How Do I Arrange A Courier: Everything You Need To Know

Not sure how to send a parcel using a courier? You’re in the right place. Many people aren’t familiar with the process, especially when speed, security, or business requirements come into play. You might be wondering what type of service you need, how to prepare your item, or how to track it once it’s on the move. 

That’s where SpeedLink comes in. We’re here to simplify things with a clear, practical guide. Whether it’s a one-off delivery, same day delivery or a regular business shipment, this article will show you exactly how to arrange a courier in the UK—step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Arranging a Courier

Whether you're a first-time sender or arranging deliveries on behalf of your business, knowing how to book a courier can make all the difference. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you arrange a courier service quickly and confidently with SpeedLink.

Step 1: Choose the Right Courier Service

The first thing to consider is what kind of delivery best suits your needs. This depends on the urgency of the delivery, the type of parcel, and where it’s going. SpeedLink offers a variety of courier solutions to cover everything from everyday items to highly sensitive consignments.

Here are some of the most popular options:

• Same Day Courier – Perfect for urgent deliveries, whether you need a legal document sent across town, a laptop delivered, or you want time-sensitive medical samples delivered securely.
• Next Day and Economy Services – Ideal for less time-critical shipments. These options are cost-effective for regular business deliveries or non-urgent personal items.
• Specialist Secure Services – SpeedLink provides secure courier, medical courier, and legal document courier solutions for sectors that require enhanced security, confidentiality, or regulatory compliance.
• UK-to-Europe and International Delivery – Whether you're sending a parcel to a different city or across the globe, SpeedLink can handle it efficiently.

Explore our full range of services to find the option that best suits your delivery.

Step 2: Prepare Your Parcel

Proper packaging is key to a smooth and successful delivery. It protects the contents during transit and ensures your parcel meets courier requirements.

Follow these steps to prepare your parcel:

• Use suitable packaging – Choose a strong, undamaged box or padded envelope appropriate for the item you're sending.
• Secure the contents – Wrap items individually if needed and use void fillers like foam or bubble wrap to prevent movement inside the box.
• Seal your parcel well – Use high-quality packaging tape to reinforce seams and secure the parcel shut. Avoid string or staples.
• Label it clearly – Write or print the delivery address in full, including postcode and recipient’s contact number. Make sure it’s easy to read and affixed flat.
• Add a return address – This helps the parcel find its way back to you if delivery is unsuccessful.

Need help? SpeedLink’s team can advise you on packaging standards, especially for high-value, medical, or regulated items requiring specific precautions.

Step 3: Book the Courier

Once your parcel is ready to go, booking a courier is simple with SpeedLink. Our quick quote system helps you get started in minutes.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to our quote page
2. Enter collection and delivery details, including parcel size and type
3. Choose your preferred service (same day, next day, economy, or specialist)
4. Submit your request for confirmation

Our team will then arrange the collection based on your preferences. In many areas, we can even collect your parcel on the same day—sometimes within the hour.

We also offer flexible pickup locations, whether it’s from your home, workplace, warehouse, or another site.

Step 4: Track Your Delivery

If you’re wondering how to send a parcel and stay updated throughout its journey, SpeedLink’s tracking system makes it easy to monitor progress in real time.

Every SpeedLink courier delivery includes:

• Live GPS tracking – Know exactly where your parcel is at any point in the journey
• Electronic proof of delivery (POD) – Receive a digital signature or photographic proof when the item is delivered
• Status alerts – Get notified of key updates or any potential delays
• Secure handovers – We ensure every parcel is handed over to the intended recipient safely and appropriately

This visibility is especially important for businesses, legal professionals, and medical clients who rely on timely, verifiable delivery. For anyone asking, “How do I send a parcel and keep it secure?”, SpeedLink’s tracking tools offer reassurance at every stage.

Whether you're sending a one-off parcel or managing daily deliveries, SpeedLink simplifies the courier process from booking to delivery. If you're unsure where to begin, our team is always ready to help you select the right service and guide you through the process.

Why Use a Courier Instead of the Post Office?

While traditional postal services are suitable for standard letters and non-urgent deliveries, courier services offer significant advantages—especially when speed, security, and reliability matter.

Couriers provide a tailored experience that’s difficult to match with standard post. Instead of dropping your parcel at a local branch and hoping it arrives on time, couriers offer professional collection, secure handling, and real-time tracking from the moment your item is picked up.

Here are a few reasons why more individuals and businesses are choosing courier services:

• Speed – Same-day and scheduled delivery options ensure urgent items reach their destination without delay.
• Convenience – Couriers collect from your door and deliver directly to the recipient—no queues or post office visits.
• Reliability – Dedicated courier services reduce the risk of lost or delayed items, especially for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
• Tracking – Real-time GPS tracking keeps you informed at every stage of the delivery process.
• Specialist Handling – Ideal for sending legal documents, medical samples, fragile items, or high-value goods requiring extra care.

Why Choose SpeedLink?

SpeedLink offers all the benefits of a courier with added peace of mind. We specialise in efficient, secure delivery solutions across the UK and internationally. Here’s what makes us a trusted partner:

• Fast, easy online booking through our quote and booking page
• Friendly, responsive customer support
• Same-day courier services nationwide
• Expert handling for sensitive, regulated, or valuable shipments
• Proven experience with legal, healthcare, and commercial clients

If you're wondering how to send packages in the UK quickly and securely, SpeedLink is the smart choice for dependable delivery you can trust.

FAQs

Can I arrange a courier to collect from my house?

Yes, you can. SpeedLink offers convenient door-to-door collection services from both residential and business addresses across the UK. Once you’ve booked your delivery through our online quote form, we’ll take care of the rest—including same-day collection in many areas.

How much does it cost to send a parcel?

The cost of sending a parcel depends on several factors, including its size, weight, delivery speed, and destination. SpeedLink offers a range of same-day, next-day, and economy services to suit different budgets. For a fast and accurate estimate, simply use our quote form.

How quickly can SpeedLink collect my item?

We aim to collect most parcels on the same day you book—often within the hour, depending on your location and service type. For urgent collections, contact our team directly to check real-time availability.

Ready to Book Your Courier?

If you're ready to send your parcel, SpeedLink is here to help. We make it easy to:

• Choose the right service
• Prepare your parcel correctly
• Book online in minutes
• Track your item until it arrives safely

Whether you're an individual or a business, SpeedLink provides a smooth and secure way to manage your deliveries.

To get started, visit our website or request a quote. Our experienced team is ready to support you every step of the way.