Choosing the right delivery partner is one of the most important decisions any ecommerce or retail business will take. The carrier you select directly impacts delivery speed, customer satisfaction, cost control, and your brand’s reputation. With so many options available including DPD, DHL, Evri, Yodel, Royal Mail, UPS, FedEx and more, the challenge isn’tfinding a carrier, it’s choosing the right one for your unique business needs.

This practical guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting a parcel carrier, helping you build a shipping strategy that improves performance, reduces cost, and supports long-term growth.

1. Understand Your Delivery Profile

Before comparing carriers, you need clarity on your own shipping characteristics:

• Average parcel size and weight
• Typical order value
• Domestic vs international demand
• Delivery speed your customers expect
• Your returns volume and process
• Seasonal fluctuation and peak activity

A small fashion retailer shipping lightweight parcels has very different requirements compared to a beauty brand sending fragile products or a homeware retailer delivering bulky items. Knowing your delivery profile is your foundation.

2. Compare Carrier Strengths

Each UK carrier has clear strengths and limitations. Matching your profile to their capability is crucial.

• DPD → Premium customer experience, one-hour windows, strong communication.
• Royal Mail → Unmatched reach, low carbon footprint, cost-effective for small parcels.
• Evri → Competitive pricing and huge out-of-home network.
• Yodel → Strong two-hour windows, specialist handling options, national coverage.
• DHL eCommerce / UPS / FedEx → International expertise and reliable cross-border transit.

Choosing the right one isn’t about picking “the best carrier”, it’s about picking the carrier who is best for your delivery type, customer base, and growth plan.

3. Evaluate Delivery Speed vs Cost

Delivery speed has a direct impact on:

• Checkout conversion
• Customer satisfaction
• Customer lifetime value

But faster isn’t always better or affordable. Every retailer should offer a mix:

• Economy options for price-sensitive shoppers
• Tracked and express options for customers who value speed
• Out-of-home services for convenience-driven buyers

A multi-carrier approach ensures you can offer choice without inflating your costs.

4. Consider Tracking & Customer Experience Features

Modern shoppers expect transparency. Look for carriers that offer:

• End-to-end tracking
• Real-time updates via SMS/email
• Delivery windows
• Photo or GPS proof of delivery
• Out-of-home delivery and returns options
• Easy redelivery or diversion tools

Enhancing customer experience reduces WISMO enquiries, protects brand trust, and creates a smoother post-purchase journey.

5. Don’t Forget Returns

Returns are a major part of ecommerce logistics and the carrier you choose influences:

• Speed of refund
• Reverse logistics cost
• Customer convenience

Carriers with strong out-of-home networks, like Royal Mail, Evri, and Yodel Store (Collect+), provide easier return journeys and reduce customer service pressure.

6. Assess Carrier Performance Data

Review performance benchmarks such as:

• On-time delivery rate
• First-time delivery success
• Parcel damage rate
• Regional consistency
• Peak-season stability

Even a small percentage drop in performance can translate into hundreds of customer complaints, refunds, and negative reviews.

7. Look for Scalability

Your carrier needs to support your growth, including:

• Seasonal volume spikes
• New markets
• Additional services (same-day, timed delivery, international)
• Out-of-home expansion
• B2B or wholesale delivery if needed

Choosing a carrier who fits your business today and tomorrow protects your long-term strategy.

8. Consider Using a Multi-Carrier Partner

Many retailers now avoid relying on a single carrier due to risk, cost, and flexibility limitations.

Using a multi-carrier provider like eSolutions by Warrant Group gives you:

• Access to multiple carriers in one platform
• Automatic smart routing
• Consolidated invoicing
• Centralised performance monitoring
• Reduced operational workload
• A partner who manages SLAs, escalations, and carrier relationships for you

This removes the complexity and gives you a delivery strategy that adapts as your business evolves.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right carrier is not a one-time decision, it’s an ongoing strategy.

By understanding your delivery profile, comparing carrier strengths, evaluating performance, and building flexibility into your setup, you can create a delivery experience that drives conversions, reduces cost, and strengthens customer loyalty.

If you’re looking to simplify carrier selection, boost performance, and future-proof your logistics, eSolutions can help you build a scalable, multi-carrier delivery strategy tailored to your business.