Top 10 Logistics Companies in Saudi Arabia for eCommerce

Overview

The e-commerce boom in Saudi Arabia, in the wake of the pandemic, has led to unprecedented growth in the country's courier, express, and parcel (CEP) delivery market.

The current trend suggests the market will grow by an average of 6.5 percent annually until 2026. This data is significant since consumer expenditure on online products has increased by 50% during the pandemic.

Logistics companies of Saudi Arabia are the lifeline for eCommerce that drives most of this market growth. Third-party logistics companies (3PLs) in Saudi Arabia offer end-to-end shipping and order management services.

These essential facilities include on-demand delivery, same-day/next-day delivery, time-defined/slot-based delivery, and returns management.

Apart from these core shipping services, most of the logistics and shipping companies in Saudi Arabia offer warehousing solutions. With this, an eCommerce business can have routine maintenance of its inventory and offer speedier pickup options for delivery.

The eCommerce industry relies heavily on courier and logistics companies to oversee a crucial part of a customer's purchase journey. Therefore, the decision to pick one logistics company from a sea of many becomes a vital one.

After all, every shipping and logistics company comes with its pros and cons. You might find some services rank higher on your priority list than others. You may want to partner with multiple courier companies as your business achieves newer heights. 

That's why it always pays to know who the top players in the industry are. We have narrowed the options to the best logistics companies in Saudi Arabia for eCommerce companies. 

List of Top 15 Best Logistics Companies in Saudi Arabia for eCommerce Shipping [Cheapest and Fastest]

No matter the size of your eCommerce business, you will need the help of eCommerce logistics firm to keep your customers happy. Below, we have compiled a detailed list of the top shipping solution providers in Saudi Arabia and their services. Let's take a look!

1) Aramex 

Aramex is a UAE-based multinational logistics, courier, and package delivery company operational since 1982. Aramex has grown rapidly to become a global brand, serving over 220 countries worldwide.

They currently provide comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East. 

Key Features:

• They provide express courier delivery for both domestic and international shipments.
• Rapid and cost-effective freight shipping services for land, air, and the ocean are available.
• Aramex partners with eCommerce solution providers like ShopGo and Martjack to help businesses host virtual storefronts.
• They also provide assistance with supply chain management and provide technical support. 
• Aramex handles end-to-end shipping, tracking, delivery requirements, and warehousing solutions for eCommerce enterprises.
• They also offer shipment management services like co-packing, bundling, and on-site services. 

2) Barq Express 

Barq Express, also called Al Barq Express, is an ancillary of the major conglomerate Alafaliq Holding, based in Riyadh. They provide logistics, courier, and delivery services to individuals and eCommerce businesses.

Since its inception in 2016, it has quickly grown to become a prime GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Logistics company. 

Key Features:

• Their A.I.-driven recommendation engine uses route optimization to chart possible routes with the least traffic congestion for speedy parcel delivery.
• Since Saudi Arabia lacks a formal street address system, Barq Express uses the GPS of the customer's phone for location-based pickup and delivery via the BarqApp.
• The Barq Express API integration uses one unified express number to track shipments across the region.
• They send real-time updates on the order status to both enterprises and customers via SMS and Whatsapp messages. 
• Barq Express also offers hyperlocal services or 2-hour deliveries within select areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

3) Saudi Post 

Saudi Post (SPL) is the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology brand name, a government-led postal service in Saudi Arabia. It is popularly known as "al-Bareed" within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It has an expansive postal network of over 470 main and 180 branch post offices across the region. It aims to become the modern logistics arm of KSA commerce.

Key Features:

• They offer two delivery modes for eCommerce businesses that ship domestically and internationally- Express and Economy. 
• With express shipping, shipments weighing up to 30 kgs can be insured beforehand and delivered to the customer's doorstep. 
• With the economy mode, customers will receive their shipments at their nearest parcel station.
• All orders are tracked via the SPL online platform and the mobile app.
• All parcels, whether a doorstep delivery or a parcel station pickup, come with pre-negotiated prices.

