10 Best eCommerce Shipping Companies & Startups in 2024

What are the things you need to think about when selecting eCommerce shipping companies? The company’s infrastructure, price, customer service response time, and integration with your orders software are essential. However, ultimately choosing online shipping services comes down to order completion and customer satisfaction.

From the moment the order is shipped, many factors come into play in the final destination before the arrival of your product. Having choices for delivery and shipping services in India can ensure a great customer experience.

The evolution of the eCommerce industry has led to a rise in the number of shipping companies trying to offer the best courier service to eCommerce companies. There are numerous providers, each claiming that they are the best, making it difficult for companies to find a provider that meets their standards.

What Is eCommerce Shipping?

Transportation is one of the most significant aspects of eCommerce. It can either make or break your business, as it’s a significant way to satisfy customers and make your business strategy work. As eCommerce becomes more popular, the relevance of shipping is becoming more and more prominent. All eCommerce shipping companies are trying to provide a seamless experience and great returns for their customers. Opting for better transportation service makes shipping affordable and more manageable.

The goal of shipping companies is to come up with an affordable and effective way of delivering and returning items. It is challenging for small businesses to compete in the e-market since big companies are adopting new technologies for efficient shipping. For example, large companies can deliver your product within a day now. 

What are the Benefits of eCommerce Shipping?

Customers today want to know the status of their purchase and how long it will take them to get the package. Companies need to compete in this free market with fast shipping while maintaining competitive pricing and ensuring they provide a free service.

5 Benefits expected from eCommerce Shipping Companies are as follows:

Choosing the best carrier at the lowest cost 

It is the primary and essential thing that a seller cares about. The latest technology allows sellers to instantly compare the carriers and their services to choose the best service for each shipment according to the shipping priority and the cost of it.

To meet the buyer’s delivery expectations, you should know that there are benefits to having multiple carriers. With eCommerce shipping companies, retailers can compare and find the lowest-priced carrier option for your order by integrating advanced platforms into their supply chain.

Smoothen the shipping process

Online shipping services in India must achieve customer satisfaction above everything. These companies are designed to optimize every transaction. The best logistics will be automatically selected based on a specific customer’s needs and region. eCommerce solutions help businesses simplify delivery. For example, a business may have customers in different countries or regions. Centralising distribution to one location simplifies things for companies sending products internationally.

Retailers should be able to deliver numerous products to a large network. eCommerce shipping service companies determine when deliveries are not meeting expectations by using the best mix of carriers. Their courier partners offer flexibility in carrier services depending on the customers in that area. By aggregating rates for carriers and holding them accountable, companies can get better rates.

Real-time solutions for shipping problems

If you’re an online shopper, you need to ensure that the eCommerce shipping companies can provide you with tracking. It ensures not only your confidence as a buyer but also for the retailer by proving that the shipment reached its final destination. Businesses can track packages to solve problems such as location delays and missed delivery dates. Tracking packaging will also allow customers to have up-to-date information on their deliveries and make their experience more personalised.

Customer service departments can communicate with customers in real-time while they wait, troubleshooting and sending products from a local center if the customer is willing to wait. If the customer wants to collect their product from a store, they can do so. They will have reduced customer service calls and increased browsing on the retailer’s website – offering more exposure to the products, and some customers may purchase more as a result. Data on carrier performance can complement negotiations. Tracking deliveries with exceptions gives reliable insight into data on carrier performance.

Negotiating contracts and getting valid invoices

Opportunities for savings exist when retailers partner with eCommerce shipping companies. These solutions allow retailers to recognize if any surcharges or other fees were incorrectly applied to their shipments. An audit system can automate the hard work of invoice matching. It will help you seamlessly identify discrepancies and allocate your account with ease and sophistication.

Making data-driven decisions

Without access to analyse real-time shipping data in a Business Intelligence platform, retailers are unable to comprehend how distance, delivery speed, package size, and density effects spending across their transportation carrier landscape. They can’t see how (or where) improvements will (or should) take place, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to carrier talks. Understanding how changes in fulfillment affect zone and carrier service-level downgrade possibilities is crucial, for example, if a retailer is increasing ship-from-store or locating a new distribution center.

