Proposed Changes to How Royal Mail Delivers Your Letters and How This Will Affect You

Big changes could be coming to Royal Mail’s delivery schedule in 2025, with proposals that may impact how businesses send and receive letters. A consultation is currently underway on plans to introduce a new delivery model, aimed at modernising the postal service in the face of falling letter volumes and rising costs. 

What’s Changing?

Royal Mail is proposing to introduce a new second-class service called D+3, where letters will be delivered within three days of being received—but with a new alternate-day delivery schedule. Under the proposed changes: 

• Second-class post will be delivered on alternate weekdays, on a two-week rotating schedule. 

• No Saturday deliveries for second-class mail. 

• First-class letters will continue to be delivered six days a week, but at a premium. 

For businesses, this means second-class mail will no longer arrive daily, requiring adjustments to mailing plans and campaign schedules. 

Why the Change? 

Letter volumes have declined sharply, from 20 billion a year at their peak to just 6.7 billion. Projections suggest this could fall further to 4 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, the number of addresses Royal Mail delivers to has grown by four million over the last 20 years. This combination of lower volume and wider coverage has pushed costs up, contributing to a £348 million operating loss in 2023/24. 

Countries like Germany, France, Canada, and New Zealand have already adapted their postal services. Now, Royal Mail argues similar changes are needed in the UK to ensure the service remains efficient and sustainable. 

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

If your business relies on postal campaigns or regular communications by mail, these changes may require you to plan mailing dates more carefully. For instance, if you want mail to arrive on a Monday, you’ll need to check which week of the two-week rotation that falls on. Missing the target day could mean waiting another two weeks. 

However, this shift could also help businesses adopt a more structured approach to planning and reduce the need for last-minute mailings. For time-sensitive communications, first-class services will remain available with six-day delivery. 

Direct Mail Still Delivers 

While letter volumes are down overall, direct mail is proving its worth. As digital channels become more saturated, businesses are increasingly turning to physical mail for higher engagement and response rates. Direct mail campaigns often stand out in ways that digital can’t, providing a more personal connection and boosting customer response. 

What Happens Next? 

Following Ofcom’s Call for Input in 2024, a formal consultation launched in January 2025, focusing on the future of Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO). Ofcom’s decision is expected by Summer 2025. 

In the meantime, Royal Mail is piloting these changes in 37 delivery offices starting February. In these pilot areas: 

• Second-class post will move to the D+3 model (Monday to Friday). 

• Standard bulk business letters will follow the new three-day delivery schedule. 

• Saturday deliveries for non-first-class letters will stop. 

First-class mail and parcel deliveries remain unchanged across the UK, continuing six and seven days a week respectively. 

How to Prepare

Now is the time to review your postal strategy. Here are some practical steps: 

• Plan ahead using Royal Mail’s new delivery rotations. 

• Coordinate with your postal provider to align mailing schedules. 

• Factor in extra lead time for second-class items. 

• Consider first-class for urgent or time-sensitive mail. 

By preparing early, businesses can adapt smoothly and continue to make the most of their direct mail campaigns. 

Any questions about these changes?

When it comes to mailing, we are the experts and it’s our job to provide you with the facts, advice and all you need to get the best value when sending your mail. To speak with one of our experts call us on 01322 643825 or contact us.