Which Courier Will Deliver My AliExpress Order in the UK?

Shopping on AliExpress offers UK buyers access to a vast selection of affordable products from around the globe. However, one of the biggest questions for many shoppers is: which courier will deliver my AliExpress order in the UK? Understanding this is crucial because the choice of courier affects not only delivery times but also the reliability of tracking, the likelihood of customs delays, and the overall shopping experience. With multiple delivery partners involved, it can sometimes be confusing to know who will actually handle your parcel once it arrives in the UK.

For UK customers, knowing which courier is responsible for the final delivery helps you track your order accurately and prepare for any potential customs fees or delivery arrangements. Different couriers have different policies regarding delivery notifications, redelivery attempts, and parcel collection. Being aware of these details ensures you don’t miss your package and can quickly resolve any delivery issues. This guide will help you understand which couriers AliExpress typically uses in the UK and what you can expect when your order is on its way.

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Which Courier Will Deliver My AliExpress Order in UK?

Who Delivers AliExpress Packages in the UK?

AliExpress works with a variety of couriers and logistics partners to deliver packages in the UK. The final delivery courier depends on several factors, including the shipping method selected by the seller, the warehouse location, and the value or size of your order. In most cases, AliExpress packages in the UK are delivered by one of the following couriers:

Aliexpress orders delivered to the UK are typically handled by local couriers such as Royal Mail, Hermes (Evri), or Parcelforce, depending on the shipping method and final mile delivery arrangements.

  • Royal Mail – The most common final-mile delivery partner for standard and economy AliExpress shipments.
  • Evri (formerly Hermes) – Frequently used for larger parcels or specific tracked shipping options.
  • DHL – Generally used for express or premium shipping methods.
  • Parcelforce – Sometimes handles larger or higher-value packages.
  • Yodel – Occasionally used for certain tracked services.

AliExpress’s logistics system will usually hand over your parcel to a local UK courier once it clears customs, with Royal Mail being the most frequent choice for small parcels.

Is AliExpress Delivered by Royal Mail?

Royal Mail is the primary delivery partner for most AliExpress standard shipping and AliExpress Saver Shipping orders in the UK. When your parcel arrives in the UK, it typically passes through customs and is then handed over to Royal Mail for final delivery to your address.

How it works:

  • You order from AliExpress and select a standard or economy shipping method.
  • The parcel is shipped from China or another warehouse and arrives in the UK.
  • Once customs clearance is completed, Royal Mail takes over and delivers to your door or local post office.

For most buyers, Royal Mail tracking becomes available once your parcel is in the UK. You can use the Royal Mail website to track your package with the local tracking number provided by AliExpress.

Does Evri Deliver for AliExpress?

Evri (formerly Hermes) is increasingly used as a final-mile courier for AliExpress deliveries in the UK, especially for larger parcels, certain tracked shipping options, or when sellers use specific logistics partners.

When does Evri deliver AliExpress parcels?

  • If your AliExpress seller selects a shipping method that partners with Evri for UK delivery.
  • For parcels that are too large or heavy for Royal Mail.
  • When a tracked service is chosen that uses Evri as the UK carrier.

Evri tracking becomes available once your parcel is handed over to them. You can use the Evri website to track the progress of your AliExpress order in the UK.

What Carrier Does AliExpress Use for UK Deliveries?

AliExpress uses a network of global and local couriers, depending on the shipping method you select. The main carriers for AliExpress UK deliveries include:

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping – Often delivered by Royal Mail in the UK.
  • AliExpress Premium Shipping – May use DHL, Parcelforce, or DPD for faster delivery.
  • AliExpress Saver Shipping – Usually handed over to Royal Mail for final delivery.
  • Cainiao (AliExpress’s logistics arm) – Handles the international leg and then partners with Royal Mail, Evri, or other local couriers for final delivery.
  • DHL Express – Used for express shipping; DHL handles both international and UK delivery.

The exact courier may vary depending on your location, the seller’s warehouse, and the shipping service selected at checkout.

AliExpress Standard Shipping Partner in the UK

Who is AliExpress’s standard shipping partner? For UK buyers, AliExpress Standard Shipping is typically handled by Cainiao for the international segment, and then by Royal Mail for the domestic UK delivery. This is the default and most popular shipping method for orders under £135, as it is affordable and includes basic tracking.

Process:

  1. Seller ships your order via AliExpress Standard Shipping.
  2. Cainiao transports the parcel from the warehouse to the UK.
  3. After customs clearance, Royal Mail delivers the parcel to your address.

If your order is larger or the seller uses a different logistics partner, you may see Evri or Yodel as the final-mile courier.

How Do I Track My AliExpress UK Delivery?

AliExpress Shipping to UK tracking is straightforward if you know where to look. Each shipping method provides a tracking number, which you can use on AliExpress, the courier’s website, or third-party tracking platforms.

