Top 10 Best Courier Companies in India for eCommerce Businesses

Let’s face it: running an eCommerce business comes with lots of expenses. You’ll have to pay for your own eCommerce website, product sourcing, marketing tools, and more. This means that for every step, you’ll have to pay some bucks.

While you can’t cut down costs in other areas of your business (after all, you’ll have to reach your goals as soon as possible), you can still save a big chunk of money if you opt for a cheap carrier service.

However, it can be hard to determine what cost-effective means when it comes to logistics. However, we’ve found that the most effective way to get a bang for your buck is by utilizing features designed to improve your operations and increase profitability.

This means looking for a high number of specialized shipping services at the most affordable prices. Keeping this in mind, these are the top cheapest courier services companies in India along with proper review.

Top 10 Best Courier Services Companies in India for eCommerce Shipping [2024 Updated List]

All the carrier services we have mentioned here are chosen after evaluating dozens of carrier companies and interviewing our internal experts. Let’s get into them one by one:-

1. Ecom Express

Ecom Express is a favorite for numerous eCommerce Shipping Solutions in India, catering to a wide variety of industries from fashion to financial institutions and even machinery manufacturers.

It has been ranked as one of the best courier services across India and its rates are considered extremely competitive given that they provide a wide variety of specialized and much-needed services.

As of now, Ecom Express has strategically built 150+ gateways, fulfillment centers, and 3000+ delivery centers across the country, so you can easily reach the right customers at the right time.

Here are some of Ecom Express’ standout services:

One of their most popular services is express delivery, which comes with a guarantee that the delivery will be successfully completed within 72 hours from pick-up.

They deliver to 27,000+ pin codes across 2700+ cities, using a network of GPS-enabled vehicles to ensure real-time tracking and visibility.

You’ll find different flagship services under Ecom Express’ solutions. These mainly include Ecom Express Services (EXS), Ecom Fulfillment Services (EFS), and Ecom Digital Services (EDS).
EXS takes care of tasks, like first-mile pickup, order processing, last-mile delivery, and so on. EFS will provide you with a complete solution of fulfillment services, while EDS will offer you a suite of digital solutions.

In addition to this, they offer cash-on-delivery, doorstep quality checks on returns, and also offer competitive rates for special handling of heavyweight and bulk shipments.

2. Blue Dart

Blue Dart’s rates may seem on the higher side for smaller e-commerce businesses. However, for medium to large enterprises, they can be both affordable and negotiable. As of now, Blue Dart Shipping API is available across 55, 400+ countries across India, and 220+ countries worldwide.

This particular carrier is known for providing excellent delivery services and offering services designed to improve customer satisfaction.

These services of Blue Dart are available in a variety of packages and include time-based/scheduled delivery, express and overnight delivery, customized weather-resistant packaging, Collect-on-Delivery options (which include both cash-on-delivery and demand draft-on-delivery), and more.

Here are some of Blue Dart’s standout services:

If you’re based out of India, you’ll benefit from domestic priority delivery.

Dart Apex, Blue Dart’s door-to-door delivery service, is a good option for time-bound commercial shipments.

This carrier company takes care of insurance arrangements for high-value products, bulk order shipping, and even temperature-controlled transportation.

Almost every warehouse operated by Blue Dart has an X-ray machine installed that helps in security measures.

They also aid in completing customs clearances to ensure smooth cross-country deliveries.

3. India Post

For Indian shippers and merchants, what can be a more reasonable carrier company than India Post? It is among the most reasonably priced out of all the carriers in India, which also maintains the most extensive reach and pin code coverage. Currently, India Post maintains over 1,56, 721 offices across the country.

Though India Post APIs can serve any industry (from eCommerce, retail, to banking), its services are most beneficial for e-commerce businesses that need reliable and regular deliveries to remote areas.

89% of rural areas across the country are covered by India Post as it is run by the Department of Posts and works actively to keep villages and cities connected via the post.

Here are some of India Post’s standout services:

India Post offers national and International speed post services.

They also have Logistics Posts Centres set up all across the country, provide warehousing services as necessary, and offer the option of shipping FTL (full truckload) consignments.

