How to Send a Parcel with DX

How to Send a Parcel with DX in 2026 — Complete Guide

Once you have sent your parcel with DX, use the DX tracking tool at the top of this page to monitor its progress from collection through to delivery. This guide covers everything you need to know about sending a parcel with DX in 2026 — whether you are an individual sending a single item, a small business booking through a third-party platform, or a business account holder using DX Despatch Manager directly. It covers size and weight limits, packaging requirements, how to get a label without a printer, which booking platform to use, and what happens if DX cannot collect.

Can Anyone Send a Parcel with DX?

DX operates primarily as a business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) courier. There are 2 routes for sending a parcel with DX in 2026 depending on your sender type:

Business senders with a DX account access DX directly through DX Despatch Manager at despatch.dxdelivery.com. A DX business account gives you access to the full range of DX services — Express, Freight, Secure, SameDay — with direct billing and volume pricing. To open a DX business account, contact saleshelpdesk@dxdelivery.com.

Individual senders and small businesses without a DX account send parcels with DX through third-party booking platforms — Transglobal Express, Parcel2Go, Interparcel, Parcel Monkey, and similar services. These platforms have commercial agreements with DX that allow them to offer DX services to the public, often at discounted rates compared to standard DX pricing.

The step-by-step guide below covers both routes. If you are an individual or occasional sender, start from Step 2 of the third-party platform route. If you are a regular business sender, the DX Despatch Manager section covers your specific workflow.

DX Parcel Size and Weight Limits 2026

Before booking, confirm your parcel falls within DX’s accepted limits. There are 2 DX services with different limits depending on what you are sending.

DX Express — Standard Parcel Limits

DX Express accepts parcels up to a maximum weight of 25 kg (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater), a maximum length of 200 cm, and a maximum of 10 pieces per shipment.

Measurement	DX Express Limit
Maximum weight	25 kg (actual or volumetric)
Maximum length	200 cm (2 metres)
Maximum pieces	10 per shipment
Volumetric divisor	5,000

How to calculate volumetric weight: Volumetric weight = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) ÷ 5,000

If your calculated volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight of the item, DX charges based on the volumetric weight. Always calculate both and use whichever is higher when checking if your parcel falls within the 25 kg limit.

DX Freight — Large and Heavy Item Limits

DX Freight handles items that exceed DX Express limits — including items over 25 kg, over 2 metres in length, irregular dimensions, and awkward shapes. DX Freight is designed to handle large and heavy items that are too large or heavy for standard courier services, offering a next-day delivery service across most of the UK.

DX Freight’s 1-Man service handles items up to 50 kg and up to 6 metres in length. For items beyond these specifications, contact DX directly to confirm suitability.

How to Send a Parcel with DX — Step by Step

There are 2 routes for sending a parcel with DX. Choose your route below based on whether you have a DX business account or are using a third-party platform.

Route 1: Sending via a Third-Party Booking Platform (Individuals and Small Businesses)

There are 5 steps to send a parcel with DX through a booking platform:

Step 1: Choose your booking platform Go to one of the DX-compatible booking platforms — Transglobal Express (transglobalexpress.co.uk), Parcel2Go (parcel2go.com), Interparcel (interparcel.com), or Parcel Monkey (parcelmonkey.co.uk). All of these offer DX Express and, in most cases, DX Freight services at competitive rates. The platform comparison table later in this guide helps you choose the right one.
Step 2: Get a quote Enter your parcel’s dimensions, weight, collection postcode, and delivery postcode. The platform calculates the volumetric weight alongside the actual weight and applies the higher of the two. Select DX Express for standard parcels up to 25 kg or DX Freight for larger or heavier items.
Step 3: Enter delivery details and pay Enter the sender and recipient details — full names, addresses, and postcodes. Pay for the service online. You will receive a booking confirmation by email with your DX tracking reference.
Step 4: Prepare your parcel and label Print the label from the booking confirmation email and affix it securely to the outside of your parcel. If you do not have a printer, some platforms including Interparcel offer a labelless option where the DX driver brings a barcoded label at the point of collection — confirm this option at the time of booking.
Step 5: Arrange drop-off or await collection Either drop your parcel off at a DX depot, a DPD drop-off point, or a UPS Access Point — or wait for the booked collection from your address. If using a non-DX collection service, add one working day to the estimated transit time to allow for overnight delivery to the DX depot.