Creativity and education are essential in any profession, but one needs to understand that there is a type of creativity that comes only through training. It can be tricky to figure out carrier reliability using only a simple evaluation of delivery success rates. The solution might be through simulating deliveries and using the results. Retailers can use this process to find bad carriers and realise which are good by looking at simulation success rates.

eCommerce shipping companies have significant benefits, one of which is better rates for package delivery. It can automatically match the invoices with deliveries that go out and track which parcels have been delivered. With a multi-carrier network, businesses can control rates and manage how packages will be provided.

What are the Costs Associated with eCommerce Shipping?

73% of shoppers expect pocket-friendly, express deliveries when they shop online. One way to decrease the cost of your shipping rates is to use a carrier that offers competitive pricing. 

Here are the expenses associated with eCommerce shipping companies and some extra information to help you with your eCommerce shipping needs.

Dimension of the Package 

Shipping rates depend on the size of the package. eCommerce shipping solutions will determine the price based on the length, height, and width measurements. They use the dimensional weight to determine the cost of larger packages. 

Weight of the Package

The weight of the package is calculated by its dimensions. If this weight exceeds the dimensional weight, you will have to pay additional shipping costs.

Intercontinental Shipping Options

Shipping zone tracking is a way of measuring the distance between your package’s origin and destination. The number ranges from 1 to 8, and in the continental US, they can vary from Zone 1 to Zone 8. Carriers calculate the logistics cost from where a package is shipped, but that zone may change depending on their location.

Shipping and Handling

When an order is placed and the seller dispatches the product, a carrier partner has to handle a lot of things and pay several types of fees. The shipping fee covers only the shipment of the item. Handling fees cover every step in getting it to its destination, including retrieving it on picking lists, moving inventory, packing shipments, and loading up trucks.

13 Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing eCommerce Shipping Companies for Your Business

Pricing

There are several considerations when you choose top shipping companies in India for eCommerce business. You can go with free shipping and inherent costs, or you could look into a budget shipping option that fares much better.

Can free shipping impact your business?

Research your competitors’ prices and shipping rates and the availability of insurance. You can buy insurance commissioned by you or one supplied by your postal carrier. And, be sure to verify that shipping prices are included in a plan before it’s finalised for online sales.

Speed 

The experience is worth the wait. The Customer will buy again if they know their order is progressing and that it is being tracked with a status of “In Process” or “Complete.” Customers may need to wait an extra few days to place an international or customised order but say Amazon should be able to provide speedy service when delivering a same-day item.

eCommerce shipping companies should have specialised personnel, large fleets, and vast networks of delivery personnel to ensure fast, reliable delivery. Ask your provider about potential fees beforehand to make sure you meet deadlines.

SLA (Service Level Agreement)

Both the price and delivery speed depend on your SLA. Consumers will generally order products from the company to receive their orders quickly. To reach this satisfaction, the company needs to deliver its order promptly and provide speedy delivery to customers. Your agreement may also include additional online shipping services required for the shipment.

Service availability

You should know when shipping companies for eCommerce operate, it could incur shipping delays. When providing delivery/ shipping dates to customers, specify the data in your SLA.

Reliability

People want to receive what they ordered. It would help if you worked with an eCommerce shipping solution-providing companies that guarantee the quality of your products and get shipments to your customers as quickly as possible, despite unforeseen events like severe weather or infrastructure challenges. 

Reach

One of the important pieces of information that a shipper needs to identify is the reach of their carriers. It describes the locations and areas where they operate and the states and country encompassing their fleet. Delivery must be able to serve specific sites that may be hyperlocal or rural, so make sure that the eCommerce shipping companies are competent. Previously, a significant concern was delivering products on time, but other logistical issues may be more critical. Courier partners provide various services to the industry, including COD coverage and special handling for sensitive items. These added services could also expedite your shipment.

