The worldwide economy has been suffering for the last two years because of COVID-19 and the months-long lockdown. However, the pandemic has given leeway to eCommerce in multiple ways. In the current market scenario, online businesses, the logistics industry, and packaging technology synchronise to fulfil orders on time and offer maximum satisfaction to buyers by providing the best eCommerce courier service provider in India.
Do you own an online store on any eCommerce platform in India? What questions did you ask your existing eCommerce courier service partners before hiring them? If you already know how a logistics partner works, we’ll assist you with the next step, i.e. finding the best courier services for eCommerce to minimise your product delivery costs. While you may get bulk orders and forward the requirement to your delivery partner, your customers will remain dissatisfied if the orders do not reach them on time. So, it’s vital to pay attention to which courier partner you should associate with for your business.
Let’s first go through the criteria to select courier services for eCommerce in India. It may help you in joining hands with the best logistics partners.
Emerging Trends in eCommerce Courier Services
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Penetration of Modern-age Technologies
With the rise of AI and machine learning, logistics and supply chain management have seen a drastic transformation concerning accuracy, agility, and optimisation. Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, augmentative reality, blockchain, robotics, IoT, etc., are the technologies which are readily being used in mainstream shipping and logistics operations to serve the needs of the fast-moving eCommerce industry.
Hene. Technological upgradation remains the most important trend in the eCommerce courier service.
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Sustainable Logistics
Sustainability has emerged as the most crucial trend on the world stage. It has become the common goal of the major countries to participate in business practices with a keen focus on environmental protection. Supply chain and logistics have also taken major steps to embrace green logistics practices by integrating new-age technology. Shipping and logistics businesses are transitioning to EVs to reduce their carbon footprint and curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Further, sustainable packaging alternatives are a trend. Biodegradable packaging material is now readily used by eCommerce courier services to cut down on solid waste generation.
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Customer-Centric Approach
The customer experience (CX) that companies offer serves as a differentiation in today’s fiercely competitive eCommerce market. As a result, companies are taking a more customer-centric stance to meet the changing demands and expectations of their online customers. This strategy consists of several projects and tactics meant to improve the overall shopping experience and foster client loyalty.
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An increasing focus towards cybersecurity
As the digital era deepens, hacks are increasingly targeting the eCommerce sector. Supply chains are becoming more and more digitalized, which leaves them open to dangers like ransomware attacks and data breaches. 2024 will see a significant increase in the focus on cybersecurity as businesses work to strengthen their defences and preserve the reliability and integrity of their operations.
Tips for Selecting the Best eCommerce Delivery Partner
Here are some of the parameters to consider when choosing the best delivery pattern for an eCommerce business:
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Solid customer communication and feedback mechanism
Consider it to be a priority to deeply analyse the existing customer support communication and the feedback process of any courier service provider before you choose one. Customer success stays at the very core of every business’s top goals and it is only possible when the eCommerce courier service considers this factor as their topmost priority.
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Supply Chain Agility
With the ever-changing logistics landscape and tech boost, supply chains are undergoing a major change, which is particularly driven by digitalisation. You need to make sure that the courier service you choose has sufficient technology in place to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods in case of adversity or potential halt.
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Reverse logistics
Given the intensity at which world trade is growing, the booming eCommerce industry has pushed the phenomenon of fast consumerism to nearly every industry. While all the stages of logistics and shipping are important, return management is the top priority, and you need to ensure that your chosen partner is capable of efficiently handling the reverse logistics to ensure the best customer experience and flawless execution of business.
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Express Delivery
Who doesn’t want same-day delivery for their purchased items online today? The majority of customers fancy same-day or next-day delivery of their goods, with absolute accuracy, So, all you have to do is check the delivery accuracy of your chosen eCommerce courier service provider and ensure that they have a good track record of timely delivery service in the industry.
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Cost-effectiveness
It is crucial to select a partner who offers clear-cut and fair pricing. Your profitability is immediately impacted by this strategy, which puts cost before quality. It has an impact on your operating budget, making resource allocation more effective. You will be able to further provide competitive prices to your end customers, thanks to this cost-effectiveness, which will improve your market position and draw in more clients.
Criteria For Choosing The Best eCommerce Courier Service Provider In India
There are multiple courier partners available in the logistics industry for individuals and eCommerce platforms. Since the options are endless, there are certain aspects that you must consider while hiring a logistics partner.
- Serviceability: You can confide in a courier partner if it covers your serviceable locations. Hence, you should always ask for legal documents and customer feedback to verify the serviceability claims.
