Consumer expert Louise Minchin said that people should not at this stage panic – but there’s not much time left
A BBC expert has given a rundown of every delivery date they need to know before Christmas – so they don’t get caught out with presents not arriving in time. Consumer expert Louise Minchin said that people should not at this stage panic – because there’s still time.
She explained that according to statistics 67 per cent of people get a Christmas card or parcel after the big day. She said: “I love Christmas, but I’m not the best organised, and people might not be organised because they might have ordered something and it hasn’t arrived, so they can’t send it. But my main message for all of you is do not panic if you haven’t sent your things yet. I’m going to take you through every single deadline.”
Ms Minchin said that today December 16: “You can still send small parcels with DPD’s Air Express, FedEx’s international economy services.” Co host Helen Skelton asked: “So as long as I get there tomorrow, it’s gonna get there? However Ms Minchin added: “You’ve missed the dates for Royal Mail and Parcel Force on those though.”
On the 17th she said: “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 explained that if you want to send something the 18th was a good day as it’s not the last 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 said: “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 Mailits slowest track service with the delivery of 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.
