Top 15 Courier Services Companies in Australia [Cheapest and Fastest]

Overview

If you run an ecommerce company in Australia, finding the right courier service isn’t something you can put off for later. The moment you get your first order, the clock starts ticking. Delivering fast and reliably isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s what keeps customers coming back.

These aren’t just logistical decisions. They’re the kind of choices that can define your customer experience. The good news? You don’t have to figure this out from scratch.

This guide breaks down the top courier service companies in Australia, highlighting the best courier service in Australiia.

Top 15 Best eCommerce Courier Service Companies in Australia [Cheapest and Fastest]

Choosing the right courier services in Australia is harder than it looks. It’s not just about finding someone to deliver your packages. It’s about finding a partner who fits your business. Do they offer warehousing? How about packaging, same day courier service, or scheduled deliveries? Do they offer international shipping as well as domestic courier services? Do they have an online booking system? And, of course, how much will it all cost?

The good news is you don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’ve curated a list of top courier services in Australia known for reliability, speed, and affordability.

1. DTDC 

DTDC is based in Sydney, Australia, and is part of the larger DTDC chain, which is an international courier service and provides complete eCommerce solutions to businesses worldwide.

DTDC stands out by offering:

• Overnight shipping and same-day delivery in major cities like Melbourne and Perth.

• Seamless integration with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and eBay, ensuring smooth operations for online businesses.

• Support for business and retail returns, making it a reliable choice for Australian merchants.

DTDC handles import clearance at competitive rates, enabling hassle-free international shipping. With coverage of over 10,000 locations, it is a trusted partner for ecommerce businesses looking to streamline their logistics.

2. DHL 

DHL Express is a international courier serviced and a leader in courier services in Australia, offering parcel delivery and logistics solutions to both individual shippers and businesses. With the ability to handle shipments ranging from documents to heavyweight parcels, DHL services over 220 countries worldwide.

Australian ecommerce businesses can use their air, land, and ocean freight services for cross-border or overseas delivery. Their ecommerce solutions include DHL Express offers full-fledged warehousing, pickups, and drop-off (PUDO), and contract logistics services.

3. UPS 

United Parcel Service (UPS) is one of the prominent carrier service companies in Australia. Serving over 220 countries, UPS specializes in international shipping services, handling heavy or bulk shipments, making it a preferred choice for businesses with large logistics needs.

UPS provides a range of services, including freight, express, and urgent deliveries, with options for same-day or next-day delivery. Their shipping rate calculator helps businesses estimate costs upfront, ensuring transparency. Every shipment comes with a tracking ID, allowing customers to monitor their orders in real time.

4. FedEx 

FedEx is a renowned and a global leader in supply chain management. Known for its fast delivery services, it caters to ecommerce businesses by shipping parcels to and from Australia efficiently.

FedEx is most famous for its temperature-sensitive carrier transport and the ability to deliver hazardous or flammable materials. It also provides customs clearance for the customers and sellers. FedEx also offers free packaging services and enables track-and-trace functionality on all its parcels. 

5. Couriers Please 

Couriers Please is a very well-known courier and postal company in Australia. It provides reliable pickup and drop-off services to eCommerce businesses in the country. Its flagship program, Ezysend, enables businesses to ship products or source supplies globally.

A standout feature is its POPStation (Pick Own Parcel Station), enabling customers to collect parcels from nearby locations at their convenience. Additionally, Couriers Please offers a redelivery service, allowing customers or sellers to schedule another delivery attempt if the initial one fails.

6. Aramex 

Aramex is a global eCommerce shipping company that has an extensive courier service in Australia. Apart offers a range of choices for its standard shipping and delivery services. One can direct courier agents to leave the parcel at a safe place or obtain signatures from receivers. 

Aramex streamlines shipping processes for brands by providing services such as warehousing, inventory management, packaging, bundling, kitting, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

It offers flexible delivery options, allowing customers to request parcels to be left at safe locations or obtain receiver signatures for added security. A standout feature is its ability to scale up during peak seasons, including the holiday rush, ensuring timely deliveries around Christmas.

7. Australia Post 

Australia Post, headquartered in Melbourne, is the national postal service in Australia. It caters to businesses of all sizes by efficiently managing shipping, delivery and returns of small, medium, and large packages.

With a network of 2,900 Post Offices and parcel lockers, customers have acces to multiple pickup and delivery locations . Australia Post also provides tools to track orders, report lost or missing parcels, and calculate shipping rates.

Special features include various satchel options for domestic shipping, particularly for eBay retailers, as well as recycled bags and packaging for fragile or branded items.

8. StarTrack 

StarTrack is a top choice among courier services companies in Australia, especially for ecommerce businesses seeking fast and affordable delivery. Catering to both B2B and B2C sectors, it offers same-day metro and interstate delivery within 1 to 4 hours in major metropolitan areas.

