Do Parcelforce Deliver on Saturday?
When planning a parcel delivery in the UK, one of the most common questions is: do Parcelforce deliver on Saturday? With the growing demand for weekend services from both consumers and businesses, Parcelforce Worldwide has responded by offering Saturday delivery on selected services. However, this option comes with certain conditions, additional fees, and postcode-specific limitations.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how Parcelforce’s Saturday delivery works, the costs involved, availability by location, how to book it, and how it compares with other UK couriers.
What Are Parcelforce’s Weekend Delivery Services?
Parcelforce, part of the Royal Mail Group, is one of the UK’s major delivery networks. While most of their services operate Monday to Friday, Parcelforce provides an optional Saturday delivery feature for an extra fee. This service is designed for both individuals and businesses that require timely deliveries over the weekend.
What Is Parcelforce’s Standard Delivery Schedule?
Parcelforce delivers from Monday to Saturday, with standard operating hours clearly outlined:
| Day | Delivery Window |
| Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | No standard delivery |
Although parcels are delivered during these time windows, Parcelforce does not guarantee specific delivery times unless you choose a time-definite service like Express AM.
Does Parcelforce Offer Saturday Delivery?
Yes, Parcelforce offers Saturday delivery, but it is only available on selected services, and not all postcodes qualify for this option.
Saturday delivery is ideal for urgent consignments that need to reach the recipient before the start of the next working week. This includes:
- Ecommerce deliveries
- Time-sensitive documents
- Gifts or perishable items
However, not every destination in the UK is eligible for Saturday services, and this largely depends on your recipient’s postcode zone.
What Services Include Saturday Delivery?
Only certain premium services allow for Saturday delivery. These include:
| Service | Saturday Availability | Estimated Delivery Time |
| Express 24 | Yes | Next Day by 1:00 PM |
| Express AM | Yes | Next Day by 9:00 AM or 12 PM |
| Express PM | Limited Locations | By end of day |
| Express 48 | No | Weekday delivery only |
If the Saturday option is not selected and paid for during booking, the parcel will be scheduled for delivery on the next working day, which is usually Monday.
What Are the Costs for Saturday Delivery?
Parcelforce charges a Saturday delivery surcharge on top of the standard shipping rate. These charges vary depending on the service and whether you are a personal or account customer.
| Customer Type | Surcharge Per Consignment | Additional Notes |
| Non-account user | £9.00 | Applied during online or post office booking |
| Account holder | Varies | Refer to Account Customer Guide |
| Rebooking missed delivery | £12.00 | Payable via local depot for redelivery |
If you fail to receive your parcel on Saturday, you can reschedule it through the Parcelforce website. The redelivery fee must be paid before the item is dispatched again.
How to Book a Saturday Delivery with Parcelforce?
Booking a Saturday delivery is straightforward but must be completed carefully to avoid missing key options.
Booking Process
- Visit Parcelforce’s official website or an authorised booking platform.
- Enter shipment details, including parcel dimensions and destination.
- Choose an eligible service (e.g., Express 24 or Express AM).
- Tick the box for Saturday delivery at checkout.
- Pay the applicable surcharge (£9.00 for non-account users).
- Confirm collection or drop-off depending on your preference.
Important Booking Guidelines
- Parcels should be booked before midday on Friday to qualify for Saturday delivery.
- The destination postcode must support the Saturday delivery service.
- If you are sending from a business account, consult your customer guide for specific cut-off times and service exceptions.
What Happens If Saturday Delivery Is Missed?
Parcelforce allows recipients to rearrange missed deliveries. If a Saturday delivery attempt fails:
- Parcelforce will attempt up to three delivery attempts.
- After three failed attempts, the parcel is returned to the local depot for collection.
- If the customer chooses to have the parcel re-delivered on another Saturday, they must pay a £12.00 rebooking charge.
This request must be made through Parcelforce’s Receiving a Parcel page, after which the local depot will contact the recipient to arrange payment.
Is Saturday Delivery Available in All UK Locations?
No, Saturday delivery is not universally available across the UK. Parcelforce operates a postcode zone system to determine service availability. This is especially relevant for rural, remote, and island locations.
What Are the Postcode Exceptions for Parcelforce Services?
While Parcelforce provides extensive UK-wide coverage, some postcodes in Zones 1, 2, and 3 have limited or no access to time-definite or Saturday delivery services. Below is a summarised list of postcode exceptions, the earliest available service, and their estimated delivery windows.
