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Prepare For Your Delivery Service
Getting something from A to B has never been easier, but it can be difficult to find competitive quotes or a cheap courier as many simply charge a flat rate of £1.20 per mile. Couriers tend to charge a high amount because of the relatively small margins involved in carrying out deliveries, transporters have to factor in all manner of costs when deciding what to charge for delivering your cargo (fuel, wages, vehicle maintenance etc.).
Smaller local couriers don’t always know where the next job will come from so it’s important for them to make a profit when they can. This is where you can find cheap courier quotes – if you are able to make sure that your delivery fits in with a route that a courier is already going to be travelling, you can often get a cheaper than the standard rate.
If you’re able to find a driver going from Manchester to London and your package needs to go the opposite way, you can also find cheaper deals on return journeys.
Before You Get Your Stuff Moving
Check its condition: This way you can compare the before and after state of your items, helping you notice if it’s been knocked during transit (taking pictures can help).
Make sure it’s properly packaged: This will help avoid damage when it’s being transported
Choosing a Cheap Courier
When choosing a carrier for your important deliveries it’s important to know what level of service to expect, which is why it’s always important to check the credentials and experience of any delivery person whose services you employ.
Insurance: Being insured for carriage of goods for reward is a necessity for couriers. Moving almost anything can carry risk to the items, which is why all recognised courier services will also have goods in transit insurance. The level of cover can vary so when you’re looking to move something valuable make sure you find a courier with the appropriate level of cover.
Licensing: Depending on the size of the vehicle and load being used, delivery drivers may need different qualifications to transport your load, so make sure you check with the service that you’re using a properly licensed courier. (3,500kg is the maximum amount allowed for a carrier on a normal licence)
Association: While not a requirement for couriers, being a member of a recognised body should ensure high standards and a good level of service. The National Courier Association and the Association of International Courier Express Services are both recognised organisations that help improve professional standards.
Choosing a Cheap Courier Service
Depending on what you’re moving you can use a number of different courier services, some cheap, some bespoke.
Bike couriers: Often used to move small vital packages over a short distance, bike and motorcycle couriers are a way to get packages a small distance in a short timeframe. These are somewhat less popular now as businesses tend to just email each other important documents or diagrams.
Independent: Freelance couriers are increasingly popular in the UK; because of the low barriers to entry into this career many take to becoming a man or woman with a van. Independent couriers may listen to your requirements more closely than large chains.
Franchise:These are couriers that work for large logistics providers. Such drivers tend to focus on the volume of deliveries and efficiency. Large companies usually transport goods for the commercial sector, they offer flexible delivery dates, but it is unlikely they will be able to fulfil some personal requirements.
Specialist: Fragile and confidential deliveries have separate requirements to livestock and foodstuffs, which is why there are dedicated couriers that specialise in their own sectors. This is the option to go for if you need something unusual moved.
Completing the Delivery Service
Whatever it is you need moving, finding and comparing lots of different couriers can be a lengthy job. The best way to find a delivery driver for less is to find one who’s going the same way as your items.
This is where we can help; our network of transport providers search our site every day to find extra consignments to make their delivery trips more efficient.
Simply upload the details of your delivery to Shiply, then you will be able to receive quotes for the move from our feedback-rated couriers. You can compare the offers based on price and previous feedback the driver has received from their other Shiply jobs.
To ensure you find the cheapest courier make sure that you include as many details of the delivery as possible, and be flexible with your pick-up and delivery dates, this will make it easier for the driver and should save you money.
Once you’re happy with one of the quotes you’ve received all you need to do is accept and get your stuff moving!
Once your package reaches you make sure you check it is in the condition it was when it left, if it’s not then make sure you take it up with the driver (this is what goods in transit insurance are for).
When everything’s finalised and you’ve signed off the completed delivery please leave a review for your courier on Shiply, that way our other users can see which couriers offer the best services or are the cheapest in their area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shiply Cover My Area?
Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.
Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?
There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.
How Can I Contact Shiply Support?
Shiply Support is available from 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday. You can send an email to .
Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?
Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.
When Will I Receive A Quote?
You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.
How Many Quotes Will I Receive?
Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.
Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?
If your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.
Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?
Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.
Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?
Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.
Can I Travel With My Goods?
The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.
What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?
If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.
Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?
If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .
How Shiply Works
How Shiply Works
- 1
Request quotes from our 459,336 rated transport providers.
- 2
Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right delivery quote for you.
- 3
Sit back and relax while your item is safely delivered by your chosen transport provider.
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How Shiply Helps The Environment
By utilising spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to transport the item.
Recent Testimonials
Mark W.
"Simple and effective, will be using regularly. Good value and makes the process of moving big things around so much easier!"
Sandy B.
"In a matter of hours, I received an offer that matched my budget from a company with very good feedback. I love being able to rely on Shiply for getting the precious finds from eBay across the country for a reasonable price."
John G.
"Shiply fills the gaps between getting bulky items collected and delivered and you having to go get them yourself. Used them many times, saves me lots of time and money."
Charlotte H.
"All went very smoothly and easily and the courier whose bid I accepted were lovely, good communication, and helpful. Couldn't fault at all and would certainly use again."