If you send first-class mail within India, India Post will ship it by air at no additional cost.

4. Delhivery

Delhivery is rapidly becoming a big favorite among small and large e-commerce enterprises, thanks to its multitude of services offered at relatively affordable prices.

They ship to over 18,000+ pin codes across 2,500+ Indian cities and offer COD services as well as returns and exchange management services in nearly all locations.

Not only within India, Delhivery’s services are available across 220+ countries. Its services are designed in such a way that every shipper (a D2C brand or b2b enterprise or individual shipper) can leverage them.

Here are some of Delhivery’s standout services:

Speedy delivery is a major forte of theirs, keeping both the delivery costs and the delivery time low. They offer express delivery, same-day and next-day delivery, scheduled delivery, and on-demand delivery.

For more niche e-commerce businesses that may deal with high-value, heavyweight, or fragile products, Delhivery is equipped to safely handle shipments for the same.

It takes care of warehousing-related tasks and provides you with end-to-end visibility over your inventory and supply-chain operations.

Delhivery has integrated part truckload and full truckload logistics services.

Apart from these, Delhivery Shipping API Integration has come up with a suite of Data Intelligence solutions, such as address standardization API, address verification API, and Geocoding API.

5. FedEx

FedEx offers pretty low rates compared to other carriers like DTDC, DHL, and even Blue Dart, and while previously they used to only deliver to limited pin codes, they have now expanded their reach to numerous locations across the globe.

FedEx offers a number of services — from shipping and return management to priority shipping, and more. One of the best things that sets FedEx apart from the crowd is its capability to handle dangerous goods. At the same time, it can easily manage global returns without any hassles.

Here are some of FedEx’s standout services:-

FedEx maintains a reputation for excellent delivery services, especially in the case of e-commerce companies dealing with niche products.

Hazardous materials like dry ice or lithium batteries, as well as high-value items like jewelry, can all be shipped safely with FedEx.

While they don’t offer too many options for speedy delivery, they enable smooth customs clearance, so interstate deliveries can be successfully completed with minimal hiccups.

6. DTDC

DTDC is another cheap carrier available on the market. Despite providing a budget-friendly solution, DTDC API offers a number of premium logistics services to help you grow in this market.

To date, it covers over 220+ destinations. In fact, DTDC have established a collaboration with different international players to provide fast and efficient logistics solutions across the world.

Here are some of DTDC’s standout services:

DTDCShipAssure is a premium express service, where DTDC offers you a 100% money-back guarantee in case it fails to deliver the parcel within the selected timeframe.

You will get customized air and sea freight solutions.

They have a point-to-point trucking system for better ground transportation service.

Alongside these, it offers other value-added services for eCommerce businesses. These services include returns management, cash on delivery, customized shipping APIs, and so on.

7. UPS

Founded in 1907, UPS (Union Parcel Service) is one of the world’s leading shipping delivery companies. As of now, it has delivered more than 22.3 million packages worldwide and established its reach across 200+ countries, including India.

From shipping rate calculation, pickup scheduling, and batch shipping to order management, it offers every option to improve the eCommerce shipping process.

UPS tracking API and Integration also allows merchants to track their packages in real time, take care of customer returns, and manage COD shipments.

One of the best parts is that UPS helps you provide a personalized shipping experience to your customers.

Here are some of UPS’s standout services:

UPS streamlines your omnichannel fulfillment operations.
It lets you view and process orders from a single dashboard.
With UPS, you can offer your customers a range of pickup locations, so they can collect their parcels at their convenience.
It even gives you the flexibility to deliver on weekends.

8. USPS

USPS (The United States Postal Service) is a leading courier service provider that can prove to be a great option if you want to scale your eCommerce business in the US.

USPS offers a range of services through which you can safely deliver mail and packages within a short span of time. In fact, its priority mail express can deliver the parcels to your customers’ doorstep within just 1-2 days.

For both domestic and international deliveries, USPS shipping API lets you schedule orders, provides in-depth shipment visibility, and sends on-time delivery notifications.

Alongside these, you can verify delivery addresses with its zip code lookup option and reschedule deliveries in case the first attempt fails. If you opt for the USPS Connect Commerce option, you can avail discounted shipping rates from websites without any minimum volume commitment.

