For a small UK business, the courier question usually comes down to three names: Royal Mail, Evri and DPD. They aren't direct substitutes, each has a different strength, and the cheapest on paper isn't always the cheapest once speed, cover and reliability are factored in. The right answer depends on what you send and how much of it.
Price: Evri usually wins on small parcels
On raw price for small, low-value parcels, Evri is typically the cheapest of the three, which is why it dominates on marketplaces like Vinted and eBay. Royal Mail's tracked services sit in the middle, and DPD is generally the most expensive at the light end. But price alone is a misleading basis for the decision, as the sections below explain.
Speed and reliability: DPD's strength
DPD's reputation is built on next-day delivery with a one-hour delivery window and strong tracking, which matters when reliability is worth more than the cheapest rate. If your customers pay for speed or you sell items where a missed delivery is costly, DPD's premium is usually justified. Our UPS vs DPD vs Royal Mail guide extends this comparison further.
Coverage and drop-off: Royal Mail's edge
Royal Mail's advantage is reach, it delivers to every UK address at a uniform price, including remote and rural postcodes that couriers surcharge or won't serve. If your customers are spread across the whole country including the Highlands and Islands, Royal Mail's flat national pricing is hard to beat, as our Royal Mail alternatives guide notes.
Tracking and compensation compared
All three offer tracking and compensation, but the limits and claims experience differ. DPD and Royal Mail's tracked services generally offer smoother, more predictable claims than Evri's basic cover, though enhanced cover is available everywhere. If you send higher-value items, compare the enhanced cover cost, not just the base rate.
Weight and size fit
The parcel's size and weight should steer the decision. Evri suits small-to-medium parcels under about 15kg, Royal Mail's sweet spot is small parcels and large letters, and DPD handles heavier and larger items comfortably. Our Parcelforce vs Royal Mail guide covers the heavy end of the range.
Volume and account rates
As volume grows, all three offer account rates below their public prices, and the gaps between them shift. A business sending 20 parcels a day should negotiate and compare account rates rather than the website prices, because the cheapest carrier at one volume is often not the cheapest at another.
The practical answer for most sellers
Most small sellers run a split: Evri or Royal Mail Tracked 48 for the cheap, non-urgent volume, DPD or Royal Mail Tracked 24 for anything next-day or high-value. You don't need to pick one carrier, and the 100 × 150mm label format means a single 4x6 thermal printer handles all three, so switching per-parcel costs you nothing in equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheapest, DPD, Evri or Royal Mail? For small low-value parcels, Evri is usually cheapest, followed by Royal Mail tracked services, with DPD the most expensive at the light end.
Which is most reliable for next-day delivery? DPD is generally strongest for next-day with a one-hour window, while Royal Mail Tracked 24 is a solid and often cheaper next-day alternative.
Can I use all three carriers with one printer? Yes, DPD, Evri and Royal Mail all use the 100 × 150mm label format, so a single 4x6 thermal printer handles all three.
One printer, three carriers
Switch between DPD, Evri and Royal Mail freely with one 100 × 150mm direct thermal roll, no per-carrier equipment or stock.
Shop 4×6 Labels