StarTrack provides real-time tracking and automatic order status updates via SMS and email. It also includes Proof of Delivery for successful shipments and sends regular shipping reports to online sellers, enhancing operational efficiency.

In addition to being a shipping carrier, StarTrack functions as a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider with strategically located warehouses and modern depots in central cities. Australian businesses benefit from its cross-border logistics, cross-docking, inventory management, freight forwarding, and other comprehensive solutions.

9. Toll Courier 

Toll Courier is a prominent courier services company in Australia, offering satchel, parcel, and pallet delivery across the country and internationally. Its provides same-day, next-day, and standard delivery options, covering major cities in Australia and New Zealand.

Specializing in freight transport and advanced warehousing facilities, Toll Courier also provides maritime and port services such as customs and quarantine clearance, procurement, and connections to the Asia-Pacific region.

Additionally, Toll Courier offers supply chain consultancy services like audits, distribution network designs, demand forecasting, and cost analysis.

10. Sendle 

Sendle is a popular courier service in Australia, designed to meet the logistics needs of small-sized businesses. It offers reliable shipping solutions tailored for ecommerce, making it a great choice for businesses looking to reduce costs.

Sendle integrates seamlessly with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, streamlining the shipping process for online retailers. Its cost-effective approach and user-friendly tools make it a standout option among courier service companies in Australia.

11. Pack and Send

Pack and Send is a reliable logistics services and courier service company in Australia, headquartered in New South Wales. Its services encompass order processing, courier deliveries, fulfillment, and distribution, catering to businesses in major cities like Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

For delivery, Pack and Send offers same-day express shipping with online parcel tracking and air freight services for bulk cargo. Unique services include paper mail delivery and travel baggage courier options.

Their dedicated ecommerce shipping solutions include an automated self-service portal for scheduling pickups and shipping parcels.

12. Crane Worldwide Logistics

Crane Worldwide Logistics combines 3PL, logistics, and freight forwarding to provide comprehensive courier services in Australia. With warehouses in key locations like Perth, Melbourne, Darwin, Brisbane, and Karratha, it efficiently connects Australian cargo to the global supply chain.

Their services include air and ocean freight, cargo insurance, customs brokerage, rail freight, and ecommerce shipping. Ecommerce businesses benefit from reliable shipment tracking, on-time deliveries, express services, and global customer support.

Crane’s scalable warehouse management stands out, offering multi-tenant warehouses in strategic distribution markets, inventory management, picking allocation, and automatic alerts.

13. Austrans Logistics

Austrans Logistics is a trusted courier service in Australia, focused on reducing logistics costs and optimizing delivery times. Their standout feature is delivering parcels internationally within 24 hours.

In partnership with multiple domestic couriers, Austrans offers reliable overnight and next-day delivery services across Australia. Their sea freight program supports both bulk container shipments and small consignments, while their air freight forwarding ensures timely delivery of time-critical cargo at competitive rates.

14. Transdirect

Transdirect is a specialized courier service in Australia, known for fast and reliable parcel deliveries. They offer a variety of shipping options, including same-day and next-day services, with satchels and parcels available in multiple weight categories for both domestic and international shipping.

Their rates start at $6.32 for a 5kg satchel and extend to $13.63 for international express air freight, making Transdirect an economical choice for businesses. Partnering with top Australian carriers like Toll, TNT, CouriersPlease, and Fastway Transit, they ensure efficient delivery solutions.

Transdirect provides door-to-door pickup services and online tracking, making them an excellent option for urban and rural entrepreneurs seeking fast and reliable local delivery services.

15. MAERSK

MAERSK is a leading courier service company in Australia, offering specialized transportation and freight solutions. Their multimodal freight shipping program includes ocean, air, intercontinental, and LCL (Less than a Container Load) options, ensuring flexibility for businesses.

They excel in warehousing, distribution, 4PL logistics, cold chain, and ecommerce logistics. MAERSK’s ecommerce services feature reliable international transit, volume bundling, cargo visibility, and home deliveries, making them a dependable partner for global shipping needs.

How to Choose the Right Courier Service in Australia?

You now know the best courier companies in Australia to choose from for your online store. But not all courier providers are made equal.  We have devised a list of essential criteria that every ecommerce courier provider company should satisfy. See what they are below.

You now know the best courier service companies in Australia to choose from for your online store. But not all courier providers are made equal.  We have devised a list of essential criteria that every ecommerce courier provider company should consider when selecting the ideal courier service company in Australia.

1. Serviceability

The first step in evaluating a shipping provider is asking: “Does this courier service deliver to all my customer locations?” and “Can they handle my required order volumes—daily, weekly, or monthly?”

Whether you focus solely on Australian deliveries or international shipping, understanding the serviceability of your courier partner ensures seamless delivery and a better customer experience.

2. Limitations on Cargo Weight and Size

Each courier service company in Australia has specific limitations on the weight and size of parcels. For instance, providers like FedEx and UPS excel at delivering heavier shipments, while others may specialize in smaller packages.