- Freight Cost: The logistics industry has always been competitive. Hence, you have countless courier partner options. A logistics company’s or service provider’s freight cost listing must always be transparent and calculated. Likewise, you should choose a courier partner that can offer you the lowest freight cost.
- Delivery Speed: No buyer would visit your eCommerce store if your products get delivered in weeks or months. Therefore, you must ensure that your to-be courier service provider offers the fastest and safest delivery.
- Insurance and Security: Suppose you ask a courier partner to deliver ten products in a week, and it fails to do so due to theft, damage, or other legitimate reasons. At this point, you could ask for security and insurance on the loss due to delayed delivery or no delivery. Logistics insurance protects you from heavy business losses while maintaining delivery standards.
- RTO: A courier partner that does not help with RTO (return to origin) is of no good for your eCommerce business. Take your time and find the best courier partner to avoid bearing losses and getting to-be-sold products back.
Top 7 Best eCommerce Courier Services in India
According to a recent report, India has 120+ leading courier companies that may offer API features, lower RTO assurance, NDR support, and a shipping calculator. You only have to register and subscribe to a premium plan, if applicable, to streamline your order delivery process and business growth. Furthermore, the seven courier service providers listed below are the leading ones in the Indian Logistics Market.
1. NimbusPost
Founded in 2018, NimbusPost is among the most sought-after eCommerce logistics companies in India. The technologically advanced logistics platform was specifically designed to bridge the gap between eCommerce merchants and courier partners in the country. NimbusPost brought India’s top 27+ courier partners on a single platform to assist online brands compare multiple courier services with maximum ease and bring down their shipping expenses.
Short-term COD remittance is another plus point of NimbusPost over its competitors, which makes it the most reliable delivery partner for small businesses in India. Powered by an advanced shipping platform with a shipping rate calculator, courier recommendation engine and more, NimbusPost comes across as a one-stop solution for D2C and eCommerce brands.
Key Features And Services
- Pin Codes Availability: 29000+
- Pick-up Facility: Good
- COD: Above Average
- Service Quality: 9/10
- Integration: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Prestashop, Unicommerce, etc.
Coverage Reach
NimbusPost covers 29,000+ pin codes in India, including all the major tier-1 and tier-2 cities. Regarding global shipping, they serve 196 countries and territories with smart warehouses and fulfilment services located in strategic locations. They have recently launched their Far-East import services to empower the thriving entrepreneurial spirit in India.
Technological Integration
NimbusPost is a tech-driven shipping aggregator which leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence-like modern-age technologies within their shipping and logistics operations. Their AI-powered courier recommendation engine is one of the major striking features they offer, which helps eCommerce sellers easily find and suitable courier without any glitches. In addition, their AI-powered fraud detection tool saves eCom sellers from receiving fraudulent and spam orders.
eCommerce Delivery Pricing And Plans
NimbusPost offers a free trial with basic features and shipping starting from Rs 26/500gm. The standard service plan offers shipping rates starting from Rs 23/500gm with additional features like national and international shipping and multi-channel integration. Further, the enterprise plan offers shipping rates starting from Rs 22/500gm, with features like custom channel integration, dedicated KAM support and NDR automation. Lastly, the Enterprise Pro plan offers customised shipping rates with advanced features.
2. IPS (Indian Post Service)
IPS also boosts the eCommerce industry via its maximum reliability and highest pin code coverage. It is a government-controlled logistics entity that charges nothing for up to 35kg orders. Besides, many eCommerce store owners prefer IPS in the initial business days.
Key features and services
- FTL and LTL services
Full Truckload and Less than a Truckload service are offered via rail, road, and air.
- Logistics Post Centres
Exclusive Logistics Post Centres available across the country for a seamless distribution process
- Multi-Modal Transport
Via air, rail, and road to suit the diverse needs of the customers
- Warehousing Services
For facilitating the storage of consignments before dispatch
- Fulfilment Services
Order processing and order management solutions with comprehensive pick and pack services.
- Reverse logistics
For handling returned goods with the proper framework in place
Coverage Reach
India Post has the largest postal network in the world, with about 154,965 Post Offices across the country, of which 139,067 are located in rural India. India Post offers International Air Parcel service for corporate and retail customers across 219 global destinations for economical and fast merchandise services.
Technological Integration
A nationwide Automated Mail grid has been established by the India Postal Service through the establishment of Automated Mail processing centres at strategic sites. For the fastest possible postal movement, special road and air transportation arrangements are made.
eCommerce Pricing and Plans
India Post, the industry leader in domestic express delivery offers time-bound and express delivery services for letters and packages up to 35 kg in India under its Express Post service. This service is reasonably priced, with delivery charges of INR 35.00 for national deliveries and INR Rs. 15.00 for local deliveries up to 500 grams. Speed Post is the largest network in the nation and delivers to every address.
