How secure is RM Special Delivery Guaranteed?

[Fadi]

Hi there,

I’m debating whether to send a parcel (of extreme value to me) from London to NI via RM Special Delivery or to just deliver it by hand myself…

I had a few questions I was hoping you’ll be able to help me with and allow me to understand further; first, RM claim that ‘Special’ parcels have an end-to-end tracking, which is great but what does this mean? I’m assuming it’s more than just being scanned at the Post Office and once before it’s delivered?

Also, how secure is it when it’s not being monitored? i.e. surely it will be put on a conveyer belt or a machine at Greenford or Heathrow, how secure is it on the conveyer belt? What are the chances of it ‘falling-off’ (or being taken-off by someone) the moment it’s mixed in with the thousand other regular non-special parcels? How can ‘full tracking’ be possible if, once it’s mixed in with other parcels on the conveyer belt a possibility exists of it being removed from the belt before it’s next scheduled scanning opportunity?

Your expertise will be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks.

[SpacePhoenix]

They get dealt with in secure areas separate from the main sorting area in offices. They obviously still go on the same physical lorries as the non-SD stuff but they will be in separate bags, which are a different colour from the bags used for normal mail

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The Special Delivery Items are at all points kept in separate, and clearly marked containers throughout their journey and these containers are only opened in secure areas of the offices they pass through. AFAIK they are not put on to any conveyor belt.

Also, they are scanned at every point through the system,

1. At The PO.
2. At the 1st MC.
3. At the 2nd MC.
3. On Arrival at the local office
4. On being assigned to a delivery route.
5. When delivery is attempted.
-----------------If not delivered---------------
6. On return to the office.
7. Logged into the Customer Service Point when it is stored.
8. Last scan when it is collected. (Or repeat 4 - 8 if a redelivery request is received)

However, as with most things, it's not 100% foolproof when humans are involved, mistakes can be made, and the bonus is you have increased compensation and insurance with Special Delivery.

I would always recommend Special Delivery to anyone, after all even delivering by hand yourself you may have an issue during your journey. It's your decision based on risk but yes Special Delivery is as safe as it can be.

[Snaggletooth]

Top tips, if you are concerned:

Always check the contents against the Royal Mail prohibitions before sending, this avoids items getting seized:

https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app ... -customers

If valuable, use a special delivery envelope, which are available from larger post offices. These are tamper evident. They can go outside any other packaging you have.

Add your name and address to the back of the package so they can return it to you easily if there is a problem.

[Fadi]

Hi TrueBlueTerrier, Snaggletooth, SpacePhoenix,

Many thanks for your detailed responses, it was really helpful and reassuring to lean what I have.

Best,
Fadi.