Free Tool
UK Shipping Cost Calculator
Compare shipping prices across Royal Mail, Evri, DPD, Yodel, and InPost — find the cheapest carrier for every parcel you send.
Prices are approximate 2026 UK rates for standard domestic parcels. Business account and bulk rates may be lower.
Parcel Details
Small Parcel
1 kg · 35 x 25 x 10 cm
Cheapest: Evri Standard (3-5 days)
3-5 days · Tracked
£3.19
Save £4.30 vs most expensive
16 options found · sorted cheapest first
Standard (3-5 days)
£3.19
Locker (Standard)
£3.29
+£0.10
2nd Class (Small Parcel)
£3.49
+£0.30
1st Class (Small Parcel)
£4.39
+£1.20
Tracked 48 (Small Parcel)
£4.49
+£1.30
Standard (2-3 days)
£4.49
+£1.30
Tracked 24 (Small Parcel)
£4.99
+£1.80
1st Class Signed (Small Parcel)
£5.39
+£2.20
Next Day
£5.49
+£2.30
2nd Class (Medium Parcel)
£5.89
+£2.70
Tracked 48 (Medium Parcel)
£5.99
+£2.80
2-Day
£6.49
+£3.30
Next Day
£6.49
+£3.30
1st Class (Medium Parcel)
£6.89
+£3.70
Tracked 24 (Medium Parcel)
£6.99
+£3.80
Next Day
£7.49
+£4.30
Estimate Only
Prices shown are approximate retail rates as of July 2026 for standard UK domestic parcels. Actual costs may vary based on collection vs drop-off, insurance add-ons, fuel surcharges, and your account type. Business account holders typically pay 10-30% less. Always confirm the final price at point of purchase.
How UK Shipping Costs Affect Your Margins
Shipping is often the hidden margin killer for UK resellers. Choosing the wrong carrier on a £15 item can cut your profit in half.
The £3 difference that matters
On a typical eBay sale at £20 with a £5 cost price and 13% fees (£2.90), your profit before shipping is £12.10. Ship via DPD Next Day at £7.49 and you keep £4.61. Ship via Evri Standard at £3.19 and you keep £8.91. That £4.30 difference is a 93% profit increase — just by choosing the right carrier.
Weight breaks are your enemy
Royal Mail jumps from £4.39 (Small Parcel 1st Class) to £6.89 (Medium Parcel 1st Class) the moment your item exceeds 2kg. Always weigh items after packaging. If you're at 2.1kg, lighter packaging could save you £2.50 per shipment.
Free shipping isn't free
Offering 'free shipping' on eBay and absorbing the cost can boost sales by 20-30%, but only if you've built the shipping cost into your price. Use this calculator to find the cheapest carrier first, then add that cost to your listing price.
Royal Mail Size & Weight Limits
Royal Mail classifies parcels by size and weight. Exceeding these limits means your parcel moves to the next tier — and a higher price.
| Service | Max Weight | Max Dimensions | Tracking | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Parcel | 2 kg | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | Optional (Tracked services) | Up to £20 (standard), £50 (signed) |
| Medium Parcel | 20 kg | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | Optional (Tracked services) | Up to £20 (standard), £50 (signed) |
| Large Parcel | 30 kg | 2.5m length + girth | Yes (most services) | Up to £100 |
UK Carriers at a Glance
Quick comparison of all major UK parcel carriers — services, tracking, weight limits, and insurance cover.
| Carrier | Services | Tracking | Max Weight | Insurance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail | 1st/2nd Class, Tracked 24/48, Signed For | Tracked services only | 30 kg | £20-£100 | Small/light items, letterbox-friendly |
| Evri | Standard (3-5 days), Next Day | All services | 15 kg | £20 standard, up to £500 | Budget-friendly, drop-off points everywhere |
| DPD | Next Day, 2-Day | Full tracking + 1hr slot | 30 kg | Up to £150 | Premium items, time-sensitive deliveries |
| Yodel | Standard (2-3 days), Next Day | All services | 15 kg | Up to £50 | Mid-range pricing, reliable tracking |
| InPost | Locker delivery (Standard) | All services | 25 kg | Up to £50 | Cheapest for small/medium parcels, 24/7 lockers |
Rates as of July 2026. Business account holders typically get 10-30% off listed prices.
Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs
Combine Multiple Items
If a buyer purchases two items, ship together in one parcel. The marginal weight increase is far cheaper than two separate shipments. Offer combined shipping discounts to encourage multi-item purchases.
Use the Right Packaging
Oversized boxes push parcels into higher size tiers. Use poly mailers for clothing (saves £2-3 vs boxed), jiffy bags for small items, and right-sized boxes for everything else. Every centimetre counts.
Open a Business Account
Royal Mail Business Account, Evri Business, and DPD Local all offer 10-30% off retail rates once you hit volume thresholds. Even 20 parcels/month qualifies for some discounts.
Compare by Item Type
Light items under 1kg: Evri or InPost are usually cheapest. Items needing tracking: Evri includes it free. High-value items: DPD offers better insurance. Use this calculator for every new product line.
Consider Drop-Off vs Collection
Most carriers charge £1-3 extra for home collection. Dropping off at a ParcelShop, Post Office, or InPost locker saves money on every parcel. Map your nearest drop-off points.
Negotiate Contract Rates
Once you ship 50+ parcels per month, contact carriers directly for contract rates. Evri and Yodel are especially negotiable. Some resellers pay 30-40% less than published prices.
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