Steps to track your AliExpress order in the UK:

  1. Go to your AliExpress account and view your order details to find the tracking number.
  2. Check the tracking updates on the AliExpress website or app.
  3. Once your parcel arrives in the UK, use the local tracking number on the courier’s website:
  4. If you cannot find updates, try global tracking sites like 17track.net or parcelsapp.com.

Tip: Once your parcel is in the UK, tracking updates are usually more frequent and accurate.

Which Courier Will Deliver My AliExpress Order in UK Post?

Royal Mail is the most common UK postal service for AliExpress orders, especially for items sent via AliExpress Standard Shipping or AliExpress Saver Shipping. Your package will typically arrive with your regular post or at your local Royal Mail delivery office.

How to know if Royal Mail will deliver your order:

  • If your tracking number is a 13-character code ending in “GB” or “CN”, it’s likely handled by Royal Mail.
  • If your AliExpress order shows “Handed over to local carrier” in the tracking, expect Royal Mail to deliver.
  • Check for Royal Mail tracking updates once the parcel is in the UK.

For larger or tracked parcels, Evri or DHL may deliver instead.

Which Courier Will Deliver My AliExpress Order in UK After Customs?

After customs clearance, your AliExpress order is handed over to a local courier for final delivery. In the UK, the most common couriers are:

  • Royal Mail – For most small and standard parcels.
  • Evri – For larger or tracked shipments.
  • DHL – For express or premium deliveries.
  • Parcelforce – Occasionally for high-value or oversized items.

The tracking information will update to show which courier is handling your delivery after customs.

A person holding a smartphone displays the AliExpress app, with parcel delivery icons and UK landmarks like Big Ben in the background, illustrating the process of tracking an online order's courier delivery in the UK.

AliExpress Delivery to UK Time: How Long Does It Take?

AliExpress delivery times to the UK can vary depending on shipping method, customs processing, and the courier used for final delivery. Here’s what UK buyers can typically expect:

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping: 10–20 working days (average).
  • AliExpress Saver Shipping: 15–30 working days.
  • AliExpress Premium Shipping / DHL Express: 5–10 working days.

Customs processing in the UK can add a few days, especially if your parcel is selected for inspection or if you need to pay VAT/import duties. Once the parcel clears customs, Royal Mail or the relevant courier will deliver within 1–3 working days.

Tip: During busy shopping seasons (like Black Friday or Christmas), delivery times may be longer.

Who Delivers AliExpress Parcels in the UK?

Who delivers AliExpress parcels in the UK? The answer depends on the shipping method and parcel size:

  • Royal Mail: Most common, especially for standard and small parcels.
  • Evri: Used for tracked, larger, or heavier packages.
  • DHL: For express shipping options.
  • Yodel and Parcelforce: Occasionally used for specific logistics arrangements.

Check your tracking information to see which courier is handling your order once it’s in the UK.

AliExpress Shipping to UK Tracking: What You Need to Know

AliExpress Shipping to UK tracking is available for most parcels, but the process can be confusing because tracking numbers often change when the parcel enters the UK.

How to track your order:

  1. Find your tracking number in your AliExpress order details.
  2. Track your parcel on AliExpress, then switch to the UK courier’s website once the parcel arrives in the UK.
  3. If the tracking number changes, AliExpress will usually update your order with the new local tracking code.

A smartphone screen displays the AliExpress app with a shopping cart icon, while a delivery van marked with a UK flag is shown in the background, illustrating the process of online order delivery in the UK.

Useful tracking sites:

If your parcel seems delayed, check with the UK courier using the local tracking number, or contact AliExpress customer service for help.

AliExpress Buyer Protection and Delivery Issues in the UK

AliExpress Buyer Protection covers UK buyers if your parcel is lost, delayed, or not delivered as described. If your order status is stuck or your tracking information hasn’t updated for several days, you can:

  • Open a dispute on AliExpress for a refund or reshipment.
  • Contact the seller directly through the AliExpress messaging system.
  • Check with the local courier (Royal Mail, Evri, DHL) using the tracking number provided.

Always check your delivery address and ensure your contact details are correct to avoid delivery issues.

Customs, VAT, and Import Duties for AliExpress Orders in the UK

UK customs regulations changed after Brexit. Now, for most AliExpress orders under £135, VAT is collected at checkout, so you should not face extra charges upon delivery. For orders over £135, you may need to pay VAT and import duties before your parcel is released by customs.

What to expect:

  • For orders under £135: VAT paid upfront, no extra charges from Royal Mail or other couriers.
  • For orders over £135: You may receive a customs invoice from Royal Mail, Parcelforce, or DHL before delivery.
  • Customs processing may add a few days to your delivery time.

Tip: Use the tracking information to monitor your parcel’s progress through customs.

How to Choose the Best Shipping Method on AliExpress for UK Buyers

Choosing the right shipping method can affect which courier delivers your order and how quickly it arrives.