Accountability

Business owners lose money when the delivery time for their products becomes too long. It is a must for an eCommerce owner to know their package’s whereabouts to provide quick customer service. The shipping company’s warehouse is often situated outside the city, making the customer experience even more stressful. A simple tracking solution helps both sides to get through these difficult situations. Many eCommerce packages show shipping information on their apps, including pick-up locations, current status, and estimated delivery times.

Monthly Goals

By working with carrier partners, the possibility goes high to develop goals for reducing RTO. If you want more shipments, the best shipping company will also help you with this. You can set up milestones such as the average shipment quota to meet over a week or quarter.

Payment Cycle

Payments for services should come within a time frame, like monthly payments. While signing a partnership agreement with a new company, you should specify your payment cycle. Paying ahead of time prevents you from being charged late fees on a credit card. Use a clear payment cycle to avoid unexpected charges after the end of the month.

Cash on Delivery Adjustments

COD reconciliation is a crucial step in the whole range of services, including handling the item and collecting signatures from customers when they receive their orders. When you send a COD shipment, it includes the remittance of payment for that order, plus closing any mismatched accounts in the company’s books. Charges for COD orders are not accounted for until they are transferred from the carrier to your company. You may be unwittingly paying more than you should.

Value-Added Services

eCommerce shipping companies often provide value-added services such as ensuring that your packages are safe and in perfect condition upon arrival. DHL can offer you exceptional packaging for your business, such as customised packaging and temperature-controlled transit. DHL also provides a choice of vehicles and other services. Before you decide on your order, consider the additional services you may need for the shipment if you are shipping internationally or domestically.

Penalties

It is essential to specify penalties. Missing shipments or deliveries should come with strict consequences proportional to the amount. Monitor the accounts and impose fines if it is not fixed. To prevent fraud from occurring, you can purchase insurance from the carrier too.

Visibility

Transparency is crucial to successful eCommerce shipping companies. Without visibility, you won’t be able to keep track of your orders and stay on pace with your latest sale. Online retailers need to have a robust delivery system to keep their customers comfortable and satisfied. Customers get anxious when they don’t know where their orders are, and thus, the courier partner must be able to provide updates on the package.

From the customer’s point of view, you can improve your customers’ delivery experience by choosing appropriate shipping methods. If you offer several shipping options, it is essential to choose the right ones. Limiting your options to the most reputable best-of-the-best shipping companies will reduce researching time. Before narrowing down your options, you should research each company’s past track record to find the suitable option for your shipping needs. Read along to know about the top 10 shipping companies in India.

Top 10 Most Trusted, Best eCommerce Shipping Companies [Updated List for 2024]

More than 120+ eCommerce shipping companies in India provide high-quality, cost-effective services for small and medium to large-scale eCommerce businesses. Here’s a list of India’s top 10 Best eCommerce shipping/courier companies and what they offer. 

1. Delhivery

Delhivery started as a logistics company, but now it provides other services in the e-commerce industry. The company specializes in big companies, offering same-day and next-day delivery, and 75% of them are major eCommerce stores. Delhivery has efficient reverse logistics and COD without glitches. Delhivery also integrates with the user’s software to generate shipping labels, cancel orders, estimate accurate EDDs, and manage exceptions for shipping companies.

• It provides supply chain solutions to 21000 active customers.
• It has a nationwide network servicing over 17000+ pin codes. 21 automated sort centers, 86 gateways, and 80+ fulfillment centers.
• It provides services like Express Parcel, Truckload Freight, Partial-Truckload Freight, Delhivery Cross Border, etc.
• It has a team of over 66000 people that works to deliver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

2. DTDC

DTDC specialises in handling eCommerce businesses. Offering many options for delivery, DTDC provides the convenience of using custom shipping methods that are convenient and readily available. With the DTDC API, you can access a variety of shipping methods, tracking notifications, and necessary documentation. The API also provides instant access to seamless on-demand services.

