A Complete Guide to Parcel Pick-Up Options, and Costs

When shipping a parcel, the method of collection that you choose can have an impact on everything from delivery speed to cost. There are a number of unexpected charges that you might face when you arrange for a parcel to be picked up and it’s crucial that you not only understand what these are, but how to avoid them in order to keep costs under control.

Parcel Pick Up Options Explained

If you’re a frequent sender, then the most convenient option may not always be the most cost-effective, which is why it’s important to assess not only the right courier, but the correct pick-up option too.

One-Off Parcel Collections

These collections are ideal for anyone shipping occasionally, or those looking for door-to-door convenience. A courier will collect the parcel from the chosen address on a specific date, and while this is a flexible option, it may also incur a collection charge.

Be aware that collection charges vary by courier, so we make sure to display these as clearly as possible throughout the process. This lets you compare in real time whether arranging a collection or using a drop-off option provides better value.

Scheduled Daily Collections

If you’re shipping regularly, then scheduled daily collections can often work out to be the most cost effective option. Instead of booking multiple individual pick ups, a courier collects multiple parcels at a certain time every working day.

Depending on the shipment volume and also the courier that you select, this option can carry additional discounts. Scheduled daily collections are an ideal choice for offices, warehouses, and ecommerce retailers among others.

Failed Pick Up Charges Explained

Some of the most common unexpected charges are related to failed pick ups. These can occur if a driver arrives at the collection address and is unable to take the parcel for a number of reasons including an address having restricted access, no one being present to hand the parcel over, or the collection not being ready.

Even small errors that you might think are insignificant like missing flat numbers or incorrect business names can be enough to trigger this charge and result in your pick up failing and a failed collection fee being applied.

In order to reduce the risk of a failed pick up, it’s important that you double check that your collection address is complete and - most importantly - accurate. This means checking that the postcode, unit number, and access instructions are all correct and providing a contact number so that drivers can get in touch quickly and easily if needed.

When the day of collection arrives, make sure that your parcel is fully packaged, labelled, and accessible during your collection window. If something is wrong that means your collection will be impacted, it’s key to let the courier know as early as possible as this can sometimes prevent the failed collection charge from being applied.

Third-Party Pick Ups Explained

A third-party pick up is when a courier collects a parcel from someone other than the person that booked the collection. This could be anyone from a neighbour or colleague, to a warehouse or fulfillment partner.

Third-party collections can work really well, but they also introduce some additional risk. Issues can occur when the third party isn’t aware of the collection time, can’t locate the parcel, or doesn’t recognise the courier’s reference number.

To avoid problems, it’s important that your third party has all of the information they need in advance. They should know which courier will be making the collection, when to expect them, and where the parcel will be. In addition, make sure that the parcel is clearly labelled and that all of the information on the parcel matches the booking details exactly.

For further peace of mind, providing a direct contact number for the third party reduces the risk of a failed or missed pick up, but if there’s any uncertainty at all then a direct collection or drop off service may be the safer option.

Drop Off Services Explained

If you’re unwilling to run the risk of a failed pick up charge, or your collection is small or urgent, then dropping off your parcel might be a better choice. In this case, a parcel is dropped off at a courier depot or other authorised drop-off point.

Dropping off a parcel can mean that it enters the courier network earlier in the day which can improve delivery speed, so if you’re flexible with timing then this can be a faster and cheaper option.

Where applicable, we make sure to highlight drop off options throughout the process where they’re available, which allows you to compare costs directly against pick up services.

How to Keep Pick Up Costs Low

To minimise parcel pick up costs and avoid unnecessary fees:

• Choose the right pick up or drop off option for your parcel

• Double check that all of the address and contact details are correct

• Consider scheduled daily collections if you ship regularly

• Ensure that parcels are ready, labelled, and accessible

• Communicate clearly when using third-party pick ups