Speed Post and courier services in India both offer parcel delivery, but they operate differently. They have different pricing, speed, and reliability factors. Many people struggle with picking their delivery option, especially businesses that rely on timely deliveries. Some worry about cost, while others focus on speed. Which one is the right choice for you?
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This blog answers the key questions to help you choose wisely:
Let’s compare them side by side!
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Speed Post vs Courier Services: What’s the Difference?
What is speed post?
Speed Post means postal service run by India Post, the country’s official postal network. Launched in 1986 under the name ‘EMS Speed Post’, it was designed to provide quick and reliable delivery of letters, parcels, and important documents across India.
What is a courier service?
Courier services, on the other hand, are privately operated delivery services that focus on speed, security, and flexibility. Companies like Borzo, Blue Dart, Shadowfax, and Shiprocket offer these services, catering to both individuals and businesses. They provide customised delivery options, such as same-day delivery, truck transport, and sometimes even international shipping.
Speed Post or Courier Services: Which Is Faster?
When it comes to sending time-sensitive packages, here’s how Speed Post and courier services compare:
How many days does Speed Post take to deliver?
Domestic deliveries. From booking to delivery, the following is the standard service for Speed Post domestic delivery:
Success Indicators
Average Time Taken
Local packages
1-2 Days
Metro-Metro
1-3 Days
Between State Capitals
1-4 Days
Rest of India
4-5 Days
Within the same state
1-4 Days
International Speed Post. 2-9 working days (depending on the destination country)
How long does courier delivery take in India?
Domestic deliveries. The average time taken for logistics depends on the service availed, but here’s an overview of the average delivery time of courier delivery partners in India:
Courier Service Providers
Delivery Time
Borzo
Under 90 minutes
Uncle Delivery
Same-day
Porter
Same-day
Shiprocket
24 to 72 hours
Shadowfax
10 to 60 minutes for food and pharma items
Bluedart
Next-day
Delhivery
1 to 72 hours
DHL
2 to 20 days
International deliveries. 1-7 working days (depending on the destination country). Please note that not all services offer international delivery
Speed Post or Courier Services: Which Is More Affordable?
The best option for your shipment largely depends on your budget. Here’s the cost comparison of Speed Post and courier services.
- Speed Post Pricing
- Domestic delivery. For parcels or letters weighing up to 35 kg, the delivery charge is ₹35. For consignments weighing up to 50 grams, the delivery charge is ₹15. For accurate pricing, use Indian Post Rate Calculator.
Courier Service Pricing
Express shipping. Delivery charges vary by company, weight, and delivery speed. To better understand pricing, here’s a table of courier services in India with their minimum charges.
Courier Service Providers
Minimum Charge
Borzo
₹27 for By End of Day service
Uncle Delivery
₹44/km
Porter
₹44 (base fare, 2-wheeler, 20 kg)
Shiprocket
₹26 per 500g
Flash by Shadowfax
₹32
Bluedart
₹150 for the first 500 g; ₹75 for the next 500 g (charges for domestic 1030)
Delhivery
₹40 for local and ₹75 for national shipments up to 500 grams
DHL
₹26 per kg for GoGreen Plus
Speed Post or Courier Services: Where Can You Send Parcels?
The coverage offered by Speed Post and courier services does not only help enhance the speed and accessibility of delivery but also gives convenience for the recipient of the parcel. Let’s compare how far each can reach.
- Speed Post Pricing
- Largest postal network in the world. 154,965 post offices across India (as of 2017), with 139,067 in rural areas. On average, each post office covers 21.56 sq. km and serves 7,753 people.
- International air parcels. These services are available to 219 destinations worldwide, covering all major cities and countries.
Courier Service Coverage
Flexible reach. Some operate in specific cities, while others have an extensive national or even international reach. Here’s how some top courier companies in India cover different areas:
Courier Service Providers
Coverage
Borzo
Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai
Uncle Delivery
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
Porter
19 cities
Delhivery
18,600+ PIN codes
DHL
220+ countries
Dunzo
Pune, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai
Shadowfax
2,500+ cities
Bluedart
55,400+ locations
Shiprocket
19,000+ PIN codes
Speed Post or Courier Services: Which Service Offers Better Insurance?