After sending: Track your parcel using the DX tracker at the top of this page with the tracking reference from your booking confirmation.

Route 2: Sending Direct via DX Despatch Manager

There are 4 steps for business account holders using DX Despatch Manager:

Step 1: Log in to DX Despatch Manager Go to despatch.dxdelivery.com and log in with your DX business account credentials. If you do not have an account, contact saleshelpdesk@dxdelivery.com to open one.
Step 2: Create your shipment Enter the sender and recipient addresses, parcel weight and dimensions, and select the DX service — Express Standard, Express Secure, Freight 1-Man, Freight 2-Man, or SameDay. The system calculates the service price based on your account rate.
Step 3: Print your label Print the label directly from DX Despatch Manager. Affix it securely to the largest flat face of your parcel. For multiple pieces in one shipment, each piece requires its own DX label linked to the master shipment reference.
Step 4: Book collection and hand over Collections run between 9 AM and 5:30 PM. In some areas of London, North West England, and the East Midlands, DX will collect parcels themselves. Outside these areas, collection is arranged through Transglobal Express or you can drop off at a DX depot.

How to Book DX as a Business — DX Despatch Manager

DX Despatch Manager is the official online business portal for DX account holders. DX Despatch Manager is a fast, modern application that lets you despatch and track DX Express services securely and easily.

Key features of DX Despatch Manager in 2026:

Book and manage all DX Express consignments from one dashboard
Print shipping labels directly from the portal
Track all outbound consignments in real time
Access electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) for all completed shipments
Manage collections and review despatch history
Integrate with ShipStation and other ecommerce platforms for bulk label creation

For DX Freight consignments, a separate DX Freight Customer Portal handles 1-Man and 2-Man job entry and tracking, accessible through dxdelivery.com/your-dx. An early collection booking system is also available through the same portal for Freight customers needing flexible pickup timing.

If you experience technical issues with DX Despatch Manager — label printing errors, login problems, or software faults — DX provides live IT assistance through the Your DX section at dxdelivery.com/your-dx.

To open a DX business account: Email saleshelpdesk@dxdelivery.com for UK accounts or dublinsales@dxdelivery.com for Republic of Ireland accounts.

Booking Platforms for Sending with DX in 2026

There are 4 main third-party platforms for booking DX parcel delivery in 2026. Each has slightly different pricing, drop-off options, and service availability.

Platform	DX Services Available	Drop-Off Options	Label Needed?	Best For
Transglobal Express	DX Express, DX Freight	DX depots (Feltham, Bromborough), DPD, UPS Access Points	Yes	Regular senders wanting DX direct
Parcel2Go	DX Express, DX 48, DX Freight	Collection or drop-off via platform	Yes	Occasional senders comparing prices
Interparcel	DX Express, DX Economy, DX Freight	Collection or drop-off	No (labelless available)	Senders without a printer
Parcel Monkey	DX Express, DX Freight	Collection or drop-off	Yes	Businesses wanting discounted rates

So, Interparcel is the best platform if you do not have a printer available — the labelless option means DX brings the barcoded label at collection, removing the need for printing. Transglobal Express is the strongest option for regular business senders who want to ship directly through DX’s network with the full range of DX services.

For the DX service booked through Transglobal Express, parcels are shipped from DX depots in Feltham, London, and Bromborough, Wirral. You can drop your parcel off at the depots or opt for a door-to-door service by booking a collection.

DX Drop-Off Options — How to Get Your Parcel to DX

There are 3 ways to get your parcel into the DX network in 2026, depending on your location and booking platform.

Option 1: Drop Off at a DX Depot

Drop your labelled parcel directly at a DX depot that accepts customer drop-offs. The primary DX Express drop-off depots for third-party bookings via Transglobal Express are:

Feltham, London — serving Greater London and the South East
Bromborough, Wirral — serving the North West, Midlands, and beyond

For other DX depot locations, use the depot finder at dxdelivery.com/depot-network with your postcode. Not all DX depots accept walk-in customer drop-offs — always confirm before travelling.