Ensure your chosen courier service company meets the weight and size requirements for both domestic and international orders, as these can vary significantly.

3. Shipping Rates

Shipping rates can vary widely among courier services in Australia, depending on factors such as delivery location, parcel size, urgency, and added features.

While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, weigh the cost against the value offered. For example, paying slightly more for faster deliveries can lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased repeat business.

4. Delivery Speed

Fast delivery is a key expectation among today’s ecommerce shoppers. Many customers demand same-day or next-day delivery, especially for time-sensitive orders such as food or gifts.

Partnering with a courier provider that offers ultra-fast delivery options, including same-day or hyperlocal delivery, can give your business a competitive edge.

5. Hidden Costs and SLA Terms

Shipping costs can escalate quickly due to hidden fees, such as additional charges for packaging or delivery to remote locations. Always discuss the cost breakdown with your courier provider upfront to avoid surprises.

Additionally, clearly outline Service Level Agreement (SLA) terms, including what happens in case of delivery failures or shipping damages.

6. Specialization

Specialized shipping services are increasingly important with the rise of diverse businesses in the ecommerce space. Companies like FedEx excel at temperature-sensitive transport, making them ideal for specific product needs.

Many courier service companies in Australia also offer services such as heavyweight and bulk shipping, suitable for items like furniture, exercise equipment, or heavy machinery. Additionally, some providers handle specialized products like lithium batteries or flammable materials.

7. Security and Insurance

Since damages can occur during transit, having a clear plan in place is essential.

Key considerations, such as responsibility for damage and customer resolution, should be included in your insurance plan with the courier service provider. This ensures all parties are prepared to address mishaps effectively.

While insurance is crucial, it’s equally important to evaluate the security measures of courier service companies in Australia.

8. Delivery Mechanisms

Ecommerce businesses should evaluate the delivery options offered by their courier service, such as Same/Next Day delivery, curbside, scheduled, or on-demand delivery. Many courier service companies in Australia now provide these services to meet customer expectations.

9. Proof of Delivery

Proof of Delivery (POD) is a digital document signed by the customer upon receiving their order. It helps ecommerce businesses monitor fulfillment rates and quickly address delays or exceptions.

Partnering with a courier service company in Australia that offers POD ensures transparent communication between the seller, shipping provider, and customer. It also minimizes paperwork and securely stores delivery information for easy access.

10. RTO (%) in eCommerce

An RTO, or Return to Origin, occurs when a courier service company cannot deliver a shipment despite repeated attempts. Most courier service companies in Australia make three delivery attempts before marking an order as RTO, though this can vary.

RTOs may result from customer unavailability, incorrect addresses, or even fake delivery attempts by agents. A high RTO rate is a red flag, indicating recurring shipping issues.

Before selecting a logistics provider, clarify two things: the number of delivery attempts they make and how they verify the authenticity of those attempts.

11. Returns Management

Return management involves goods traveling back from the customer to the seller's warehouse or a 3PL. Returns are an unavoidable aspect of ecommerce shipping, making it essential for ecommerce businesses in Australia to streamline this process and minimize losses.

A courier service company in Australia that offers returns management can handle returns, refunds, and exchanges efficiently. They ensure quick delivery back to the warehouse, enabling seamless reintegration into inventory without delays.

12. Stuck Shipments

Most ecommerce delivery companies will have some undelivered packages in their warehouses. While this is normal, a high number of stuck shipments should raise concerns.

Undelivered shipments often result from unsolvable issues or confusion, but a significant number may point to mismanagement by the courier company. Before choosing a carrier service company in Australia, investigate their track record for handling stuck shipments.

13. Technology

Technology has revolutionized ecommerce shipping, with advancements in blockchain, big data, and AI improving logistics worldwide.

Today, online stores in Australia can enhance delivery services through route optimization, real-time GPS tracking, and automatic order updates. However, without advanced software, logistics companies in Australia cannot offer automated solutions.

14. Additional Services

Choosing courier companies in Australia that offer additional benefits can enhance your logistics strategy.

For example, some providers offer cash on delivery, packaging boxes, express courier services, or international shipping. Others may provide specialized services like on-site assembly or ironing. Depending on your industry, these features can be highly beneficial.

Partnering with courier companies that include warehousing and 3PL services can further streamline your delivery process, improving efficiency and scalability.

15. Past Performance of Courier Company

This is an essential criterion for evaluating your parcel delivery company. If a logistics company in Australia consistently receives poor reviews for shipping services, it’s best to avoid them, as your experience is likely to be similar.

Checking customer reviews or directly contacting previous clients of the courier service company in Australia is an effective way to assess their reliability and service quality.

Final Words

Courier companies in Australia help online businesses scale up their businesses and streamline their operations. However, selecting the right courier service company in Australia that aligns with your unique business needs requires careful consideration.

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into how courier services in Australia can enhance your ecommerce deliveries. By focusing on the key features outlined, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best courier company to support your business growth effectively.