Whether you're sending your first parcel or you're a high-volume shipper, this guide covers everything you need to know . from choosing the right service to packaging your items and tracking your shipment after it leaves your hands.
How to Send a Parcel in 4 Steps
Get a Quote
Enter your parcel's origin, destination, weight and dimensions on our homepage to see instant pricing across all service levels.
Book & Pay
Select your preferred service, enter sender and recipient details, and complete payment. Your tracking ID is generated instantly.
Print & Package
Print your shipping label, attach it securely to a properly packaged parcel, and you're ready to hand it over.
Drop Off or Book Collection
Bring your parcel to any Swift Express Courier drop-off point or book a doorstep collection . often available same day.
Packaging Your Parcel Correctly
Good packaging protects your items and ensures your shipment doesn't incur additional handling fees or damage claims. Poorly packaged parcels can be rejected at our service centres.
Choosing the Right Box
Use a rigid, clean corrugated cardboard box appropriate for the size of your items. The box should provide 3–5cm of space on all sides for cushioning. Do not reuse boxes that have been crushed, torn, or water damaged . weakened walls are the most common cause of in-transit damage.
Cushioning Your Items
Wrap individual items in bubble wrap, foam wrap, or packing paper. Fragile items should have at minimum 5cm of cushioning on all sides. Fill empty space inside the box completely . a parcel that rattles is a parcel that will be damaged. Crumpled kraft paper, foam peanuts, and air cushions are all effective void fill materials.
Sealing the Box
Apply reinforced packing tape (at least 48mm wide) across all seams including the top, bottom, and all four edges. The "H-tape method" . three strips across the top opening and one strip along each of the four edges . provides maximum strength. Do not use standard sellotape, duct tape, or string, as these fail during transit.
Your Label
Print your Swift Express Courier label in black and white or colour on standard A4 paper. Attach it flat to the largest surface of your parcel using clear packing tape . cover the entire label to protect it from moisture. Make sure no tape crosses the barcode. If possible, also place a copy of the label inside the parcel in case the outer label is damaged.
Important: Do not write on, fold, or crumple your shipping label. A damaged barcode means your parcel cannot be scanned and may be delayed or returned.
What You Can and Cannot Send
Size and Weight Limits
| Service | Max Weight | Max Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard & Express | 30 kg | 120 × 60 × 60 cm |
| International Standard | 30 kg | 120 × 60 × 60 cm |
| International Express | 70 kg | 150 × 80 × 80 cm |
| Freight (on request) | No limit | Flexible . contact us |
Prohibited Items
The following can never be sent through Swift Express Courier under any service or circumstances:
- Explosives, fireworks, flammable liquids and gases
- Illegal drugs and controlled substances
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition
- Human remains, blood, and biological hazards
- Live animals (except specialist services)
- Currency, cash, and negotiable instruments
- Counterfeit goods or illegal reproductions
- Radioactive materials
Restricted Items (declaration required)
- Lithium batteries . strict quantity limits; must be declared
- Aerosols and perfumes . limited on air routes due to flammability
- Medicines and pharmaceuticals . import regulations vary by country
- Food items . perishables require insulated packaging; import restrictions apply internationally
- High-value items . items over £500 in value require enhanced cover declaration
Sending Internationally
Customs Documentation
All international shipments require customs documentation. When you create your shipment online, our platform automatically generates the required commercial invoice and packing list based on the details you provide. It's critical that you describe your items accurately . misdeclaring contents is a customs offence that can result in your parcel being seized and potential legal consequences.
Declared Value
You must declare the true monetary value of the goods inside your parcel. This value is used by customs to calculate any applicable import duties at the destination. Declaring a lower value to reduce duties is illegal. It also means your liability cover will be capped at the declared amount.
HS Codes
For commercial shipments, you'll need to provide Harmonised System (HS) tariff codes for each item . these are international product classification codes used by customs worldwide. Our booking platform has a built-in HS code lookup tool to help you find the correct codes. Personal gifts typically don't require HS codes unless the declared value exceeds your destination country's customs threshold.
After You've Sent Your Parcel
Tracking Your Shipment
Once your parcel is collected or dropped off and scanned, tracking activates. You'll receive a confirmation email with your tracking ID. You can monitor your parcel's progress at any time on our homepage. Share the tracking ID with your recipient so they can also follow the shipment.
Delivery Notifications
Subscribe to email notifications on the tracking page to receive automatic updates when your parcel reaches each milestone. This is especially useful for international shipments where customs clearance adds steps to the process.
If Something Goes Wrong
Contact our support team as soon as you notice a problem . early action gives us the best chance of resolving issues. For delays, provide your tracking ID and expected delivery window. For lost or damaged parcels, follow our claims process: submit within 28 days for loss, within 7 days of delivery for damage. We aim to resolve all claims within 10–15 business days.