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BBC’s consumer expert, Louise Minchin, has provided a comprehensive guide to all the crucial delivery dates you need to be aware of ahead of Christmas, ensuring your gifts arrive on time. Minchin reassured viewers not to panic if they haven’t sent their parcels yet, stating there’s still time.
For today, December 16, Minchin advised: “You can still send small parcels with DPD’s Air Express, FedEx’s international economy services.”
Looking ahead to December 17, Minchin emphasised: “This is a really key day. This is a great day to send for second class cards and also small and medium parcels for UK services. So Royal Mail’s slowest and most cost effective service, second class and second class. Signed for the advertised time is 2 to 3 working days. It applies across the whole of the UK including Northern Ireland, Highlands and Islands.”
She suggested that the 18th would be an ideal day to send parcels, as it doesn’t mark the final day for any service: “So I reckon if you want to go and get something sent, choose the 18th there will be no queue. Don’t hold me to it, but that because the 19th is a biggie.”
She emphasised: “19th, and this is really important. Evri standard delivery services this day and all of its courier collection services, this is their deadline. Yodel, regardless of the service you’re using, the locker, the store. Or doorstep collection and Royal Mail’s slowest track service with the delivery aim of 48 hours can all go on the 19th.”
December 16th
The last date to send with:
DPD Air Express [international]
For overseas sending if you have left it late.
FedEx International Economy [international]
Slower than express services but still within range for pre Christmas delivery in some countries.
Delivery times may vary depending on country and any local delays. Always check the courier’s website for definitive and up to date delivery times.
December 17th
The last date to send with:
Royal Mail 2nd Class.
Includes signed for option. This is the slowest and most affordable Royal Mail service with an advertised delivery aim of 2 to 3 working days. Suitable for sending cards and small to medium sized parcels.
These deadlines apply across the UK, including Northern Ireland and the Highlands and Islands.
December 18th
No major personal sending deadlines fall on this date.
December 19th
The last date to send with:
Evri Standard Delivery.
Covers mainland Britain standard home delivery and all Evri courier collection services.
Yodel.
Applies to all services including lockers, store drop off and doorstep collection.
Please note. Yodel do not advertise their cut off dates specifically to Northern Ireland, highlands and islands and did not respond to our request for information, therefore the last dates for delivery to these areas may have already passed. Check with the courier before sending.
Royal Mail Tracked48®.
A tracked service with a delivery aim of 48 hours.
Parcelforce express48.
A tracked service with a two day delivery aim.
UPS Express [international].
Faster and more expensive than economy services.
FedEx International Express [international].
Faster and more expensive than economy services.
Delivery times may vary depending on country and any local delays. Always check the courier’s website for definitive and up to date delivery times.
December 20th
The last date to send with:
Evri Next Day.
Mainland Britain, and only available if you drop your parcel at a locker or parcel shop before 11am.
DPD UK [outlying areas].
Final date for sending between Northern Ireland, the Highlands and Islands, and mainland Britain.
Royal Mail 1st Class.
Includes signed for option. Applies to cards and small to medium sized parcels with an advertised next day delivery aim.
December 21st
The last date to send with:
Royal Mail Tracked24®.
The fastest tracked Royal Mail service with a 24 hour delivery aim.
FedEx UK Next Day.
Domestic UK next day service.
December 22nd
The last date to send with:
Parcelforce express24.
A guaranteed next day delivery service within the UK.
DPD UK.
Mainland Britain only. Applies to both doorstep collection and Parcel Shop drop off, if handed over before 11am.
December 23rd
The last date to send with:
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed®.
Advertised as the final posting date for delivery by Christmas Eve across the UK, including Northern Ireland and highlands and islands.
DHL UK Next Day.
Collection on the 23rd with delivery on the 24th.
UPS UK Next Day.
Collection on the 23rd with delivery on Christmas Eve.
