How to deliver cargo to the UK: Overview of the top 3 courier services (FedEx, DHL, UPS)

Parcel delivery from Ukraine to the United Kingdom has become more complicated after Brexit — now every international shipment requires customs clearance and precise documentation. Due to the new regulations, many parcels are delayed or returned, so choosing the right courier service directly affects the success of the delivery.

This article compares the three most popular courier services — FedEx, DHL, and UPS — which are most commonly used for shipping personal items, gifts, electronics, clothing, and commercial cargo to the UK. To ensure an objective review, we analyzed real customer feedback from trusted sources such as Reddit, Trustpilot, specialized forums, and logistics communities. No marketing slogans — only practical insights based on the daily experiences of Ukrainian shippers.

Customs clearance: which service to choose

After the UK’s exit from the EU, all shipments from Ukraine go through customs, even personal items and gifts. Errors in documents or labeling can lead to delays, fines, or returns. That’s why it’s important to choose a service that not only delivers but also helps with customs clearance.

DHL has a well-established customs clearance system that works smoothly and efficiently. Most processes are automated, and documents are checked before the parcel even reaches customs. Clients rarely need to correct or resend anything — DHL often handles everything “turnkey,” saving time and nerves.

“DHL doesn’t require unnecessary formalities where others might delay shipments, and therefore often delivers faster thanks to smooth customs clearance.” – [Reddit]

FedEx, on the other hand, is often criticized for customs delays. Users report that the company sometimes blames customs authorities when delays are actually caused by its own internal processes.

“FedEx marks the status as ‘held at customs,’ while in reality the parcel hadn’t even been submitted to customs on time.” – [Reddit]

UPS successfully clears UK customs, provided the sender’s documents are correctly completed.

Delivery speed from Ukraine to the UK: promises vs real experience

For most clients, delivery speed is the deciding factor — especially when it comes to gifts, documents, or urgent orders. However, the stated timelines (5–6 business days) often don’t match real experience, particularly after customs checks were introduced between Ukraine and the UK.

DHL Express is renowned for delivering international shipments within 3–6 days worldwide. Most users confirm this reputation.

“DHL Express has never let me down when sending documents or parcels to the UK.” – [Reddit]

FedEx offers expedited delivery, sometimes managing to bring a parcel to England in just 4 days. According to user reviews, actual timelines often match the promised ones — even with customs clearance included. This is especially true for shipments via FedEx International Priority, which ensures quick border crossing and minimal delays at sorting hubs.

“For those wondering how fast FedEx delivers to the EU (specifically to the Czech Republic) — including customs clearance, it took only 5 days. I’m very satisfied!” “Yes, mine was also very fast: 4 days to the UK.” – [Reddit]

According to reviews, UPS is close to DHL in terms of speed, making it a highly competitive option.

“The purchase arrived earlier than expected, with a one-hour delivery window — very convenient.” – [Reddit]

Reliability and customer feedback: who is trusted?

Reliability is not only about timing but also the assurance that the parcel won’t get lost along the way. According to reviews, DHL and UPS rarely lose shipments, respond promptly to requests, and provide full tracking information. FedEx receives more complaints — particularly about lost tracking or missing parcels after arriving in the UK. In some cases, clients had to resolve issues themselves with local contractors.

DHL Express UK holds a solid rating of 3.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot. 65% of clients gave it the highest score, praising reliable delivery, on-time performance, and convenient tracking.

“They deliver when promised, with detailed tracking, and couriers are polite and professional.” – [Trustpilot]

FedEx UK lags far behind with a rating of 1.2 out of 5. Complaints mainly relate to deliveries for private individuals, while in the B2B segment FedEx maintains a reputation as a specialist in complex shipments.

“The courier took my parcel and forged my signature, the company did nothing.” – [Trustpilot]

Many shippers consider UPS one of the most reliable delivery options to the UK, thanks to its accuracy and consistent service quality.

GlobalPost — a reliable partner for delivery to the UK via DHL, FedEx, UPS and other carriers

We choose the optimal delivery option according to your needs: considering timing, budget, cargo type, and destination country. Thanks to long-term cooperation with international carriers and stable shipment volumes, GlobalPost has access to corporate terms and discounted rates. That’s why we can offer favorable prices for regular clients and bulk shipments. We support every stage of the delivery process:

• We calculate cost and timelines — or you can do it yourself using our online delivery calculator;
• We select a carrier that works effectively on the Ukraine–UK route;
• We help with documents and logistics nuances.

Among our clients:

• Businesses entering the UK market — we offer full logistics support;
• Private individuals sending personal items or documents — we handle delivery according to regulations;
• Small brands and online entrepreneurs — we assist with test export shipments.

GlobalPost is more than just transportation. We guarantee quality, responsibility, and transparent conditions. That’s why our clients recommend us — and return with new shipments.

Need a consultation? Contact us — we are open to dialogue and will help choose the best solution without imposing services.

How to choose the best service: our recommendations

Choosing a courier service depends on the type of shipment, business priorities, and recipient expectations. Here are practical recommendations based on reviews and each carrier’s specifics:

• Small parcels (personal items, gifts): If affordable pricing and recipient convenience are important, choose FedEx — a good option for non-urgent shipments. If the parcel is urgent or contains valuable items, it’s better to use DHL Express, which provides fast delivery and full tracking.
• Large or heavy cargo (equipment, furniture, appliances): DHL and FedEx are the most optimal options. DHL offers stable logistics and convenient customs support, while FedEx is suitable for non-standard or specialized B2B shipments.
• Commercial shipments (e-commerce, samples, regular deliveries): For systematic work with UK clients, DHL remains a universal choice for businesses with high timing requirements. FedEx is more appropriate for complex, non-standard cargo or shipments requiring strict documentation.
• Documents and valuable correspondence: For important documents such as contracts, agreements, or passports — DHL Express is definitely the best choice. It’s the most stable option in terms of timing and delivery control.

Choose DHL if reliability, speed, and predictability are critical for you. Choose UPS if you work in e-commerce and need high-quality service for the end customer. Choose FedEx if you have experience in international shipping and send large or complex B2B shipments that require a special approach.

Conclusion

Each carrier has its advantages — and the right choice depends on your priorities. FedEx is the fastest but requires precise documentation. DHL is a universal option with reliable service and predictable delivery times. UPS is a convenient choice for e-commerce and standard parcels, offering strong last-mile service.

GlobalPost helps you choose the best service for your needs — taking into account urgency, budget, and shipment type. We support every delivery from Ukraine to the UK — from documentation to final delivery.