Do Couriers Deliver on Sundays?

When you need an urgent package delivered, waiting until Monday can feel like forever. This is where Sunday deliveries come into question. But do couriers actually deliver on Sundays? The answer depends on the courier company, location, and type of service you choose.

In this guide, we’ll explore how Sunday deliveries work, which couriers offer them, the costs involved, and what you should know before booking.

Do Couriers Operate on Sundays?

Traditionally, Sunday has been considered a non-working day for most courier and postal services. However, with the rise of e-commerce, food delivery, and urgent same-day services, many couriers now operate seven days a week.

Some couriers offer full nationwide Sunday delivery, while others provide it only in certain cities or for specific delivery types, such as urgent medical supplies or online retail shipments.

Which Courier Companies Deliver on Sundays?

Here’s a breakdown of popular couriers and their Sunday delivery availability:

Courier Company

Sunday Delivery?

Notes

Royal Mail (UK)

Yes (Special Delivery & Tracked 24 in some areas)

Primarily for urgent parcels and Amazon orders.

DPD

Yes

Offers 7-day parcel delivery for certain retailers and contract customers.

Hermes/Evri

Yes

Delivers parcels 7 days a week in most UK areas.

Amazon Logistics

Yes

Delivers most items 7 days a week, depending on your Prime membership and location.

UPS

Limited

Weekend delivery available for certain services in select areas.

FedEx

Yes (Express Services)

Available for urgent shipments and business deliveries.

DHL Express

Limited

Available in major cities for time-critical shipments.

Benefits of Sunday Deliveries

Sunday courier services bring a range of advantages that go beyond simple convenience. For both businesses and individuals, they can be a game-changer, especially when timing is critical.

  • Faster Delivery Times
    Without Sunday delivery, packages shipped on a Friday may not arrive until Monday or even later in remote areas. A Sunday courier ensures your goods are on the move and in your hands sooner, avoiding the typical weekend delay. This is especially useful for perishable goods, urgent e-commerce orders, and last-minute gifts.

     

  • Better Convenience for Recipients
    Many people are not at home during the week to receive deliveries, which can lead to missed parcels and repeated delivery attempts. Sunday deliveries increase the likelihood that someone will be available to accept the package, reducing frustration and ensuring faster handovers.

     

  • Business Continuity and Customer Satisfaction
    For online retailers, being able to fulfill and deliver orders over the weekend helps maintain a constant sales flow. It also builds a reputation for speed and reliability, which can translate into higher customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

     

  • Urgency Support for Critical Shipments
    In situations involving medical equipment, legal documents, or other time-sensitive shipments, Sunday delivery can make the difference between meeting and missing a deadline. Hospitals, law firms, and emergency service providers often rely on these services to ensure operations run smoothly every day of the week.

Possible Limitations

While Sunday deliveries are undeniably useful, they are not without drawbacks. Before booking, it’s important to understand the potential challenges:

  • Higher Costs
    Weekend courier services are typically considered premium, meaning they often come with an added charge. This is due to higher staffing costs, out-of-hours operations, and reduced delivery volume compared to weekdays.

     

  • Location Restrictions
    Not all areas are covered by Sunday delivery services. While major cities and densely populated towns usually have full access, rural and remote locations may be excluded or only partially served.

     

  • Limited Cut-off Times for Booking
    Most couriers require you to book well in advance—often by Friday afternoon or Saturday morning—for Sunday delivery. Missing the cut-off time means you may have to wait until Monday or later.

     

  • Fewer Service Options Available
    Some delivery types, such as oversized items, hazardous materials, or international shipments, may not be eligible for Sunday delivery. This is often due to logistical limitations and reduced staff availability.

How to Arrange a Sunday Courier Delivery

If you want to ensure your package arrives on a Sunday, planning is key. Here’s how to secure the service:

 

  1. Check Courier Availability in Your Area
    Start by confirming whether the courier offers Sunday deliveries where you live. Most courier websites allow you to check availability by entering your postcode.

  2. Book in Advance to Secure Your Slot
    Because Sunday delivery slots are limited, it’s wise to book early—ideally by Friday or Saturday morning. Same-day booking for Sunday is rare and often comes with high surcharges.

  3. Choose the Right Service Option
    Look for labels such as “Weekend Delivery,” “Sunday Delivery,” “Same Day,” or “Next Day Guaranteed”. These indicate services that include Sunday drop-offs.

  4. Confirm the Delivery Time Window
    Some couriers operate with wide delivery windows on Sundays (e.g., 8 am to 8 pm), while others may offer more precise time slots for an extra fee.

  5. Prepare Your Parcel Properly
    Ensure your package is ready for collection at the scheduled time to avoid delays or failed pickups.

Is Sunday Delivery More Expensive?

In most cases, yes. Sunday courier services are priced higher than weekday deliveries due to additional staffing costs and lower delivery volumes.

Typical price differences:

  • Standard weekday delivery: £8
  • Equivalent Sunday delivery: £10–£15

The exact cost depends on factors such as:

  • Service speed (same-day vs. next-day)
  • Parcel size and weight
  • Delivery distance
  • Courier company’s pricing policy

     

For urgent or business-critical shipments, the extra fee is often worth the time saved and the peace of mind.

Conclusions

So, do couriers deliver on Sundays? Absolutely – though coverage and pricing vary depending on the courier, location, and type of service. If you need something delivered urgently or prefer to receive packages when you’re more likely to be home, Sunday courier services can be a smart solution. Just remember to check availability, book in advance, and be prepared for slightly higher costs.