Option 2: Drop Off at a DPD or UPS Access Point

You can also drop off at one of hundreds of DPD drop-off or UPS Access Point locations nationwide. These are typically newsagents, convenience stores, and parcel collection shops — far more accessible than a DX depot for most senders. When booking through Transglobal Express or other compatible platforms, these drop-off options are shown at checkout. Note that if you use a non-DX drop-off point, add one working day to your estimated transit time for overnight delivery to the DX depot.

Option 3: Book a Home or Business Collection

Arrange a DX collection from your front door or business address. DX collects directly from addresses in some areas — specifically parts of London, North West England, and the East Midlands. Outside these zones, collection is arranged through Transglobal Express or a partner carrier, which then delivers your parcel overnight to a DX depot before it enters the DX network.

Booking a DX courier service through a platform is quick and easy — simply get a quote and select the DX service you want to ship with. Collections from your door are typically available Monday to Friday during standard working hours.

DX Parcel Packaging Requirements

DX’s official packaging guidelines make clear that it is your responsibility as the sender to package your parcel correctly. If the item is not correctly packaged the driver may refuse to collect, and if the contents are not protected adequately any claim will be invalidated if damage occurs in transit. Moreover, you could be liable for damage to other customers’ items if damage is caused to them.

There are 5 key packaging rules for sending a parcel with DX:

Choose the right size box. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse; overloaded ones may burst. Your box should hold the item snugly with enough room for inner cushioning without leaving excessive empty space.
Use double-walled cardboard for heavy items. All items must be fully encased in cardboard as the exterior packaging. Using sturdy, double-walled cardboard boxes is strongly recommended for heavier shipments. Single-walled boxes are suitable for light items up to approximately 5 kg. For anything heavier, use double-walled.
Protect the contents with inner cushioning. Inside the box, your item should be suitably protected with bubble wrap, foam inserts, or packaging peanuts to prevent movement and potential damage during transit. The item should not be able to shift inside the box when shaken.
Seal all edges with strong parcel tape. Use at least 50 mm (2 inch) brown parcel tape on all seams, edges, and joins. Do not use masking tape, string, or thin clear tape — these are not strong enough for parcel transit.
Remove or cover old labels. If you are reusing a box, remove or completely cover all old barcodes, addresses, and labels before affixing your DX label. Old barcodes can confuse scanners and send your parcel to the wrong depot.

DX Labels — What You Need to Know

A DX label is generated at the time of booking — either through DX Despatch Manager for business accounts or through your booking platform for third-party bookings.

There are 3 label formats depending on how you book:

Printed label from DX Despatch Manager. Business account holders print labels directly from the portal immediately after creating a shipment. The label contains the consignment number (barcode), sender and recipient addresses, the DX service type, and the depot routing code.
Printed label from a booking platform. When booking through Parcel2Go, Transglobal Express, Interparcel, or Parcel Monkey, you receive a PDF label by email after payment. Print it on standard A4 or A5 paper and affix it to the largest flat face of your parcel with clear tape over the label to protect the barcode from moisture.
Labelless collection (Interparcel). Don’t have a printer? Not a problem — DX will bring their own barcoded label. Please make sure the label is attached to the correct parcel. When you select the labelless option at Interparcel, the collection driver arrives with a printed label to affix at the point of collection. Confirm your parcel is clearly identifiable and ready for the driver to label it correctly.

Label placement rules:

Affix the label to the largest flat face of the parcel
Never place a label over a seam, fold, or tape line
Cover the label with clear tape to protect the barcode, but do not cover the barcode itself with tape that causes glare
For multi-piece shipments, each piece requires its own DX label linked to the master consignment reference

What DX Will and Will Not Send

DX accepts the vast majority of standard parcel contents but maintains a list of prohibited and excluded goods. DX does not support shipments of prohibited or restricted goods.

