FAQs for UK next day and international couriers

How do I open an account?

We treat our customers as individuals and offer an unrivalled customer experience. We take the upmost care setting up your account to meet your exacting requirements, ensuring all your particular post codes, and pricing structures are available through your very own 'quote' page.

Where does your UK Next day service deliver to?

We'll safely deliver your parcel anywhere in the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland the day after your booking. However, as a London based courier company certain postcodes and the Scottish Highlands & off shore Islands, including Isle of Skye are just too far away to achieve a next day service, even for us!! Don't worry, our van-tastic online booking system will flag up any destination postcodes which dictate a two day delivery span. Download our Transit Time and Destination Guide as a handy desk top reference.

What countries does your international service cover?

eCourier.co.uk provide a fast, secure and efficient international courier service to 99% of the world. We list 280 countries on our whizzy online booking system to save you scrolling through endless destinations, but rest assured we'll deliver wherever you want, whenever you want. Our handy Transit Time and Destination Guide provides all the information you need or just contact us through live chat.

What is the latest time for booking and collection?

Just book online before 16:30 for collections within London, and by 12:00 for collections outside the London area. Relax- we don't dictate afternoon pick up times, leave a 90 minute window for collection and we'll collect your parcels and documents up to 18:00.

Do you deliver every day of the week?

Yes, of course! We're happily delivering documents and parcels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the UK and to every corner of the world! Consignments collected on Friday will be delivered on Monday unless a Saturday delivery service is requested at time of booking.

Why do I need a pro-forma invoice for international consignments?

Pro-forma is the essential documentation required by the Government for goods entering any country outside of EU. If the pro-forma is not fully or correctly completed, Custom Officers will confiscate goods until the paperwork is in order. Relax - when you book an international service, a pro-forma document will magically appear for you to complete online. It's pretty simple, just enter description of goods, reason for sending (eg: exhibition promotions, inter-office documentation etc), senders and receivers full addresses, and value for customs. PLEASE NOTE: 'Value for Customs' means the Cost Price of the goods not the Resale Price of your consignment!

What is a Commodity Code?

A commodity code is required by Customs Officers across the globe for all consignments with a cost value of over �600 ($600 for US imports). Every item you could possibly imagine has an individual commodity code which is used to identify the goods for customs inspection and legal declaration. Customers need to obtain their own commodity codes by calling 01702 366 077.

What is Customs Clearance?

Government Country's Customs Officials have the power to confiscate goods or delay clearance if accompanying pro-forma documentation is incorrectly completed, or if goods are not legally accepted by the country, eg: certain parts of Asia do not accept magazines which contain nudity. Don't worry (be happy) eCourier.co.uk automatically provide pro-forma documentation at time of booking and our experts check completion to ensure that your documents and parcels enter the destination country quickly and legally.

Will an eCourier van collect and deliver my parcel?

We operate a carrier neutral strategy which ensures the optimum service levels for our valued customers. For all collections and deliveries in Central and West London an eCourier van will make the pick-up and onward transfer. For locations outside of Central and West London your consignments will be carried on several different vehicles but handled by one carrier through various strategically located depots and automated sortation centres within our door-to-door next day and international delivery network.

What happens if no-one is available to take delivery of my consignment?

eCourier.co.uk believe your business reputation is our business reputation and we'll always endeavour to secure proof of delivery with your consignee at your designated time. If no-one is available to take delivery we'll try again the following day as part of our Standard service . For Premium services we'll try to catch the recipient again the same day and if necessary again the following day. If we're still unable to deliver we'll leave the intended recipient a card with the contact details of the local storing depot. At each attempt a card will be left.

Do you offer a packing service?

We're sorry, but eCourier.co.uk don't offer a packing service. Please ensure your parcels are properly packaged prior to collection. Our happy team are always available on live chat if you need any advice.

Are there any size and weight restrictions for my parcels?

We are able to accept consignments up to a maximum 2.3m long × 1.2m high × 0.5m wide. Our couriers are fit and strong, but anything over 15kg and they may need a mate or suitable lifting equipment onboard with them - please allow up to 24 hours for collection of heavy goods.

What is volumetric weight?

Large, lightweight packages are charged at their volumetric weight. In simple terms? It means the space the parcel occupies rather than its weight. You don't need to worry as our booking form calculates this automatically from the dimensions you provide. But, for the boffins amongst you, to calculate the volumetric weight, multiply length (L) cm x width (W) cm x height (H) cm (which provides the volume) then divide this figure by 6000.

Are my goods insured?

Your goods are protected by the eCourier.co.uk insurance policies to a value of £10.00 per kilo up to £100.00 or 10kg, whichever is the greater. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details. If customers wish to arrange a higher level of liability in respect of any consignment, eCourier.co.uk may be able to arrange this at an additional charge.

What is the difference between HAWB number and my job reference?

None at all. HAWB is just the techie speak for House Air Way Bill, but we don't like to confuse you and so we use 'job reference'.