Parcelforce Zone-Based Service Exceptions:
| Postcode Areas (Sample) | Earliest Service Available | Estimated Delivery Time |
| AB10–16, AB21–25, AB39 2 | Express AM | By 12 noon next working day |
| AB30, AB32, AB41–44 | Express24 | Within 2 working days |
| AB51, AB99 | Express24Large | Within 3 working days |
| DD8–9 | Express AM | By 5:30pm next working day |
| DD10 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| DG1–6 | Express AM | By 12 noon next working day |
| DG7–9 | Express24Large | Within 3 working days |
| EX16–23, EX31–39 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| FK1–7, FK8 1–2 | Express AM | By 12 noon next working day |
| FK8 3, FK15–16 | Express48Large | Within 3 working days |
| G63 0, G63 9 | Express10 | By 10am next working day |
| IV4–9, IV63 | Express48 | Within 2 working days |
| KA19 8 | Express10 | By 10am next working day |
| KA26 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| LD1–8 | Express AM | By 12 noon next working day |
| LL15–78 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| PH8, PH9, PH12, PH15 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| PH10–14 | Express48Large | Within 3 working days |
| PH16 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| PL10–35 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| PO30–41 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| SY7–14, SY22–25 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| TD1–15 | Express10 | By 10am next working day |
| TR1–27 | Express PM | By PM next working day |
| AB31, AB33–38, AB45, AB52–56 | Express24 | Within 2 working days |
| HS1–9 | Express48 | Within 3–4 working days |
| IV1–3 | Express AM | Next working day |
| KW1–3, KW5–14 | Express24 | Within 2 working days |
| KW15–17 | Express48Large | 4–5 working days |
| PA20–78, PA80 | Express48Large | 3–4 working days |
| PH17–50 | Express48Large | 3–4 working days |
| ZE1–3 | Express48Large | 4 working days |
| BT21–82 | Express AM | By 12 noon next working day |
| BT92–94 | Express24 | By close of business |
| IM1–9, IM99 | Express24 | Within 2–3 working days |
| TR21–25 | Express48Large | Up to 5 working days |
Note: This table reflects sample postcodes and their corresponding estimated delivery windows. Exact availability should be confirmed using Parcelforce’s postcode checker or by contacting customer support.
How Are Parcels Handled for Saturday Delivery?
Parcels received at Parcelforce depots on Friday night or Saturday morning are automatically processed and loaded onto delivery vehicles. If the sender has paid for Saturday delivery, the parcel will be dispatched accordingly.
For UK recipients in Zones 1 to 3, deliveries occur within typical operating hours unless an Express AM or time-guaranteed service was selected.
| Delivery Condition | Handling Procedure |
| Paid for Saturday service | Loaded for Saturday delivery (7:00 AM to 2:00 PM) |
| Not paid for Saturday | Held for Monday delivery (excluding bank holidays) |
| Friday night depot intake | Included in Saturday or Monday route depending on payment |
How Does Parcelforce Compare with Other UK Weekend Couriers?
While Parcelforce is a trusted option for Saturday delivery, several other courier companies also provide weekend services. Here’s how they compare:
| Courier | Saturday Delivery | Delivery Window | Additional Notes |
| Parcelforce | Yes | 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM | £9.00 fee for non-account customers |
| Royal Mail | Yes (Special Delivery) | By 1:00 PM | From £11.50 per item |
| DPD | Limited Areas | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Varies by postcode |
| DHL | Yes (Business Only) | Business day service | Account holders only |
| Evri (Hermes) | No | N/A | No Saturday delivery for standard users |
Parcelforce offers strong tracking tools, reliable windows, and the ability to customise services via business accounts, making it a versatile option for many UK customers.
Is Parcelforce Saturday Delivery Worth It?
If your parcel needs to arrive during the weekend, Parcelforce’s Saturday delivery is worth the cost. The additional fee is competitive, and the coverage across the UK, especially in Zone 1 which is generally reliable.
For businesses, it can support:
- Faster customer fulfilment
- Improved customer satisfaction
- Weekend ecommerce operations
For individuals, it’s a great way to ensure gifts, documents, or essentials arrive on time—especially around holidays or important dates.
What Does the Parcelforce Saturday Delivery Schedule Look Like?
| Service Type | Available on Saturday | Time Window | Surcharge |
| Express 24 | Yes | By 1:00 PM | £9.00 |
| Express AM | Yes | By 9:00 AM or 12 PM | £14–£16 |
| Express PM | Limited Postcodes | By end of day | Varies |
| Express 48 | No | Weekday Only | N/A |
Note: Actual availability depends on the destination postcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose Saturday as my guaranteed delivery day with Parcelforce?
Yes, but only if you select the Saturday delivery option when booking. This is available with specific services like Express 24 and Express AM.
How much does Parcelforce charge for Saturday delivery?
Non-account customers pay £9.00 per consignment. Account holders should consult their rate guide. Rebooking a missed delivery costs £12.00.
Is Saturday delivery available in rural areas?
Not always. Remote regions in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and certain islands may not support Saturday delivery. Use the postcode checker on Parcelforce’s website for accurate information.
What time will my parcel arrive on Saturday?
Saturday deliveries are made between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, though Parcelforce does not guarantee specific time slots unless using a timed service.
What should I do if I miss my Saturday delivery?
You can request re-delivery through the Receiving a Parcel section on their website. A £12.00 fee will apply, and your local depot will coordinate the rescheduled delivery.
Will Parcelforce try to deliver my parcel more than once?
Yes, Parcelforce attempts delivery up to three times. After this, the parcel must be collected from the nearest depot.
Can I track my Saturday delivery?
Yes. Parcelforce offers real-time tracking through its website and mobile app. You can also opt-in for SMS and email notifications.