Items DX will not send (non-exhaustive — always check DX’s full prohibited items list at dxlogistics.com before booking):

Hazardous materials and dangerous goods (flammable liquids, gases, explosives)
Firearms, weapons, and ammunition
Live animals and insects
Human remains or ashes
Counterfeit goods
Illegal substances and controlled drugs
Currency, negotiable instruments, and blank cheques in excess of declared value limits
Perishable food items (unless using a specialist cold-chain service)
Tobacco products exceeding duty-free allowances

Items DX handles that most couriers won’t: DX’s particular strength is in Irregular Dimensions and Weight (IDW) items. DX prides itself on handling parcels others won’t, including large and irregularly-shaped items. This includes items up to 6 metres in length via DX Freight 1-Man, and room-of-choice delivery for white goods, large furniture, and heavy home items via DX Freight 2-Man.

If you are unsure whether your item can be sent via DX, contact saleshelpdesk@dxdelivery.com for business account queries or your chosen booking platform for third-party bookings.

DX Parcel Tracking After Sending

Once your parcel has been collected or dropped off, it enters the DX tracking network. There are 2 ways to track it:

Track as the sender

Business account holders track outbound consignments through DX Despatch Manager at despatch.dxdelivery.com, where full tracking history and ePOD are available for all completed shipments. Third-party platform users can track through the platform’s own tracking page using the booking reference number.

Track using the DX tracker

Enter your DX tracking number (9–13 digits for Express or 8 digits for Freight) into the DX tracking tool at the top of this page for live status including depot scans, “Out for Delivery” status, and delivery confirmation.

Tracking number activation

Tracking numbers are not always active immediately after booking — they activate when DX’s system processes the consignment at the depot, typically within a few hours of drop-off or collection. If the tracker shows no result for a newly booked consignment, allow 24 hours before investigating.

DX Proof of Delivery

DX provides electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) on all standard DX Express consignments. For DX Secure Flex deliveries, the ePOD includes three enhanced elements: a photograph of the delivery, a GPS-stamped location scan, and a three-point door description.

As the sender, you can access ePOD through:

DX Despatch Manager — ePOD is stored against each completed consignment in your account dashboard
Your booking platform — platforms like Transglobal Express and Interparcel also surface ePOD through their tracking interfaces
Contacting DX directly — for specific ePOD requests, contact DX customer service on 0333 241 5700 (Express) or 0333 241 1100 (Freight) with the consignment number

ePOD is important for business senders as it provides legal evidence of delivery for B2B invoicing, dispute resolution, and customer service queries.

Tips for Sending a Parcel with DX

Calculate volumetric weight before booking. Volumetric weight is calculated using 5,000 as the divisor. Divide length × width × height (all in cm) by 5,000. If this exceeds the actual weight, you pay based on the volumetric figure. A 60 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm box weighing 5 kg has a volumetric weight of 60×40×30÷5000 = 14.4 kg — you would be charged at 14.4 kg, not 5 kg. Always calculate this before booking to avoid unexpected charges.
Use double-walled boxes for anything over 5 kg. Single-walled boxes compress in transit and offer poor impact protection for items over 5 kg. Double-walled cardboard costs marginally more but significantly reduces the risk of damage claims being rejected on packaging grounds. DX’s own guidelines state that a claim can be invalidated if packaging is inadequate — this is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Remove all old labels before affixing your DX label. Old barcodes on reused boxes are read by DX’s automated sortation scanners and can divert your parcel to the wrong depot. This is one of the most avoidable causes of delayed or misdirected DX parcels. Cover all old barcodes with opaque tape before sticking your DX label.
Book early in the day for same-day collection. DX and third-party platform collections typically run between 9 AM and 5:30 PM. Booking your collection before 11 AM gives you the best chance of same-day pickup. Late afternoon bookings may push collection to the following working day.
Use the labelless option if you do not have a printer. If you use Interparcel to book DX, the labelless option means the collection driver brings a pre-printed barcoded label. This is significantly more reliable than printing at a library or post office where print quality varies — a blurred or faded barcode on a DX label causes scanning failures and delays.
Add one working day to transit time for non-DX collections. If booking a non-Transglobal collection, please add one working day to the estimated transit time to allow for overnight delivery to the DX depot. A DX next-day service booked on Monday with collection by DPD or UPS effectively becomes a Tuesday delivery at best, not Monday evening.
Photograph your parcel before handing it over. Take a photograph of the labelled parcel and the label itself before giving it to the driver or dropping it off. Date-stamp the photograph if your phone does not do this automatically. This is your evidence of label correctness and condition at the point of despatch — invaluable if a damage or misdirection claim arises.
For DX Freight — confirm your depot accepts the dimensions before booking. DX Freight handles IDW items up to 6 metres in length, but not all DX Freight depots have the handling equipment or space for items at the extreme end of the size range. If your item exceeds 3 metres in length or is unusually shaped, call DX Freight on 0333 241 1100 before booking to confirm the local depot can process it.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are two routes. Business account holders book directly through DX Despatch Manager at despatch.dxdelivery.com. Individuals and small businesses without a DX account book through third-party platforms including Transglobal Express, Parcel2Go, Interparcel, or Parcel Monkey.

