First and Second Class mail

Great-value options to get your letters and parcels delivered safely and on time

What are the delivery times for First Class?
If I post my First Class item early in the morning, is it guaranteed to get there the next day?
Does the First Class service entitle me to compensation for lost, damaged or delayed items?
How do I make a claim for a lost or damaged item?
How large can it be?
Where can I post a First Class item?
Can I send cash or coins by First Class?

What are the delivery times for First Class?

We aim to deliver most First Class mail by the next working day, including Saturdays. If you're sending mail far away, catch the early morning post so it's more likely to be delivered the next working day.

Back to the top
If I post my First Class item early in the morning, is it guaranteed to get there the next day?

Although we aim to deliver mail the next working day, we cannot guarantee delivery times. We recommend our Special Delivery 9.00am™ service or Special Delivery Next Day™, if you want to guarantee your item arriving the next day.

Back to the top
Does the First Class service entitle me to compensation for lost, damaged or delayed items?

You can claim compensation of up to £41 for lost or damaged items. Remember you'll need a certificate of posting to make a claim. You can also claim for delayed items. Find out more.

Back to the top
How do I make a claim for a lost or damaged item?
Just fill in a P58 form. You can pick this up from your local Post Office®, or by calling your customer service centre on 08457 740740 (calls are charged at local rate). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, contact us on 08456 000606(Textphone).
- claims are processed within 2-4 weeks
- please remember to enclose your certificate of posting with your claim
- once your claim is received, our customer services team may also ask you for any inner or outer packaging
Back to the top
How large can it be?

Mail is now priced depending on size as well as weight, with three distinct size formats: Letter, Large Letter & Packet.
The maximum dimensions for a Letter are 240mm x 165mm and no thicker than 5mm. It must be no heavier than 100g.
The maximum dimensions for a Large Letter are: 353mm x 250mm and no thicker than 25mm. It must be no heavier than 750g.
Any item larger or heavier than these is classed as a Packet, with the maximum dimensions being 610mm x 460mm x 460mm.
There is no weight limit for 1st Class items when sent as a Packet. The maximum weight limit for a 2nd class item is 750g. If a 2nd class item is sent as a Packet the maximum weight limit then becomes 1000g
Cylindrical packets, such as cardboard tubes, have a maximum length of 900mm. However, the length of the tube, plus twice the diameter must also not exceed 1040mm.

Back to the top
Where can I post a First Class item?

At any Post Office® or at any postbox®. You can also have your mail collected from your work place using our Business Collections™ service.
Remember to ask for your free certificate of posting, when you send your item at any Post Office®.

Back to the top
Can I send cash or coins by First Class?

We recommend that you use Special Delivery 9am or Special Delivery Next Day to send cash or coins. For more information read about sending cash.

Back to the top