Courier Services
Framework Description
Courier Services (reference PMR2005 NE) is a university consortia framework for domestic, international and specialist courier and mail services for member institutions. It runs from 1 March 2024 until 29 February 2028 with no extension and has three lots: UK/domestic courier services, international courier and mail services, and specialist courier services. It is a fixed-term framework, so the appointed suppliers serve the whole term. This framework is used by NWUPC and SUPC.
Context & Use Case
Universities and other members send documents, parcels, research samples and equipment between campuses, partners and overseas institutions, and need reliable, tracked delivery. Post rooms and departments call off from the lot that matches the consignment, using international services for overseas mail and specialist couriers for items that need particular handling.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: UK/domestic courier services Lot 2: International courier and mail services Lot 3: Specialist courier services
Lots
Lot 1 - UK/Domestic Courier Services; Lot 2 - International Courier & Mail Services; Lot 3 - Specialist Courier Services
Who Can Apply
It suits national couriers, international carriers and mail consolidators, and specialist couriers handling sensitive or time-critical items. Applications for this framework are closed, so others cannot join until the re-tender expected around 29 February 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Agreed rates and service levels across three lots let members match each consignment to the right carrier without separate quotes. Using pre-vetted carriers reduces the risk of lost or delayed items, and consolidating spend across institutions improves pricing for smaller institutions that send low volumes on their own.
Next Steps
Appointed carriers should work with member post rooms to grow volumes and keep delivery and tracking performance strong. Others should note the 29 February 2028 end date, decide which lot fits, and prepare for the re-tender with on-time delivery data, tracking and customer service evidence, sustainability measures such as low-emission fleets, and public sector references.
How Athena Can Help
Courier frameworks are won on price and service evidence. For carriers holding a place, Athena's bid team's competitor analysis models how your rates and service levels score against rivals in any further competition.
For the re-tender, our framework submission experts can select the right lot with you and prepare your selection responses and policies, and our public procurement bidding advice helps you set prices that win and still cover fuel, staff and fleet costs.