DX Express accepts parcels up to a maximum weight of 25 kg (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater). DX Freight handles items over 25 kg — the 1-Man service accepts items up to 50 kg and up to 6 metres in length.

DX Express accepts a maximum length of 200 cm (2 metres) and a maximum of 10 pieces per shipment. For items over 2 metres or 25 kg, use DX Freight.

Multiply the length, width, and height of your parcel in centimetres and divide by 5,000. Volumetric weight is calculated using 5,000 as the divisor. If the volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, DX charges based on the volumetric figure.

Not always. If you don’t have a printer, DX will bring their own barcoded label when booking through Interparcel with the labelless option selected at checkout.

Contact DX’s sales team at saleshelpdesk@dxdelivery.com for UK business accounts or dublinsales@dxdelivery.com for Republic of Ireland accounts. A business account gives you access to DX Despatch Manager and volume pricing.

DX Despatch Manager is the official online portal for DX business account holders at despatch.dxdelivery.com. It allows you to book collections, print labels, track outbound consignments, and access ePOD for all delivered shipments.

There are three options: drop off at a DX depot (Feltham or Bromborough for Transglobal Express bookings), drop off at a DPD or UPS Access Point location nationwide, or book a collection from your home or business address.

DX Express standard service delivers on the next working day to UK mainland addresses. Transit times vary for other UK destinations. DX 48 delivers in 1–3 working days. DX Freight delivers next working day for 1-Man to most UK addresses, with Scotland and remote areas taking longer.

Saturday delivery is available on some DX services but must be confirmed at the time of booking. DX does not offer Saturday delivery through Parcel2Go but Saturday services may be available through other booking platforms or directly via a DX business account.

Yes. As of 1 May 2025, DX supports B2C or Green Lane (UKIMS) B2B movement types for shipping from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, aligning with the Windsor Framework. This means no invoices are needed and no duties are payable for qualifying goods.

All items must be fully encased in cardboard as the exterior packaging. Using sturdy, double-walled cardboard boxes is strongly recommended for heavier shipments, with inner protection using bubble wrap, foam inserts, or packaging peanuts to prevent movement.

DX will make up to 2 delivery attempts before returning the parcel to the sending depot. If a delivery is unsuccessful, DX will return the package to the sender following 9 days after despatch. Consignees can arrange priority redelivery in either a morning or afternoon slot for a published fee.

Enter your DX tracking number into the DX tracker at the top of this page for live status. Business account holders can also track through DX Despatch Manager at despatch.dxdelivery.com. Third-party platform users can track through their platform’s own tracking page.

Yes. DX provides electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) on all standard consignments. For DX Secure Flex deliveries, ePOD includes a delivery photograph, GPS location stamp, and a three-point door description. Business account holders access ePOD through DX Despatch Manager.

DX does not support shipments of prohibited or restricted goods including hazardous materials, explosives, firearms, live animals, illegal substances, and human remains. Always check DX’s current prohibited items list at dxlogistics.com before booking.

Conclusion

Sending a parcel with DX in 2026 is straightforward once you know which route applies to you — a DX business account gives you direct access to DX Despatch Manager and the full service portfolio, while third-party platforms like Transglobal Express, Parcel2Go, and Interparcel open DX services to individual senders at competitive rates. Calculate your volumetric weight before booking, use double-walled packaging for anything heavy, and remove all old labels before affixing your DX label. Once the parcel is on its way, track it in real time using the DX tracker at the top of this page.