• Has a presence in more than 500 district headquarters through its huge network of more than 11,000+ franchisees.
• Has extended services to over 11,400+ Pin codes, handling more than 12.5 million shipments per month.
• Has a field workforce of more than 40000 resources with 4 Zonal offices, 20 strategic regional offices, and over 570 operating facilities across India.

3. Blue Dart

Blue Dart is a strong contender for the best shipping company in India. It provides you with various packages, covering delivery to over 150 countries and 35,000+ pin codes in India. It also offers a tracking service, so your customer will know when their order is being delivered.

• Has delivered consignments to over 35,000 locations in India
• Has delivery services covering over 220 countries
• Has distribution services including air express, supply chain solutions, customs clearance, and freight forwarding
• Has warehouses at 85 locations across the nation as well as warehouses at the 7 major metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai)

Learn More: 3PL Warehousing Companies

4. FedEx

FedEx provides a range of services in other countries and is used by businesses that want to save money on shipping. It can work with various products, including heavy, fragile items and hazardous substances.

• It claims to be faster in residential locations than UPS Ground.
• It allows recipients to use their FedEx account when receiving shipments.

5. GATI

GATI is a relevant peer on the list of top Indian delivery services. GATI is an Indian company with a reach that extends to 735 out of the 739 districts in India. Gati started its operations in 1989 and has delivered packages to 19,000+ different locations around India. They offer express delivery, transportation mechanisms, and warehousing solutions. They also specialise in COD orders, allowing customised pick-ups from warehouses.

• It has a nationwide network of 735 out of the 739 districts which cover 19,800+ PIN Codes in India.
• It includes Express Distribution, Cold Chain Solutions, Air Freight, E-commerce, First Mile Delivery, and Last Mile Logistics, etc.
• It also offers exclusive B2C services like Bike Express, Laabh, Student Express, and others.
• It has over 30 years of experience and the expertise of a dedicated team of professionals spread across the country.

6. DHL

DHL is a primary international delivery service that can connect you with any location worldwide. Customers benefit from their sophisticated and comprehensive system to ship products efficiently. DHL Courier Company, the world’s largest international courier company, has implemented a system that reduces waste and minimizes the company’s carbon footprint. This renewed system covers more than 26,000 pin codes, shipping all over India.

• It covers 26,000+ pin codes across India
• It uses a system that reduces waste and minimizes the company’s carbon footprint
• It is the world’s largest international courier company

7. EKart

Indian-based Ekart Logistics is the number-one online shipping service provider in the country for both last-mile and first-mile delivery. Established in 2009, Ekart Logistics was initially an arm of the Flipkart eCommerce platform. With the Ekart Logistics API, e-commerce stores can provide various payment processing tools to their customers.

• It was initially an arm of the Flipkart eCommerce platform
• It uses an API that helps e-commerce stores to provide various payment processing tools to their customers.

8. Ecom Express

Ecom Express is the preferred delivery service for Indian eCopters. Ecom Express provides excellent customer service with unmatched industry standards. For example, you can return an item using a different courier service but guarantee that it will arrive within 72 hours. It is possible because these couriers offer expedited delivery options.

• It has a presence all over the country including 29 states and union territories. It operates in across 27,000+ PIN codes over 2650+ towns
• It has also invested in Paperfly, Bangladesh’s largest third-party e-commerce logistics (3PL) firm.
• It uses automated solutions and cutting-edge technology to enable first-mile pickup, processing, network optimization, and last mile delivery.

9. Safe Express

Safe Express offers the fastest and most efficient way to deliver a package. They’ve been in business for more than 20 years, serving more than 28000 different pin codes, and shipping all over India. They use PRS-enabled intelligent devices that can help companies get ahead by making sure packages are delivered efficiently and on time. Receiving proof of delivery is standard practice with Safe Express, which gives online retailers an added edge.

• It has the Largest-fleet of 9000+ GPS-enabled vehicles and the Largest Network of 31187 pin codes across India.
• It operates on 2088 routes and delivers 134 million packages a year to over 5000 corporates across India.
• Its 3PL Services has a total Warehousing space of more than 18 million+ square feet across the nation.