Here are some of USPS’s standout services:

USPS is known for its on-time delivery. So, whether you’ve chosen its standard delivery or priority delivery services, you can rest assured that your customers will receive the packages on time.
You can change the delivery address according to your customer’s preferences.
It offers options for advertisements with mail, so you can build a strong connection with your customers and improve your brand authority.
You will be able to calculate the business postage price in real time.

9. GATI

Headquartered in Hyderabad, Gati is a courier delivery company for eCommerce that specializes in end-to-end logistics operations for eCommerce businesses in India.

Gati’s The Express Distribution solution comes with a lot of services, like door pick-up and door delivery, holiday & weekend delivery, temperature-proof delivery, E-billing and E-POD (Electronic Proof of Delivery), and more.

Since Gati has more than 5000 vehicles across the country, it makes transportation more convenient and ensures each delivery reaches the customers on time.

At the same time, Gati offers a WhatsApp tracking service through which businesses and customers can monitor their parcels throughout the delivery journey.

Here are some of Gati’s standout services:

Gati sends delivery notifications via SMS and email to keep customers informed regarding each step of the process.
Its route planning system helps in timely delivery and improves customers’ experience.
Gati has integrated a real-time calculator that helps you calculate shipping rates and EDD (Estimated Delivery Dates) of the orders.
Plus, it also offers tools for converting between various volumes and weight measurements, viewing monthly fuel surcharges, and other tasks.

10. DHL

Last but certainly not least, we have DHL as one of the best courier and delivery companies that focuses on improving the shipping process for eCommerce businesses.

As of now, DHL is available across 220 countries in the world which makes it a great solution if you are looking for international growth.

Through the DHL Express solution, you can reach your customers within 1-2 business days. Alongside these, you can track shipments, schedule pickups, and pay bills with the MyDHL+ option provided by DHL.

This courier company also offers shipping insurance to protect high-value goods and is committed to reducing carbon footprints to facilitate green logistics.

Here are some of DHL’s standout services:-

It offers a redelivery option to manage failed deliveries.
DHL has simple API integrations and gets easily integrated with storefronts, so you can manage tasks like shipment creation, tracking, etc without any back and forth.
For emergency shipments, it offers a same-day delivery service.
It also takes care of warehousing for businesses.

How to Choose the Best Courier Company in India for Business Growth?

Though we have given you the 10 best courier companies for eCommerce shipping in India, we understand that it’s yet confusing for you to narrow down your choices. After all, each of them offers dynamic solutions that make it quite difficult to pick one among them.

That’s why we have provided 10 criteria you must check before choosing the courier. Please remember that no company is perfect and somehow lacks some services.

So, if any service provider ticks off most of the boxes (if not all) mentioned below, that’s your perfect suit.

1. Geographic coverage

First things first, ensure the courier covers those areas or countries where most of your orders come from. Otherwise, you may fail to fulfill your customers’ fast delivery demands.

For instance, if you are an India-based company and you get around 60% of orders from the U.S., you should definitely choose one among DHL, FedEx, and UPS. They have a strong presence in the United States, which makes the delivery process way faster and more convenient.

Alongside that, if you are looking for international growth, check the number of countries a courier is available in. The higher the number, the better.

2. Delivery speed

If you have been in the logistics sector for quite some time, you must have known that customers want fast delivery. So, we can conclude that delivery speed is a dealmaking factor in your eCommerce business.

With that in mind, you should choose a courier that offers faster EDDs. This means an ideal courier company should have the capability to deliver a parcel within 1-2 days.

Some companies like DHL offer same-day delivery. It is another plus point if your main focus is to improve customers’ shopping experience.

Note: Please keep in mind that the courier must also have standard shipping services (3-8 business days) along with express delivery. It’ll give you the flexibility to provide multiple delivery options to customers as per their needs and help you improve your profit margin.

3. Scalability

The volume of eCommerce orders fluctuates a lot! During certain seasons, it’s near to nothing, while during the peak times, it significantly spikes up.

A good courier partner must be flexible enough to handle this sudden surge in orders without any compromise with the service quality or delivery times.

