Big news in UK ecommerce! Royal Mail and Parcelforce are merging their networks to give business access to a single, unified carrier account that combines their wide-range of market-leading shipping services.
If you already have an account with Royal Mail or Parcelforce, you’ll soon be able to ship with both. This means more options when fulfilling orders and more choices for your customers at checkout. Making it easier to offer and meet the kind of delivery experience today’s shoppers expect.
And if your business is already using Zenstores, you're already set up to take advantage, but if not, you’re now in the right place.
What the Royal Mail and Parcelforce merger means for you
First up, here’s what’s changing — and why it’s good news for your business:
🚚 One network, big and small
The new merged Royal Mail x Parcelforce network gives your business access to services that deliver anything from letters to super-sized parcels (up to 2.5m long!). Everything now runs through one network.
⚡ Next day, every day
You can now access the full range of Express, Guaranteed and Age Verified (plus much more) services. As well as great value tracked services, no matter the size of your business.
🌍 Cross-border made simple
Need to ship internationally? Choose from Global Express Delivery (from two days) or more cost-effective tracked ecommerce services with in-flight options. Ideal for both new and established exporters.
📦 Out of home is on the rise
Shoppers love more control. The new Royal Mail x Parcelforce network is home to the UK’s largest out-of-home network, and it’s growing fast! Royal Mail recently announced a wave of lockers going live, with much more to come in the future. So your customers can choose to collect or return their orders at a time and place that suits them.
🌱 Lowest carbon footprint per parcel
Not only does the combined Royal Mail and Parcelforce fleet deliver across the UK daily — they also do it with the lowest emissions of any major carrier, with over 7,000 electric vans already on the road.
How Zenstores helps you tap into it all
Whether you’re looking for a solution to take advantage of this massive shift in the UK parcel landscape, or your business is already shipping from Zenstores, we make it easy to get started with your new, combined Royal Mail + Parcelforce account.
Here’s how we help:
🤝 One-click Royal Mail and Parcelforce setup
Link your new Royal Mail x Parcelforce account and start shipping instantly
🖨️ Shipping label printing made easy
Print shipping labels for your new Royal Mail x Parcelforce in seconds
🤖 Shipping service automation
With a wide range of services, accessing cutting-edge automation to assign shipping services based on weight, order value, or customer location is essential for process, cost-effectiveness and customer experience
📮 Out-of-home options built in
Give your customers more choice at checkout with our market-leading on-site Click & Collect + Home Delivery tech
🌍 Cross-border ready
Generate customs forms and send customs data, like IOSS number, HS codes and more, automatically for international orders
Ready to get started?
If you’re already shipping with Royal Mail or Parcelforce, you’re good to go. Just connect your combined account in Zenstores and start accessing the full range of services today.
Not sure what’s available or need a hand setting things up? Book a quick call and we’ll talk you through it, or start a free trial of Zenstores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Royal Mail and Parcelforce merger mean for online sellers?
Royal Mail and Parcelforce now operate as one combined network, meaning a single account gives access to both brands' services, from small letters to large 2.5m parcels, rather than needing separate accounts for each.
How do I connect my combined Royal Mail and Parcelforce account in Zenstores?
Once you've been migrated to the new combined account type, you can connect it in Zenstores in one click and start printing labels and booking shipments across both services immediately.
Can Zenstores automatically choose between Royal Mail and Parcelforce services for me?
Yes, Zenstores lets you set up automation to assign the right shipping service based on order weight, value, or customer location, so you're not manually choosing a service for every order.
Does Zenstores support the expanded out-of-home delivery options from the merged network?
Yes, Zenstores includes on-site Click & Collect and home delivery options at checkout, letting customers choose how and where they receive or return their order.
How does Zenstores handle customs data for international Royal Mail and Parcelforce shipments?
Zenstores automatically generates customs forms and sends the required data, including IOSS numbers and HS codes, for international orders shipped through the combined network.
