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Royal Mail 1st Class
Couriers
Royal Mail First Class is not a tracked service. It aims to deliver next working day (including Saturdays), but it does not include real-time tracking. You can check online to see if your mail has been delivered only if you've added services such as Signed For, Tracked 24, Tracked 48, or Special Delivery.
What is Royal Mail First Class?
Royal Mail First Class is a domestic mailing choice in the UK for letters, large letters, and parcels up to 20 kg. It’s designed for faster delivery than Second Class and includes basic compensation cover up to £20 per item. You can post online or at a Post Office, or order a collection from your home or workplace
How long does Royal Mail First Class take?
The goal is to deliver First Class mail by the next working day (Monday–Saturday). However, Ofcom has recently lowered the target from 93% to 90%. A backup standard requires that 99% of items be delivered no more than two days late.
Can you track Royal Mail First Class?
Only if you've added a paid option:
- Signed For 1st Class: Includes online delivery confirmation and signature on delivery. Next-day aim. Cover up to £20.
- Tracked 24 and 48: Offers full tracking, photo on delivery, email/SMS updates, and higher compensation (up to £150). You'll need to choose and pay for these options.
- Special Delivery Guaranteed: Highest level of cover and guaranteed delivery by 9 am or 1 pm next working day. Includes full tracking and insured cover up to £750.
Royal Mail has formally asked Ofcom to allow tracking by default on all First and Second Class mail, arguing that current rules are outdated.
Size and weight limits
| Type of item | Weight limit | Max dimensions (L × W × D) |
|---|---|---|
| Letter (e.g. personal letters, postcards) | Up to 100 g | 24 cm × 16.5 cm × 0.5 cm |
| Large Letter (e.g. magazines, CDs) | Up to 750 g | 35.3 cm × 25 cm × 2.5 cm |
| Small Parcel | Up to 2 kg | 45 cm × 35 cm × 16 cm |
| Medium Parcel | Up to 20 kg | 61 cm × 46 cm × 46 cm |
| Tubes and Rolls | Up to 2 kg | Length + 2×diameter < 104 cm; longest side < 90 cm |
Current prices (from April 2025)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Letter (up to 100 g) | £1.70 |
| Large Letter (up to 750 g) | £3.15 |
| Small Parcel (up to 2 kg) | £4.99 |
| Medium Parcel (up to 20 kg) | £7.99 |
Prices are VAT‑free and were updated as of April 2025.
Limitations and when to choose a tracked option
- Unless you add a tracked service, Royal Mail First Class cannot be tracked beyond basic delivery confirmation.
- Delivery aims have changed: of 100 items, 90 should arrive next day; most of the rest should arrive within two days.
- These changes follow new Ofcom rules effective from 28 July 2025: Second Class letter deliveries will move to alternate weekdays.
- Royal Mail is testing new high-tech postboxes with barcode scanners and parcel hatches to support more efficient posting and proof of postage.
How to post with First Class
Ensure your item meets weight and size limits, attach the correct postage, and then drop off at any Post Office branch or Royal Mail postbox. You can also buy postage online and schedule a collection.
Summary at a glance
- Delivery aim: Next working day, including Saturdays (90% target). Late deliveries are covered by a 99% backstop within two days.
- Tracking: Not included unless you select Signed For, Tracked 24/48, or Special Delivery.
- Best for: Sending letters or light parcels that don’t need end‑to‑end tracking.
- Choose tracked options when: You want delivery notifications, photo proof, or higher compensation coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I track a Royal Mail First Class letter?
Standard First Class mail doesn’t include tracking. You’ll only get delivery confirmation if you add a service like Signed For, Tracked 24, or Special Delivery when posting.
How long does Royal Mail First Class take to deliver?
The goal is to deliver by the next working day, including Saturdays. Royal Mail currently targets 90% on-time delivery, with most delays resolved within two days.
Is Royal Mail First Class suitable for important items?
For important documents or parcels, it's safer to choose a tracked service like Special Delivery or Tracked 24. These include tracking and higher compensation coverage.
What’s the compensation cover for First Class?
Royal Mail First Class includes standard compensation up to £20. If your item is more valuable, consider adding extra cover with a tracked or signed-for option.
Where can I send Royal Mail First Class items?
You can send First Class mail by dropping it at a Royal Mail postbox, visiting a Post Office branch, or booking a collection online from your address.
Are Royal Mail First Class prices VAT-inclusive?
No, prices listed for Royal Mail First Class are VAT-exempt. The listed amounts are the full cost for standard service as of the latest pricing update.
