Summary
- Next-day parcels cost $8–20 (US) or £5–14 (UK) at business rates.
- Same-day courier is priced per mile, not per parcel.
- Volumetric weight often exceeds actual weight for bulky items.
- Compare insurance limits and exclusions, not headline prices.
- Poor packaging is the main reason damage claims fail.
Quick answer
A next-day parcel costs $8–20 in the US and £5–14 in the UK at business rates. Same-day dedicated courier runs $1.50–3.00 per mile or £1.20–2.20 per mile, and pallet delivery $60–160 or £45–120 per pallet.
Typical 2026 prices
| Service | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Next-day parcel, small | $8–15 | £5–10 |
| Next-day parcel, 10 kg | $12–25 | £8–16 |
| Economy 2–3 day | $6–12 | £4–8 |
| Same-day dedicated | $1.50–3.00/mile | £1.20–2.20/mile |
| Timed morning delivery | +$5–15 | +£4–12 |
| Pallet, quarter | $55–110 | £40–80 |
| Pallet, full | $90–180 | £70–140 |
| International parcel | $25–90 | £18–70 |
| Fuel surcharge | 5–20% | 5–20% |
Volumetric weight — length × width × height divided by a divisor — often exceeds actual weight for bulky items and is what you will be charged on.
Choosing the right service
Insurance is where quotes differ
Standard courier liability is low — often limited to a modest sum per parcel or calculated by weight, not value. Categories such as electronics, glass, jewellery and perishables are frequently excluded entirely. Read the exclusions before assuming you are covered, and buy additional cover or separate goods-in-transit insurance for valuable shipments.
Ask: what is the liability limit, which goods are excluded, what proof is needed for a claim, and how long claims take.
Vetting a logistics partner
Packaging that prevents claims
Most damage claims are rejected because of inadequate packaging. Use double-walled boxes for heavy items, 5 cm of cushioning on all sides, no reused boxes with old labels, and internal labelling in case the outer label is lost. Photograph valuable items packed and sealed before collection.
Summary
Budget £5–14 or $8–20 for next-day business parcels and price same-day work by distance. Compare insurance limits and exclusions rather than headline rates, negotiate an account once you have regular volume, and package well enough that claims never arise.