4) UPS 

United Parcel Service (or UPS) is a transportation and logistics company working in 220+ countries worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. It offers innovative eCommerce solutions to businesses, big and small. It is especially well-known in high-growth healthcare, SMEs, and international markets.

Key Features:

• UPS provides various shipping options like the Low Volume Scheme and Volume Shipping Scheme based on shipping frequency to businesses.
• Their automated heavyweight global shipping product, WorldShip, oversees the packaging of LTL (Less-than-truckload) and air freight shipments.
• Direct integrations with online marketplaces automatically import orders and expedite the shipping process. 
• Retailers can avail of discounts when paying via PayPal, credit cards, or a UPS user account. 
• UPS has multiple tracking systems using email and tracking IDs, scheduling home deliveries, and searching parcel locations with their mobile application.

5) Fetchr 

Fetchr is a cloud-based eCommerce logistics platform that has quickly made its name in the shipping and logistics industry in Saudi Arabia.

Fetchr is good for any business that looks for flexibility in their courier partners. They use advanced logistics technology to ensure customer satisfaction. 

Key Features:

• Fetchr is renowned for its superfast delivery in its hyperlocal and express delivery options.
• The Fetchr platform manages orders and inventory levels optimizes shipping, and keeps track of every nitty-gritty logistical detail of the business.
• Fetchr's A.I. uses machine learning to schedule customer orders, pickups, and deliveries.
• The platform's predictive analysis tools provide prompts to help eCommerce businesses earn greater profits and revenues.

6) SMSA Express 

SMSA Express is one of Saudi's leading express transportation and logistics providers. It has been working in the region for more than 20 years. With 200+ retail centers across the kingdom, it offers great network coverage and excellent transit times.

Key Features:

• Their automated, secure shipping service comes with real-time tracking facilities for deliveries made to home and business addresses.
• The carrier platform sends notifications to customers to ascertain the cause of returns and to keep RTO% at a minimum.
• They also provide 3PL services like warehousing and distribution for proper supply chain management and inventory keeping. 
• All their features are fully customizable to suit the specific needs of every eCommerce business.

7) Careem 

The Dubai-based ride-hailing company, Careem, is a subsidiary of the internationally operational taxi aggregator Uber. It is the pioneer of the Middle East's ride-hailing economy.

Careem has recently entered the eCommerce courier and logistics sector with the introduction of Careem Express. For now, express shipping options are only available through bike deliveries in Dubai.

Key Features:

• Super-fast deliveries happen within a short time frame of 45-60 minutes.
• Careem's advanced mapping technology finds the shortest route with the lowest traffic bottlenecks to get shipments to customers on time.
• They offer attractive discounts on volume-based shipping for growing eCommerce businesses for cost-efficiency. 
• They provide 24/7 technical and customer support and have quick resolve time for any difficulties in tracking and shipping. 

8) Naqel Express 

Since its formation in 1993, Naqel Express has provided end-to-end logistics and supply chain management solutions to eCommerce businesses.

They are committed to giving the best customer experience in Saudi Arabia and have extended their foothold in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Key Features:

• They offer time-definite express shipment deliveries of less than 35kgs worldwide and shipments weighing more than 35kgs within Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
• They provide personalized sea, land, and air freight services for imports and exports.
• Naqel has freight specialists informing clients of the best routes, schedules, and rates for their shipments and helps with international customs clearance.
• They also provide storage and distribution services like warehousing and inventory management to reduce operative costs and improve order cycles. 

9) FedEx 

FedEx is an American multinational delivery services corporation that provides inland and international logistics and shipping solutions to Saudi Arabia. It's one of the rare logistic companies that can safely transport dangerous goods like lithium batteries and dry ice, either interstate or cross-borders. 

Key Features:

• Their well-equipped and trained personnel cater outstanding transportation services that can handle high-value shipments weighing up to 68kgs. 
• FedEx manages customs clearances for all orders shipping outside the country.
• The FedEx Tracking Tool monitors shipments and enables businesses to track them in real-time from a single interface.
• The mobile tracking tool enables automated updates, barcode scanning, and 24/7 support so that customers don't face any snags in the post-shopping experience.

