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OUR VERDICT Our last test produced times ranging from 20
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hours to nine days. This time, however, things were much closer, with three parcels arriving within 30 minutes of a round 24 hours, and another just three hours later. The four collected parcels all arrived next day, as requested. Only the TNT Post parcel, which was sent from the Dutch post office. failed the next-day target, blaming the weather. Without the missing 24 hours, it would been an acceptable effort.
One sad reflection is that four years ago, our £1 would buy €1.42, now it's just €1.18. However, the cost result is a mixed bag. DHL's price has seen a modest increase, while FedEx and TNT Express have reduced theirs, by €18 (E16) in the latter case. UPS, however, has raised its prices by €44 (E38), or 134%. Sadly, the most cost effective option, the TPG Post Office, which charged E3 (£2.54) for a three-day delivery has gone, replaced by the TNT Post service which cost nearly €8 more than the regular TNT Express.
All of the carriers provided easily accessible online tracking. Both TNT tracking numbers were duplicated globally, with our queries throwing up packages in Tasmania and Spain as well as our own. It was interesting to note the varied routes taken for the same journey. Both TNTs went to Stansted via Liege, while FedEx reached the Essex airfield via Paris. DHL took our box to Heathrow via Amsterdam and Brussels, while UPS appear to have got from Cologne to Dartford in five hours without the use of an airport.
Overall, the big companies now seem to offer a constantly reliable international service, which is helpful, considering that most customers' priorities are to know their goods are going to arrive safely and on , time. A more reassuring outcome this time, but don't relax, our 'mystery shopper' will be back...