A little preparation can help keep your parcels moving and your customers informed during the busy shopping season. Here are some tips to prepare for peak demand and the Christmas and New Year period.

1. Check Christmas sending and operating dates - Review our 2026/27 Christmas and New Year delivery schedule and sending cut-off dates. Send early where possible, and allow time for processing and packing orders when setting your own customer order deadlines.
2. Tell us when your business is closing - Complete our Christmas Close form to let us know when your business will be closed and when courier services should restart.
3. Check addresses and label parcels clearly - Ensure your addresses are validated, and details are included on package labelling as much as possible, allowing for swift and accurate delivery the first time.
4. Package your items securely - Follow our packaging guidelines, including weight and size guidelines for all your parcels, to allow for safer and faster processing of your parcels through our network.
5. Keep multi-parcel consignments manageable - During peak periods, we recommend limiting each consignment to a maximum of 10 parcels to help reduce bottlenecks at the delivery end.
6. Stay up to date with network conditions - Our Network Status Dashboard puts you in the driver's seat by setting expectations with your customers if network pressures occur. Bookmark our Dashboard and Delivery Updates pages to stay up to date.