10) Zajil Express 

This Riyadh-based logistics courier company caters to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia through fast-moving domestic express shipping services. Zajil Express is one of eCommerce businesses' most favored shipping partners for its on-time delivery.

Key Features:

• They offer many door-to-door shipping services that ensure the pick-up, transport, and delivery of all your shipments.
• For super urgent deliveries, their Super Express Delivery feature uses the Dammam-Riyadh-Jeddah special route to deliver goods before 9 am the next day.
• Presently, shipments can be delivered within 4 hours for distances less than 500 km, 48 hours for distances more than 500 km, and 72 hours for distances more than 1000 km.
• They can ship orders weighing up to a massive 25 tonnes after pre-booking and prearranging delivery times. 

11) DB Schenker

DB Schenker is a globally renowned logistics and shipping company present since 1872. They are an industry leader in global lead logistics, transport, fulfillment, eCommerce solutions, and Freight movement. They recently launched the Golden Truck to expand their land transport fleet in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Features:

• They handle parcel, LTL, and FTL shipments with streamlined booking, integrated tracking, single invoicing, and parcel pick-ups.

• They sport a massive air freight network covering 700 locations in 130+ countries with cargo first, economy, special, and business tiers.

• They offer systematized contract logistics services for product procurement, warehousing, and distribution.

• They have a reverse and repair logistics program emphasizing recycling, returns inspection, module replacement, and warranty check.

• Their lead logistics component offers 4PL, freight management, and cross-border logistics in Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific.

12) Agility Logistics

Agility Logistics is a worldwide supply chain and logistics service provider leading in infrastructure, transport, digital logistics, and innovation.

They are one of the largest warehouse operators in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. They also have one of the largest aviation networks in the world. 

Features:

• Their flagship program, SHIPA, assists small businesses with eCommerce solutions like online tracking and inventory management.

• They fulfill all the first- to last-mile delivery requirements, origin fulfillment, securing transport providers, freight forwarding, and door-to-door deliveries.

• They provide various services, from on-demand delivery within an hour to affordable next-day deliveries.

• They practice contactless deliveries and offer end-to-end shipment tracking, a vast network of different transport vehicles, and multiple payment options.

• They also support freight moving services, including air, ocean FCL/LCL, and Amazon FBA shipping from a personalized dashboard with instant freight booking capacity.

13) S.A. Talke

S.A. Talke is a specialized logistics service provider of transportation, storage, on-site/off-site operations, and packaging.

They also offer logistics analysis, consultancy, construction of logistical plants, and transportation of bulk liquids, dry products, and parcels. One of their primary services is to manage procurement primarily for chemical and petrochemical industries.

Features:

• They offer businesses access to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region and transport packaged and palletized goods.

• They have multiple warehouses in the country equipped with advanced facilities and security for single or multiple clients.

• They adhere to customers' packaging requirements and offer sampling and refining for dry and liquid products.

• They also provide storage facilities, handle ocean containers, and terminal services for ocean freight.

14) Sign Logistics

Sign Logistics’s motto is to offer reliable last-mile delivery services in Saudi Arabia. They are proficient in storage, shipping, delivery, and managing business operational risks. Apart from last-mile delivery, they also offer freight forwarding services and customs clearance.

Features:

• They have diverse sizes and types of vehicles equipped with cooling systems, ample cargo space, and complete fleet branding.

• They have short- and long-term storage options for handling in-transit shipments, loading and unloading, and stocking inventory.

• They offer seamless, affordable, customized freight services and advanced tracking features.

• They have in-house customs clearance and brokerage facilities for convenient customs clearance adhering to global standards.

15) J&T Express

J&T Express is a logistics services provider that offers express delivery transport, warehousing, and supply chain solutions. They have an estimated 240 sorting centers, 10,000 vehicles, and 400,000 service providers around the world.

Features:

• They provide same-day, basic and economical deliveries for parcels weighing under 30 kgs and 100 kgs for enterprise shipments.

• They offer parcel tracking and shipment status visibility via the official website and mobile application.

• They also provide warehousing facilities, all-year-round operations, and special requests.

