Transport & Logistics UK-wide

Which postal and courier rules apply to you

If you operate or plan to operate a postal or courier business in Great Britain, you must comply with workplace health and safety, fire safety, insurance, equality and data protection duties that bind every employer — plus activity-specific requirements for goods vehicle licensing and postal operator authorisation. This guide introduces the rules and routes you to the detail.

Guide summary

You must follow workplace health and safety, fire safety, insurance, equality and data protection laws. You also need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if you use vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. You must understand Ofcom postal authorisation rules if you collect, sort, transport or deliver mail or parcels.

  • Set up a safe workplace for all staff and visitors
  • Get employers' liability insurance and follow fire safety rules
  • Obtain a goods vehicle operator’s licence if vehicles are over 3.5 tonnes
  • Register with Ofcom under the postal authorisation framework if you run a postal or courier business
  • Follow the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – protect workers and the public
  • Keep records of health and safety checks and training
  • Penalties for health and safety breaches can include unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison
  • Check with the Traffic Commissioner for goods vehicle licence rules in England, Scotland and Wales
On this page

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Postal and courier activities cover the collection, sorting, transport and delivery of letters, parcels and packages — whether under the universal service obligation or as a private operator. On top of the universal workplace duties that bind every employer, a postal or courier operator may need a goods vehicle operator's licence and must understand the postal authorisation framework administered by Ofcom.

The goods vehicle operator's licence (O-licence) regime applies in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate operator licensing regime under the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010. The Ofcom postal authorisation framework under the Postal Services Act 2011 applies UK-wide.

The Health and Safety Executive enforces workplace health and safety across Great Britain. The Traffic Commissioner grants and enforces goods vehicle operator's licences. Ofcom regulates postal services. Local fire and rescue authorities enforce fire safety in sorting offices, depots and warehouses.

What you need to do

  • Set up a safe operation — meet the universal workplace duties covering health and safety, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection.
  • Meet your postal and courier regulatory duties — obtain a goods vehicle operator's licence if you operate vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, and understand the Ofcom postal authorisation and notification requirements.
  • Confirm compliance — use the checklist to verify every obligation is met.

Official sources

Authoritative starting points for postal and courier regulation.