3. XpressBees
Being a reputed name in the logistics and eCommerce shipping industry, XpressBees offer logistics, shipping, and warehouse fulfilment services on a global scale. Their state-of-the-art shipping solutions and modern-day technology stand out from the massive competition.
XpressBees – Company Overview and Background
In 2015, Amitava Saha and Supam Maheshwari founded Xpressbees. Based on its distinctive delivery and transportation structure, the company provides a range of logistics services both nationally and internationally. The major offerings are fulfilment services, cross-border logistics, express cargo, and e-commerce logistics.
The business models of Xpressbees focus on B2B, B2C, cross-border, and 3PL logistic services. Offering services to other businesses and online marketplaces is part of their business-to-business (B2B) approach. The B2C e-commerce business involves selling products directly to consumers. The goal of their cross-border strategy is to provide clients with a simple, seamless door-to-door experience, with top international standards.
XpressBees Key Features and Services
- B2C Express: Integrated logistics solutions across 20,000+ pin codes with 4,500+ pick-up & delivery centres.
- B2B Express: Fastest cargo services with 350+ pickup and delivery centres, 850 network routes, and 50+ cargo airports across 10,000 pin codes.
- Cross-Border Logistics: International shipping across 220+ countries with simplified customs clearance and comprehensive shipping insurance.
- 3rd Part Logistics(3PL): Customised 3PL solutions for with advanced Warehouse Management Systems(WMS).
XpressBees Coverage Reach
They cover 20,000+ pin codes in India and 220+ countries internationally.
XpressBees Technological Integration
Xpresbbes offers warehouse management solutions and AI-backed shipping solutions to e-commerce businesses all across India.
XpressBees eCommerce Delivery Pricing and Plans
Weight Category | Within city | Inter-city | Inter-state |
Up to 500 gm | ₹23 – ₹39 | ₹70 – ₹80 | ₹150-200 |
500-1kg | ₹35 – ₹45 | ₹85 – ₹95 | ₹170-220 |
1-2 kg | ₹42 – ₹52 | ₹100 – ₹110 | ₹190-240 |
2-3 kg | ₹50 – ₹60 | ₹120 – ₹130 | ₹210-160 |
3-5 kg | ₹65 – ₹75 | ₹140 – ₹150 | ₹230-280 |
5-10 kg | ₹80 – ₹90 | ₹160 – ₹170 | ₹250-300 |
10-15 kg | ₹100 – ₹110 | ₹180 – ₹190 | ₹270-320 |
15-20 kg | ₹120 – ₹130 | ₹200 – ₹210 | ₹290-340 |
4. DTDC for eCommerce Courier Services
DTDC offers wide pin code coverage across India to deliver couriers or products to individuals and eCommerce companies. It also has branches in 240+ countries. Contrary to its wide presence worldwide, DTDC might not be the best-suited courier partner for small eCommerce businesses owing to the delivery expenses and services.
DTDC Company Overview and Background
DTDC was established in 1990 with its headquarters located in Bengaluru. With four zonal offices, 20 strategically located regional offices, and over 570 working sites, the company employs more than 40,000 persons in the field throughout India.
DTDC is the largest supplier of express package services in India. With the help of Le Groupe La Poste, the French postal company, and its strategic partnership with Europe’s DPD group, DTDC’s global network and reach provide end-to-end solutions for parcels with a variety of offerings, including Express Domestic, International, Supply Chain Solutions, 3PL, Warehousing, eCommerce, E-Fulfilment, and Cross Border Shipping.
DTDC Express Limited is present in over 500 district headquarters and provides services to over 11,400+ Pin codes while managing over 12.5 million franchisees through its extensive network of over 11,000+ franchisees.
DTDC Key Features and Services
- DTDC Lite: The most affordable service suitable for non-urgent shipping ₹ 40-100/500 g.
- DTDC Plus: Premium service offered for urgent shipments with rates starting ₹ 60-150/500 g.
- DTDC Blue: A service offered by DTDC for expedited deliveries more urgent than DTDC Plus. The shipping rates start from Rs 70–200/500 g.
- DTDC Prime: This is the fastest mode of service they offer. The shipping price starts from ₹ 80-250/500 g.
DTDC Coverage Reach
DTDC covers about 17,000 pin codes in India, serving about 96% of the country’s population. On a global scale, their service spans 240 foreign countries and territories.