List of Top Essential Criteria to Select the Best Logistics Company in Saudi Arabia for eCommerce Businesses

This exhaustive list of the leading eCommerce logistics companies in Saudi Arabia and their services should help narrow your search. Given the importance of shipping services, freight management, and delivery to customers, this is not a decision that can be lightly made.

To choose the right courier partner, you must carefully consider the needs and scope of your business. Many industry-specific things must be included to make an informed decision.

The eCommerce boom has led to the rise of many logistics providers in the Middle East and UAE markets. There are too many options for an online business looking to hire a logistics company.

We understand this can quickly get confusing. Should you go for the fastest courier delivery partner or the one that serves more locations? Do you need same-day delivery services even though it costs a lot? Do you need help with warehousing? Frankly, the questions are endless.

To help you answer some of these questions, we have made a list of the most important factors you should consider before choosing a logistics partner. ClickPost is a first responder in the courier delivery industry, and our experience tells us there are essential facets to a good logistics company. Let's discuss what they are in more detail.

1) Shipping Costs

Although it's natural to be tempted by a logistics company offering the lowest shipping rates, this might not always be the right decision. eCommerce logistics costs often become high even when the initial base rates are low.

This happens due to hidden costs, value-added services, or weight discrepancies. It is advisable to always connect with courier companies directly to ascertain that all costs are within the stipulated budget. 

2) Reach and Serviceability

It's of the utmost importance for an eCommerce enterprise to partner with a logistics company that covers all the locations where it receives orders. A logistics company catering to multiple locations isn't always the best choice if it doesn't deliver to the locations the consumers come from. 

3) Order Tracking

Tracking visibility is essential for a hassle-free post-purchase journey for customers and business owners. Logistics companies that use GPS tracking and provide real-time updates via notifications can ensure order tracking transparency and customer happiness.

4) Speedy Delivery

The thriving eCommerce industry has made customers extremely time-sensitive, with most preferring faster deliveries. To provide faster delivery to Saudi consumers, you need a logistics company that offers various speedy delivery services. These can be express delivery, SDD or NDD (same-day delivery or next-day delivery), and hyperlocal delivery at reasonable prices.

5) Limitations on Shipping Volume and Cargo Size

The size and volume of your orders will vary depending on the niche your online business deals in. For instance, e-commerce furniture stores will need to ship products of much greater size and volume than online apparel stores. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to check whether the courier company you wish to partner with is capable of handling orders of such a huge size.

It is good to mention that most logistic solution providers have the transportation and fleet capacity to carry about 30 kgs of orders. Any more, and you are looking to hire a logistics partner that specializes in bulk and voluminous shipping. This list includes two companies that take on orders of great volume - FedEx and Zajil Express.

These shipping and supply chain management companies are equipped to handle orders weighing 68kgs and 25 tonnes, respectively. Choosing these parcel delivery services can help you with bulk and heavyweight shipping. However, keep in mind the locations they deliver to before finalizing either.

6) Specialisation and Niche Services

Some e-commerce businesses may need specialized shipping conditions and services to deliver their products without loss or damage. If your online business sells highly valuable, flammable, or fragile products, you will require the assistance of logistics service providers that can handle them.

Many shipping companies provide temperature-controlled transport and excellent packaging services for fragile items. They also have customs clearance and customs brokerage for outbound shipments. Depending on your needs, you should look for a logistics partner that offers special cargo handling. 

If you are an online fashion business, you may need services like steam-ironing, folding, and barcode tagging as part of your shipping and fulfillment plan. Always talk to your logistic provider for any special requests with orders.

7) Terms of Insurance

A proper insurance plan with your logistics partner is essential for online vendors selling fragile items or products of high value.

A damaged or broken item not only incurs a huge loss to the company but also breaks its reputation. Online sellers of jewelry and other valuable items will do well by choosing a shipping partner that ensures safe shipping at all costs.

Such courier providers usually have a trained staff operating the fleet/vehicle carrying high-value products. Drawing up an insurance plan with your shipping company ensures that losses are minimal. And that the onus of bearing the loss does not only fall on the e-commerce company. 

