Does the post office only send via royal mail

In the United Kingdom, the Post Office (also known as Royal Mail) is the primary postal service provider, and they do use Royal Mail to deliver mail and parcels. However, it's not the only option.

Here are some scenarios where the Post Office might not use Royal Mail:

1. Special Delivery: For high-value or time-sensitive items, the Post Office might use a different courier service, such as DHL or TNT, to ensure faster and more secure delivery.
2. International Mail: While Royal Mail is the primary international postal service provider, the Post Office might use other carriers, like UPS or FedEx, for certain international destinations or services, such as express shipping.
3. Parcelforce: Parcelforce is a subsidiary of Royal Mail, but it's a separate entity that handles parcel delivery. The Post Office might use Parcelforce for larger or heavier parcels that require special handling.
4. Partner Services: The Post Office has partnerships with other courier services, like Hermes or Yodel, to offer alternative delivery options for certain types of mail or parcels.

In summary, while Royal Mail is the primary postal service provider in the UK, the Post Office might use other carriers or services for specific types of mail or parcels, depending on the requirements and circumstances.