UK lane: cost, time and the slowest 10%
Cost by weight band
| Billed weight | Freight range | Share of the census |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 kg | $6.40–$10.80 | 7% |
| 3 kg | $10.10–$17.30 | 21% |
| 5 kg | $16.20–$27.10 | 27% |
| 8 kg | $24.40–$40.20 | 24% |
| 12 kg | $33.80–$56.10 | 8% |
Modelled from the published lane tariff. The share column is the proportion of our sample that lands in each band, so you can see how likely each row is.
Transit on this lane
The median from payment to doorstep is 19 days and the p90 is 40. The difference between those two numbers is where every complaint lives, and the causes are specific rather than random.
Bands show the p10 to p90 span for each stage; the solid tick is the median and the open circle marks where the slowest tenth begins. Sample size is printed per stage.
- Reading the band
- A narrow band means the stage is predictable; a wide one means the outcome depends on something you may control.
- Tail triggers
- UK-bound orders show the widest order-stage spread of the four lanes. Standard QC turnaround; no lane-specific queue. Consolidation requests are common on this lane, which lengthens the stage.
Clearance on this lane
The UK collects VAT on most imports above a low consignment threshold, and duty above a higher one. Our sample shows a charge on most parcels above roughly £135 in declared value.
Clearance is fast in the median case and slow in the tail. Random inspection is the one cause with no preventive action; the other triggers on this lane are addressable before payment.
Against the other three lanes
| Lane | Freight at 3 kg | Median days | Difference against this lane |
|---|---|---|---|
| US — Economy | $9.20–$15.10 | 20 | $-0.90 |
| US — Express | $17.10–$26.40 | 10 | +$7.00 |
| EU — Standard | $11.30–$19.20 | 23 | +$1.20 |
The rank order is stable across all five weight bands; only the size of the gap changes.