.
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Sustainability: Expanding fleet of electric vans.
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Business tools: API integration for e-commerce stores.
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Customer satisfaction: Over 95% approval ratings across review platforms.
For individuals and businesses alike, they prove that cheap delivery doesn’t need to mean poor service.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest way to send a parcel in the UK?
Use aggregators like Parcel2Go, where deals start at £1.99. For reliable direct service, Xtra Mile Couriers begins at £2.49, often undercutting rivals.
2. How do delivery prices vary by weight?
Under 1kg usually costs £2–£4. Larger parcels between 10–15kg reach £8–£12. Always check weight brackets, as oversize fees can add significantly.
3. Is next-day delivery worth the extra cost?
If timing matters, yes. It typically adds £1–£3. Otherwise, stick with standard shipping to save more. Xtra Mile offers next-day delivery from £3.99.
4. What hidden fees should I watch for?
Common extras include fuel surcharges, Saturday deliveries, and rural location fees. Read the fine print to avoid surprises.
5. Can I track my parcel easily?
Yes, most services now provide tracking portals or apps. Xtra Mile offers real-time updates direct to your phone.
Conclusion
When you wonder “Who is the cheapest delivery service?” in the UK for 2025, you’ll find many contenders.
But for consistently low prices, strong reliability, and customer support, Xtra Mile Couriers takes the crown. With parcels starting at £2.49, transparent policies, and a focus on sustainability, they provide the best overall value.
Whether you’re sending gifts to family, managing e-commerce orders, or just posting a one-off item, choose a courier that saves money and stress. With Xtra Mile Couriers, you truly go the extra mile for less.
Contact Us
Call us: +44 (0)20 3750 2330
Mail Us: info@xtramilecouriers.co.uk
Xtra Mile Couriers: Delivering Excellence Every Time