10. Shadow Fax

Shadowfax is an end-to-end logistics company that offers fast delivery to eCommerce businesses. With this service, retailers and e-tailers can provide their customers with prompt delivery of their products. With Shadowfax, you can get quick deliveries throughout 10,000+ pin codes across 500+ cities.

• Shadowfax is the largest tech-backed logistics company in the marketplace that helps businesses to outsource last-mile activities.
• It launched India’s 1st delivery SuperApp to accelerate the growth of delivery partners to access multiple opportunities on a single platform.
• Currently it is fulfilling 1 million orders in a day, and has 100K+ daily active users (delivery partners) in more than 600+ cities in India, in 7000+ pin codes.

Hope, Now you can decide amongst this list of top 10 shipping companies in India for the growth of your business.

Conclusion: How Can a Fulfillment Company like WareIQ Act Like a Shipping Aggregator & Help eCommerce Businesses with Shipping?

eCommerce shipping companies automate order fulfillment, logistics, and shipping operations for eCommerce businesses; it provides an automated way to manage these tasks. Good shipping companies for eCommerce will simplify the order fulfillment process and keep delivery costs low. This way, you can get your packages delivered to customers quickly and stay competitive in today’s marketplace.

Same-day and next-day shipping has become a major driving factor for many customers. 92% of them said they would choose the fast service over a slower one, enhancing their experience. The availability of free-of-cost and more secure deliveries by big names such as Amazon and Flipkart raises other D2C eCommerce brands’ delivery expectations. Most customers abandon an online shopping cart because they don’t want to pay for shipping, and others are deterred by long wait times.

Shipping is a core function of eCommerce. It’s easy to make customers happy if your products are delivered fast. You can use a shipping solution to streamline your order-processing workflow. Advanced eCommerce shipping companies will ease many previously struggling tasks, such as generating shipping labels, GST invoicing and handling order packaging. You can complete these jobs and get your package ready to be dispatched with a few clicks. Different shipping companies have their own pros & cons. Costs, shipping speed, quality of service, timely delivery, and customer support vary with each shipping/courier company.

Hence, it’s better to outsource the task of shipping not to a single shipping company, but to a shipping aggregator like WareIQ which has partnered with all the leading national & hyperlocal top shipping companies in India.

Established in 2019, WareIQ, a Y-combinator backed startup, has rapidly grown to be the leading provider of full-stack eCommerce fulfillment services for some of the most reputed brands in India. WareIQ offers a full-stack platform for eCommerce companies to enable same-day delivery and next day delivery to customers – an Amazon Prime-like experience but accessible to everyone.

WareIQ has customised offerings for merchants experiencing different order volumes as well as having different delivery speed expectations. WareIQ is probably one of the very few fulfillment tech companies in the world that have same-day delivery service for their customers under their product “WareIQ RUSH”.

With world-class WMS functionalities, WareIQ handles the entire range of intricate operations in the eCommerce fulfillment process, ranging from Inbound Operations such as scanning and quality check, through 100% accurate Pick and Pack, Inventory Management across all channels. WareIQ’s next day delivery and same-day delivery services are helping eCommerce businesses set new standards with respect to setting customer expectations and fulfilling them with high efficacy. At the same time, WareIQ customers realise significant cost savings and wider reach due to better negotiations with shipping partners, strategically placed warehouses, economies of scale and scope in warehousing, and data-driven decision making.

WareIQ’s WMS, a centralised tech platform helps to better manage undelivered orders by reducing NDR processing time by 12 hours – a multifunctional NDR dashboard helps to track and take immediate action for undelivered orders in real-time, thereby reducing RTO by up to 10%. Automatic replenishment recommendations and easy purchase order creation capabilities on the WareIQ platform further empower eCommerce companies to leverage all possible ways of increasing their ROI.

Ecommerce Shipping Companies FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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