Royal Mail has a 24/7 alternative for dropping off pre-paid small and medium parcels, eliminating the need to queue at a Post Office. The company says Parcel Postboxes offer a secure, convenient alternative to postboxes, Post Offices and Royal Mail Shops, with locations available around the clock and positioned for quick, easy local drop-offs.
How Parcel Postboxes Work
Royal Mail says that they are "similar to regular Royal Mail Postboxes, but are designed to receive small to medium-sized packages and parcels through larger entry boxes." It further notes that customers can get proof of posting when sending a parcel via any Parcel Postbox. All you need is the Royal Mail app and in just two taps, it’s done, bosses say.
With more than 110,000 postboxes across the UK, Royal Mail says they are ideal for quick, easy local drop-offs for letters and small parcels. So if you want to take advantage of the service and skip the queues, here's what you need to know - and where to find them.
Finding Your Nearest Parcel Postbox
Download the Royal Mail app to find a Parcel Postbox near you or check Services Near You.
Size and Weight Limits
Royal Mail notes that its "Parcel Postboxes accept parcels with maximum dimensions of 45cm (length) x 35cm (width) x 16cm (depth)."
It adds: "These postboxes are designed for smaller items that don't fit in a standard letterbox but are still small enough to be dropped off conveniently. The maximum weight limit for items posted in these boxes is 2kg."
Eligible Services and Restrictions
Parcel Postboxes are only available for pre-paid items. If a customer is sending using a Royal Mail Business Account, they can find details of how to prepare items and where to drop them off here.
If you don't have a barcode, Royal Mail cautions: "Any Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed items or Royal Mail International Tracked Returns without a barcode on the label, must be posted at a Post Office branch and cannot be dropped off at a Parcel Postbox."
Services which can be used are: Tracked 48, Tracked 24 (including with Signature and Age verification service options), 1st Class, 2nd Class, Signed For, International Tracked, International Tracked and Signed, International Tracked Heavier, International Standard, Economy and Tracked Returns.
It tells customers that they will not be able to get a proof of Posting for Special Delivery, nor any letters where stamps have been used. They will provide a validated proof of posting once it is scanned at its mail centre. Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed items must be dropped off at a Post Office branch or a Royal Mail Customer Service Point.
Any parcels that exceed the Parcel Postbox size limits can’t be dropped off either. In addition, any Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed items cannot be dropped off at a Parcel Postbox.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Parcel Postbox
Unsure how to use the Royal Mail Parcel Postbox? Here is what you need to do if you’re sending a letter or small parcel.
Buy postage online (you can do this online or using their app) or purchase a stamp for your letter. Print your label and pop it on, or affix your stamp and write out your address. Use the Royal Mail app to scan your label for proof of posting. Find your nearest postbox, post your item and leave the rest to Royal Mail.
