Red Star Parcels

Red Star Parcels was a service which utilised passenger trains for transporting parcels between passenger railway stations throughout the United Kingdom, owned and operated by British Rail.

Red Star Parcels no longer trades although signage bearing the Red Star logo can be seen at railway stations across the UK including Bournemouth Central, Birmingham New Street, Brighton London Euston, York, Derby Stoke-On-Trent, and more.

In 1969 City Link Transport Services Limited (a private company) was established in order to offer a transfer service between London termini. Shortly thereafter City Link introduced the concept of same and next day delivery to the UK.

The Government made several attempts to privatise Red Star Parcels. The British Railways Board attempted to sell it in June 1993, attracting seven bids. Only two were considered to be serious; and in November 1993 the board recommended that the sale be abandoned. In 1993-94, John MacGregor, Secretary of State for Transport, attempted unsuccessfully to sell it off. In September 1995 it was sold to a Management buyout for a peppercorn rent.

In 1996 it was acquired by LYNX Express Ltd.