Sending valuable parcels always comes with risks—loss, theft, or damage. The right insurance can make all the difference. But does Speed Post offer enough security, or do private couriers provide better protection?
- Speed Post Insurance Options• Coverage. Available for registered letters, value-payable registered letters, registered parcels, and value-payable registered parcels. The insured value must not exceed the actual value of the contents.
○ Up to ₹600 for articles booked at branch post offices.
○ Up to ₹1,00,000 for articles booked at other post offices.
• Compulsory insurance. Required for value-payable articles if the recovery amount exceeds ₹100. Items like coins, bullion, platinum, precious stones, jewellery, and government or banknotes must be sent only through insured letters or parcels.
• Insurance fees. Retail customers pay ₹10 for up to ₹200, plus ₹6 per additional ₹100. Contractual Speed Post customers pay ₹4 for up to ₹200, plus 1.50% of the insured value exceeding ₹200. - Courier Services Insurance Options
- Comprehensive shipment insurance. Private couriers provide broader coverage, insuring packages against theft, damage, and loss during transit. Many companies, like Borzo, ensure 99.8% parcel safety and offer a money guarantee, covering shipments up to ₹50,000. Some courier services also provide tiered insurance plans, allowing businesses and individuals to customise their coverage based on the package’s declared value.
- Hassle-free claims process. Private couriers often have a simplified claims process, ensuring faster resolutions with fewer restrictions. Real-time tracking and proactive customer support make it easier for senders to file and manage claims efficiently.
Speed Post or Courier Services: Who Offers More Benefits?
Every rupee spent on shipping should be worth it. Some services promise low rates but lack features, while others charge more for added convenience. Between Speed Post and private couriers, which one gives you real value—not just in price but in service and reliability?
Service
Speed Post
Courier Services
Tracking
Basic tracking through consignment numbers
Real-time advanced tracking with customer support
International
Extensive
Limited (Not all courier providers offer international delivery)
Speed Post or Courier Services: Which One Should You Choose?
Speed Post is a solid choice if you're after an affordable and reliable option for non-urgent deliveries. But if speed, flexibility, and advanced features matter more, especially for businesses, private courier services offer a better solution.
Need a courier service that offers speed, cost-effectiveness, security, coverage, and other benefits? Try Borzo! Previously known as WeFast, Borzo provides instant citywide deliveries, with pickups in as little as 20 minutes. Deliver with Borzo today for seamless shipping!
Speed Post vs Courier Services FAQ
Are there limitations on items you can send through Speed Post or private couriers?
Both Speed Post and private courier services have restrictions on certain items. Speed Post prohibits sending gold coins, bullion, or gold ornaments above ₹1 lakh in value, along with lottery tickets unless authorised by the government. Dangerous goods, explosives, narcotics, illegal drugs, are also prohibited. For more info, you may visit Indian Post’s Prohibited Articles.
Private couriers also have their own limitations, typically restricting illegal substances, firearms, explosives, flammable materials, live animals, and items violating import or export laws. Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials are also banned. Since restrictions vary by courier company, it’s always best to confirm before sending specific items.
Private couriers also have their own limitations, typically restricting illegal substances, firearms, explosives, flammable materials, live animals, and items violating import or export laws. Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials are also banned. Since restrictions vary by courier company, it’s always best to confirm before sending specific items.
Is courier service available on Sundays?
Most private courier companies operate on Sundays and public holidays, offering delivery and pickup services upon request, especially for e-commerce businesses. However, India Post’s Speed Post usually does not operate on Sundays, except for select locations or urgent consignments.
Are there any weight limits for parcels?
Speed Post has a maximum weight limit of 35 kg for domestic parcels, though this can vary by location and specific postal regulations. In contrast, private courier services generally offer more flexibility, with some allowing parcels up to 100 kg or more, depending on the chosen service. For bulk shipments or oversized items, many courier companies provide truck delivery options, which accommodate much heavier loads.
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