Hence, when choosing the best logistics company in India for your Ecommerce business, clarify with the team or check their service page to ensure it can have your back during peak times.

4. Availability of real-time tracking technology

After hitting the buy button, customers’ main priority is to get their orders on time. They eagerly wait for their parcels and frequently visit the tracking page to check the progress.

Shippo’s study found that around 97% of shoppers want to track their orders in real time and they visit the tracking page at least 3.5 times a day.

Now, if your chosen courier company doesn’t provide you with the option of real-time tracking, it may hinder the overall shopping experience of your customers.

However, almost every company we have mentioned above luckily provides this real-time shipment tracking functionality. Some of them even send on-time notifications as well which is a good point you may consider when choosing the best logistics service provider.

5. Special delivery handling options

Most eCommerce businesses sell perishable goods and fragile products, such as fresh flowers, food & beverages, glassware, electronics, medicines, etc.

Needless to say, these products need special handling and packaging to ensure they reach the end customers in an undamaged condition.

For example, if you are shipping flowers, you need to track the temperature from time to time, so they remain fresh. On the other hand, you need to consider special packaging such as strong cardboard boxes, cushioning materials, etc for delicate items.

So, if you sell such products, you need to go for a courier company that offers these special delivery services.

6. Courier expertise

Every courier has its own specialization. While some are good at handling bulky items, some can handle small parcels and mail in a better way. On the other hand, some companies specialize in international shipments.

To give an example, Delhivery is a really good option if an eCommerce merchant sells large, bulky items, while USPS can take care of mail delivery in the most efficient way.

Thus, what courier service provider you choose will depend on your business requirements. As per the product type, you can choose a company that will better fulfill your shipping needs.

7. Other complementary services

When it comes to eCommerce shipping, you should not measure a company’s ability only from the perspective of delivery. There are lots of other factors that make a courier company in India a good choice for eCommerce businesses. These include:-

Warehousing services to manage your inventory
Multiple pick-up and drop-off locations to improve customers’ experience
Delivery rescheduling option to reduce the number of failed deliveries
Electronic POD option to simplify the delivery confirmation process
Simplified returns management service to improve customer loyalty
Address validation or zip Code lookup functionalities to ensure successful delivery

If your preferred courier service provider offers a few of these (if not all) solutions, you can definitely go for that.

8. Shipping insurance option

Misfortune is like those unexpected guests that come at any time without any prior updates.

Likewise, shipment loss or theft can occur at any time and can severely hamper your bottom line. The situation can become worse if you ship high-value goods like jewelry or precious stones.

To stay safe in such situations, you must consider those companies that offer shipping insurance.

These couriers reimburse the value of the item in case it’s stolen, damaged, or lost during transit. As a result, you can safeguard your profitability and ensure a smooth delivery operation.

9. Integrations

Though it’s not a major criterion, it is a good-to-have one in an ideal shipping company in India for eCommerce delivery. As an eCommerce owner, you must be dealing with lots of portals and dashboards.

So why add more? Most companies mentioned in the list like DHL, USPS, and Delhivery provide APIs that you can connect with your current tech stack to consolidate tasks like tracking, shipment creation, and address validation without constant tab-switching.

At the same time, a few of them offer easy integrations with marketplaces like Amazon API and eBay to ease the shipping process.

10. Track records and active customer support system

Oftentimes, couriers claim a lot of things on their official website. In reality, they hardly keep up with their promises.

Hence, even though you find your perfect match, don’t forget to check the customer reviews of that platform. You can also tap into your network to get first-hand feedback regarding the service of that company.

Lastly, check the customer support system of your chosen courier. Are they active enough and always ready to solve your problems?

Do they handhold you to understand any new process? Do they update you regarding changes? If all the answers are yes, close the deal with that company.

Conclusion

When looking for the best courier or delivery company in India to partner with your e-commerce business, it’s also important to look at the quality and range of services that will be encompassed within that price. Analyzing data based on the performance of these carriers has enabled us to determine that these are the most reliable eCommerce shipping partners that also offer low and negotiable rates. Now, it’s up to you! Evaluate these carriers’ services and align them with your budget and then pick the one that suits you the most.