Shipping options for UK buyers:

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping: Reliable, affordable, and usually delivered by Royal Mail.
  • AliExpress Saver Shipping: Cheapest, but slower and less tracking detail.
  • AliExpress Premium Shipping: Faster, often delivered by DHL or Parcelforce.
  • DHL Express: Fastest, but more expensive and may incur customs handling fees.

Check seller ratings and reviews to ensure they use reliable shipping partners.

Common Issues with AliExpress Delivery in the UK and How to Resolve Them

Common delivery issues for UK buyers include delayed parcels, missing tracking updates, or parcels held by customs. Here’s how to address them:

  • Delayed delivery: Wait a few extra days, then check tracking with the local courier.
  • No tracking updates: Use the global tracking number on 17track.net or contact the seller for a local tracking code.
  • Parcel held by customs: Look for a notification from Royal Mail, DHL, or Parcelforce regarding VAT or import duty payment.
  • Parcel marked as delivered but not received: Check with neighbours and your local delivery office, then open a dispute if necessary.

AliExpress Buyer Protection allows you to open a dispute if your parcel is not delivered within the estimated time.

FAQs: AliExpress Delivery and Couriers in the UK

  • Who delivers AliExpress packages in the UK? – Usually Royal Mail for standard shipping, Evri for tracked or larger parcels, and DHL for express deliveries.
  • Is AliExpress delivered by Royal Mail? – Yes, most standard and small parcels are delivered by Royal Mail.
  • Does Evri deliver for AliExpress? – Yes, for certain tracked or larger orders.
  • What carrier does AliExpress use? – AliExpress partners with Cainiao, Royal Mail, Evri, DHL, Parcelforce, and Yodel for UK deliveries.
  • How do I track my AliExpress UK delivery? – Use the tracking number on AliExpress, then switch to the local courier’s website once in the UK.
  • Who is AliExpress’s standard shipping partner? – Cainiao internationally, Royal Mail domestically in the UK.
  • Which courier will deliver my AliExpress order in UK post/after customs? – Most often Royal Mail, but sometimes Evri, DHL, or Parcelforce.

FAQ: Which Courier Will Deliver My AliExpress Order in the UK?

Which couriers typically deliver AliExpress orders in the UK?

Most AliExpress orders shipped to the UK are delivered by major local couriers such as Royal Mail, Hermes (Evri), Yodel, DPD, and Parcelforce. The initial part of the journey is handled by international carriers (e.g., Cainiao, China Post, Singapore Post), but once your parcel arrives in the UK, it is handed over to a local courier for final delivery. The specific courier depends on the shipping method selected by the seller and the delivery partner AliExpress uses for your order.

How can I find out which courier will deliver my AliExpress parcel?

You can usually track your AliExpress order using the tracking number provided in your order details. As the parcel enters the UK, the tracking information is often updated with the name of the local courier (e.g., Royal Mail or Evri). If you’re unsure, contact the seller for clarification or check the tracking website for more details.

Why does my tracking show different courier names?

It’s common for international parcels to be handled by multiple couriers. The package may start with a courier in China (like Cainiao or China Post) and then be transferred to a UK courier (such as Royal Mail or Yodel) for final delivery. This process is called a “handover,” and it often results in different tracking numbers and courier names appearing in your tracking updates.

Will I have to pay customs or handling fees to the courier?

Some AliExpress orders shipped to the UK may incur customs duties or VAT, especially for orders over £135. If fees are due, the local courier (like Royal Mail or Parcelforce) will contact you for payment before delivery. They may also charge a handling fee. For more information on customs charges, visit the official UK government website.

Can I choose which courier delivers my AliExpress order?

Generally, AliExpress buyers cannot select the final UK courier. The choice of courier depends on the shipping method chosen by the seller and AliExpress’s logistics partners. If you want a specific delivery service, look for sellers offering premium shipping options like AliExpress Standard Shipping or DHL Express, though these may cost more.

What should I do if my parcel is delayed with the UK courier?

If your AliExpress parcel is delayed after arriving in the UK, use the tracking number to check the local courier’s website for updates. Common reasons for delays include customs processing, high parcel volumes, or incorrect address details. If the tracking hasn’t updated for several days, contact the UK courier directly or open a dispute on AliExpress for assistance.

How do I track my AliExpress order once it’s in the UK?

Once your parcel is handed over to a UK courier, the tracking number may change to a local format. You can use this number on the courier’s website (e.g., Royal Mail or Evri) for detailed updates. AliExpress tracking will often display the new number and courier. If you’re having trouble, ask the seller for the local tracking number or use a third-party tracking service.

Are there any restrictions on items delivered by UK couriers?

Yes, UK couriers have restrictions on certain items such as batteries, liquids, and prohibited goods. If your AliExpress order contains restricted items, it may be delayed, returned, or confiscated by customs or the courier. Always check the latest regulations for imports into the UK on the UK government website before purchasing sensitive items.

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