DTDC Technological Upgradation
DTDC has collaborated with an AI-backed logistics management platform to enhance its last-mile and end-to-end logistics.
DTDC Pricing and Plans for eCommerce Delivery
Weight Category | DTDC lite | DTDC Plus | DTDC Prime |
Up to 500g | 40-100 | 60-150 | 80-250 |
500g-1kg | 100-200 | 150-250 | 250-350 |
1kg-2kg | 200-300 | 250-350 | 350-450 |
2kg-3kg | 300-400 | 350-450 | 450-550 |
3kg-5kg | 400-500 | 450-550 | 550-650 |
Above 5 kg | +100per kg | +100 per kg | +150 per kg |
5. Blue Dart
In India alone, Blue Dart covers 17,677+ pin codes and markets multiple payment packages. You can enjoy COD delivery, time-based delivery, water-proof product packaging, and automated delivery fulfilment reports.
Company Overview and Background
The business started in 1983 as a partnership known as Blue Dart Courier Service. In 1990, it changed its name to Blue Dart Express Pvt Ltd and was officially registered as a private limited company. The company was established on April 5, 1991, and in 1994 it was converted to a public limited company.
Blue Dart is the leading express air and integrated transportation, distribution and logistics firm in South Asia, especially in India. It provides safe and dependable consignment delivery to more than 35,000 sites in India. Blue Dart has access to the largest and most extensive express and logistics network globally, spanning over 220 countries and territories, as part of the DPDHL Group (DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding & DHL Supply Chain) and eCommerce solutions. Their network provides a wide range of distribution services, including air express, freight forwarding supply chain solutions and customs clearance services globally.
Key Features & Services
- Dart Apex: A premium multi-modal distribution service for medium and heavy shipments
- Dart Surface Line: A door-to-door express surface service
- Bharat Dart: Economical speed tracking solution
- Smart Box: Economic packaging solutions for door-to-door delivery
- Express Pallet: A special wood-free palletized packaging for handling up to 100+ kg shipments
- Airport-to-Airport: A cargo service on Blue Dart Aviation flights connecting the
Blue Dart Coverage Reach
They cover about 17,677+ pin codes in India, encompassing all the major states and UTs. They have access to the most extensive global network in the world, covering 220 countries and territories via DHL.
Blue Dart Technological Upgradation
Using dedicated leased lines, VSATs, and microwave links to connect nearly 9,000 computer terminals, Blue Dart has one of the biggest private computer networks in India. Over 6,056 individuals access their email every day from 710 different locales. Their ability to communicate with our couriers in the field has improved due to their significant use of radio sets, wireless phones, and cell phones. Automated Call Distribution Systems (ACDs) are installed in their Customer Service Cell to give prompt attention and assistance to our clients.
Blue Dart is the only Indian express service provider with Cosmat IITM, an innovative, cutting-edge track and trace technology for every consignment, developed in-house.
Blue Dart eCommerce Courier Services Pricing and Plans
Weight (kg) | Domestic Priority | Dart Apex | Dart Surface line |
0.5 | 150 | 130 | 80 |
1 | 150 | 130 | 80 |
2 | 225 | 200 | 150 |
5 | 400 | 350 | 250 |
10 | 650 | 550 | 400 |
20 | 1000 | 850 | 600 |
30 | 1350 | 1150 | 800 |
40 | 1700 | 1450 | 1000 |
50 | 2050 | 1750 | 1200 |
6. Delhivery as eCommerce Delivery Partner
Delhivery is known for its best eCommerce courier service in India. Although incepted in 2011, it has secured the top ranking in the Logistics Industry within a decade. It has a 10000+ clientele base, of which 75% are engaged in eCommerce. Moreover, COD services and reverse logistics make Delhivery a reliable courier delivery partner for eCommerce in India.
Company Profile & Background
In 2011, Sahil Barua, Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, Suraj Saharan, and Kapil Bharati, a group of engineers, founded Delhivery in Gurugram. The company began as a hyperlocal logistics service provider in the first phase, serving offline stores, food businesses, and florists in Gurugram, Haryana.
Delhivery is a well-known provider of supply chain solutions, logistics, and courier services that proudly serves both individuals and companies. It offers a variety of services, such as vendor-to-warehouse, vendor-to-customer shipping, payment collecting, last-mile delivery, third-party and transit warehousing, and more.
Delhivery Key Features and Services
- Express Parcel: door-to-door swift domestic shipping across 18,500+ pin codes.
- Warehousing: Smart multi-tenant warehouse facilities with 18 Mn+ square feet of infrastructure.