8) Proof of Delivery

Proof of delivery may sound counterintuitive, but there is good reason e-commerce stores push for this service. The biggest problem of online commerce is that not all deliveries are fulfilled even though they may be marked as such.

A courier delivery agent often marks an order as fulfilled or delivered even though the delivery has not occurred. To keep a tab on fake deliveries and keep them from going out of control, the proof of delivery service can help. 

Proof of delivery is an electronically signed document by the customer upon receiving their order. With this mechanism in place, fake deliveries are just not possible. This saves the e-commerce business a lot of time and money. It also helps them keep their customers happy by avoiding scenarios arising out of fake delivery attempts.

9) Reverse Logistics

In reverse logistics or returns management, goods or orders return inward through the supply chain. Reverse logistics starts from the product return at the customer's end and reaches the warehouse or seller. In easier words, it's called product returns. And it is one of the biggest pain points of the e-commerce world.

Product returns are rampant in online retail, and the reason is not always a defective or damaged product. Anyhow, it's common knowledge that returns happen and that they make online businesses sad and worried. eCommerce in Saudi Arabia is not an exception to this global trend.

The best way to tackle product returns is by choosing a logistics company that can manage product returns well. They should be prompt with return pick-ups, have shorter refund processing times, and have faster delivery to the warehouse.

Ideally, a returns management system should call or get in touch with customers to address their grievances. They should know more about the reason for return/exchange and clarify doubts.

10) Past Records and Reviews

When choosing a logistics company to handle your e-commerce shipping operations, one should look at it in totality instead of parts and pieces. Yes, it's logical to go for a logistics service provider that offers all the shipping services you need.

But it's even more important to check the records and reviews of the company before finalizing them. If a company has regularly delivered on its promise and made customers happy, it will do the same for you.

But, on the other hand, if you see mostly negative reviews about the company, consider it a red flag and move away. No matter the fancy services a shipping company provides, if it doesn't deliver on its promise, it's no good at all.

FAQs

1) Why is a logistics company important for eCommerce in Saudi Arabia?

The value of a logistics company in Saudi Arabia rests in its services. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is soon emerging as a leading logistics center in the GCC region, with annual revenue of $18 billion.

The core of the logistics industry lies with companies transforming their transportation, delivery, warehousing, storage, and freight forwarding services.

The country has several domestic and international shipping and logistics providers that uplift the supply chain in the region.

Most of these companies are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, a robust fleet, and a vast network of vehicles for ground transportation. They also sport warehouses, construction facilities, and bulk handling of valuable freight.

For any growing eCommerce business in and outside the country, it is crucial to partner with logistics providers in Saudi Arabia for growth. Multiple shipping companies like Aramex, Barq Express, Saudi Post, Zajil, and Agility Logistics are enhancing the country's eCommerce delivery system.

2) Which is the Best Courier and Shipping Company in Saudi Arabia?

To determine the best courier and shipping provider, one has to align their business goals and shipping volume to the services offered by a company. The shipping needs of international shippers will differ from a domestic eCommerce company.

Fortunately, there are multiple shipping companies in Saudi Arabia fulfilling various requirements of eCommerce businesses.

One can rely on UPS, Aramex, FedEx, Naqel Express, DB Schenker, and Agility Logistics for cross-border shipping. They offer expedited shipping, air and ocean freight transport, and customs clearance. 

For hyperlocal deliveries and domestic shipping, there are multiple options available. Starting with Saudi Post and Fetchr, one can choose Careem Express, SMSA Express, and Sign Logistics.

They are equipped with an expansive ground delivery network, parcel tracking features, multiple payment options, and multiple delivery options.

Final Conclusion

Managing an eCommerce business of any size, big or small, is no easy feat. Finding the right logistics providers can simplify running a business and ensure your end customer is always happy. To find the best logistics company for eCommerce in Saudi Arabia, you must start determining certain things.

Start with the shipping costs, reach, order tracking visibility, and speed of delivery offered by the logistics companies listed above. We suggest you contact these logistics providers directly to communicate your business needs and the specific services you require.