Late delivery - retailers and couriers blame each other but who pays?

[BorisForPM]

Does anyone know what the legal situation is please?

I made a number of online orders and paid extra for named-day or certain time deliveries.

A few parcels are now late. The shops are blaming the couriers and the couriers (Hermes, Parcelforce and RM so far...) are blaming 'unprecedented' parcel volumes (really?).

I'd like my delivery fee refunded in each case - but whose fault actually is it and how do I convince them of this?

I have no idea. Found myself in a very similar situation and haven’t got anywhere so will see what other people say.

It's the shop who need to refund. That is who your contract is with.
The shop paid the courrier so they then claim back from them.

I agree- the shop is your point of contact as that is who your agreement is with