- Part Truckload: Available for B2B segments across 18,000+ pin codes.
- Full Truckload: Available for both large enterprises and MSMEs across 2200+ cities in India to ship high-volume orders.
- Cross Border: Door-to-door, port-to-port express, and freight shipping services across 220+ countries with FedEx.
- Data Intelligence: AI-backed solution for delivery optimisation with data insights.
Delhivery Coverage Reach
Delhivery covers 18,500+ pin codes in India and 220+ countries and territories, offering premium services like port-to-port and door-to-door express shipping.
Delhivery Technological Upgradation
Delhivery optimises routes, detects fraud, and lowers RTO incidents using AI. It uses historical data to make operational decisions in real-time. RTO prediction, geolocation identification, and product identification all make use of machine learning capabilities. Delhivery eases the load on D2C brands by filtering bogus or incorrect addresses using an “Address verification” method.
Delhivery Pricing & Plans
Service | Shipping Rates | Shipping Rates |
Express Delivery | INR 40 (For local parcels up to 500 grams) | INR 75 (Up to 500 grams parcel for national delivery) |
For parcels over 10 kg | INR 300 – INR 500 | INR 300 – INR 500 |
Air Cargo | INR 100 (For local parcels up to 1 kg) | INR 150 (Up to 1 kg parcel for national delivery) |
For parcels over 10 kg | INR 350 – INR 550 | INR 350 – INR 550 |
Ground Transportation(Nationally) | INR 75 (For parcels up to 1 kg) | INR 180 (For parcels up to 10 kg) |
7. DHL
DHL is a globally recognized courier company that owns well-facilitated warehouses. It optimises the order supply chain by covering 26000+ pin codes in India. Furthermore, it uses the green packaging concept to reduce carbon footprint and waste during the delivery process.
DHL Company Profile and Background
Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn established DHL in 1969 as a document shipping company based in San Francisco that operated out of Honolulu (“DHL Company Portrait,” 2009; Boberg, 2002).
DHL is the most multinational firm in the world, with operations in more than 220 nations and territories. With more than 340,000 workers, DHL can handle a nearly limitless range of logistical requirements.
DHL is one of the business segments of Deutsche Post DHL Group, which is the world’s largest postal and logistics firm. DHL includes DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Express, DHL Parcel, and DHL eCommerce.
Delhivery Key Services and Features for eCommerce Delivery
- Express Shipping: International express shipping that is dependable and delivers quickly.
- Same Day Delivery: Quick delivery, frequently made possible by using DHL’s aircraft to provide a faster service.
- eCommerce Shipments: Specialised services for the expanding eCommerce industry
- Package Delivery: Quick, safe, and effective package delivery.
- Mail courier services: Reliable and effective management of shipments.
- Freight Transport: All-inclusive goods transportation solutions
- Distribution Service: Effective Product distribution.
Delhivery Coverage Reach
DHL have the most extensive network across the globe, covering 220+ countries and territories, catering to the needs of diverse industries.
Delhivery Technological Upgradation
Robotic process automation has been included by DHL Global Forwarding, and Freight to automate (and even eliminate) time-consuming operations and free up personnel for more valuable work and better customer care.
Delhivery Pricing & Plans for eCommerce Courier from India to US and UK
The estimated fee slabs for courier deliveries from Delhi, India, to the USA and the UK, are shown below, showing how expenses rise with distance:
Destination | Weight (kg) | Estimated Rate(INR) |
USA | Up to 0.5 | INR 2,200 |
1 kg | INR 2,400 | |
5 kg | INR 5,230 | |
10 kg | INR 8,300 | |
11 kg | INR 9,150 | |
20-25 kg | INR 16,250 to Rs 20,000 | |
30+ kg | INR 700 per kg | |
UK | Up to 0.5 | INR 1,900 |
1 kg | INR 2,150 | |
5 kg | INR 4,400 | |
10 kg | INR 6,700 | |
11 kg | INR 6,589 | |
20-25 kg | INR 12,250 to INR 14,000 | |
30+ kg | INR 500 per kg |
Top 7 eCommerce Courier Service Partners: Which One Is The Best?
Considering the pin code coverage limit, Blue Dart and NimbusPost stand in the number two positions. However, NimbusPost has an edge over other courier partners as it presents a shipping calculator to adjudge the delivery cost. It also ranks as rendering the best eCommerce courier service in India.
Get your eCommerce stores integrated on NimbusPost, calculate delivery costs, manage orders in one place, and get IVR support and real-time access to the NDR panel at all times. In addition, consider the criteria listed above to select a reliable courier partner for your business.