Top 15 eCommerce Courier Services Companies in the World

Introduction

The way online shopping has taken over the way we shop has only been possible because of the courier service provider companies of the world. Courier companies and delivery agents stay on the ground and do most of the legwork to ensure that customers get their orders on time.

The success of an online business is greatly dependent on the kind of courier company it partners with.

In today's globalized economy, businesses are increasingly looking to outsource their logistics and courier needs to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Since shipping is such a huge chunk of any successful online business, you must hire the right courier company. But it’s easier said than done.

There are many courier service providers worldwide, but which is best for your needs? After all, the rise of ecommerce has flooded the market with courier companies offering attractive shipping and delivery management services to online retailers.

To help you tease out the best of the best, we have made a heavily researched list of the best courier companies worldwide for ecommerce shipping. We will learn more about that in a little bit, but first, let’s find out how a courier company can help an online business.

Importance of Courier Companies in the eCommerce Shipping World

Do you know that fairytale about Cinderella where the mice bring the pumpkin chariot and ride her to the Prince’s palace? Well, courier companies are like those wonderful mice that helped Cinderella reach her dream without ever featuring much in the storyline.

What we mean is that courier companies essentially work in the shadows. They are rarely seen doing all the magic shipping work, even when they manage the shipping operations of large ecommerce enterprises. Courier companies can truly make or break the reputation of an online business.

As soon as the order leaves the seller’s warehouse, it becomes the sole responsibility of the courier company. Yes, many online sellers may choose to have an in-house logistics team oversee the shipping operations.

However, it’s good to mention that against popular belief, outsourcing shipping logistics to third-party courier companies (3PLs) is more cost effective than running an in-house team.

Moreover, it may still be feasible to house a logistics arm in your ecommerce company when you are still an upcoming business with fewer order numbers.

However, as the scale of your operations increases and you start receiving larger monthly order volumes, managing shipping on your own can become frustrating, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracies.

This is where eCommerce courier companies can come in and save the day.

Top 15 Courier Companies in the World for eCommerce Business (Fastest and Cheapest)

Courier companies can help ecommerce businesses in several ways by looking after end-to-end shipping logistics. This includes packaging, label printing, pickup and drop-off transportation, providing order updates, and delivering the courier to the customer.

Many courier partners offer added services, such as warehousing, inventory management, shipment and delivery management, and other helpful features.

Here’s our list of the top courier companies in the world based on factors such as cost, quality of service, and geographical reach. These courier service providers will help you manage your online business and shipping.

1) FedEx

FedEx is one of the biggest courier companies in the world, offering supply chain management and parcel delivery services. It is headquartered in Tennessee USA, and offers air-drop and time-sensitive deliveries to over 220 countries worldwide. FedEx has also recently started last-mile delivery operations to tackle last-mile delivery challenges.

Key Features:

• FedEx offers a bunch of specialized and expedited shipping services like Overnight Shipping, Same-Day Delivery, 2 Day Delivery, 3 Day Delivery, and more. 

• Get real-time shipment tracking on the FedEx mobile app or website. Customers can also enter multiple tracking numbers to see the delivery estimate of various orders.

• Returning an order is easy with FedEx’s drop-off facility. Shoppers can print shipping labels or use the ones with their order to return an item.

2) UPS 

UPS is a world-renowned courier company that offers comprehensive logistics and courier delivery services to ecommerce shippers. It is based in Georgia, USA, and has courier operations in 220+ countries and regions worldwide.

UPS offers contract logistics services and comprehensive warehousing solutions to online companies.

Key Features:

• Schedule a pickup from your desired location by filling out a simple form on the UPS website and tracking the status of your pickup right on the screen.

• UPS provides a remarkable shipping rate calculator on its website that you can use to find an estimated shipping cost.

• Avail of the UPS My Choice business solution for total transparency on all your incoming and outgoing packages and monitor shipping performance.

3) ZTO Express

ZTO Express is a leading name in the ecommerce courier and express delivery industry. It is based out of Shanghai, China, and provides courier delivery to Europe and North and South America in 5-8 days and 8-10 days, respectively.

It is equipped to transport various materials like cosmetics, lithium batteries, electronic gadgets, appliances, etc. ZTO Express can clear customs and make duty-free doorstep deliveries for international couriers.

Key Features:

• ZTO Express provides cost-efficient door-to-door delivery of various goods like lithium batteries, electronic parts, kitchen appliances, textiles, LED products, e-watches, and much more.

• It handles all customs clearance and duties on behalf of clients on domestic and international shipping, like tariff DDP, prepaid VAT, etc.

• ZTO Express provides rapid mail services for packages weighing up to 1g. It delivers shipments to 45 countries in the world.

4) Blue Dart 

Blue Dart is a logistics and courier company specializing in express and temperature-controlled fleet delivery. Blue Dart is headquartered in Mumbai, India, and has operations in 220+ countries across the globe.

Blue Dart offers a feature called Smart Box that provides ecommerce companies boxes to fit in shipments of 10 to 25kgs for doorstep delivery. Being a subsidiary of DHL, Blue Dart also provides superior insurance plans on high-value items.

Key Features:

• Blue Dart provides specialized delivery vehicles for temperature-controlled shipping within 20°C to 2°C for various supply chains and validated temperature packaging solutions.

• Blue Dart provides urgent delivery of international shipments containing documents and other necessary items.

• All domestic and international packages can be tracked in real-time from the Blue Dart website. Customers also receive order tracking notifications on their phones and emails.

• Entrepreneurs can also use Blue Dart to buy their packaging materials, like boxes of various sizes.

5) Deutsche Post AG 

Deutsche Post is a global multinational courier and logistics company with deep network distribution networks worldwide. It is based out of Bonn, Germany, and services many locations throughout the world with its vast network of warehouse and storage facilities.

Deutsche Post also has an extensive network of post offices throughout Germany to deliver parcels and mail. Its subsidiary DHL is fully invested in making ecommerce shipping better for online shoppers and retailers.

Key Features:

• Deutsche Post delivers domestic and international mail. Its subsidiary organization DHL provides comprehensive contract logistics and other fulfillment services.

• Businesses can ship parcels or documents and heavy cargo via DHL worldwide.

• This courier service provider lets clients and shoppers track their orders in real time through the DHL website and app.

• Warehouse and inventory management services can also be availed for shipments across the globe at various fulfillment centers for faster delivery.

6) DB Schenker 

DB Schenker is a global leader in contract logistics and courier delivery. DB Schenker is a part of Deutsche Bahn AG and has its headquarters in Essen, Germany.

It specializes in land, air, and sea transport and is the largest courier company for sea transport. It operates in 130+ countries and has a massive 8.8 million sq.m warehouse area in 50 countries.

Key Features:

• DB Schenker provides lead logistics services in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. It includes 4PL, LLP, freight transportation, and overall supply chain management solutions.

• DB Schenker has fulfillment centers in over 850 locations worldwide and massive warehouse space. This courier service company offers returns management, after-sales, and end-to-end logistics services in contract logistics.

• DB Schenker helps move shipments through land transport like rail and trucks. It provides FTL (Full truckload) and LTL (Less-than-truckload) services.

7) DTDC 

Desk to Desk Courier and Cargo, better known as DTDC, is a famous courier company providing end-to-end logistics support to e-commerce companies worldwide. It is based in Bangalore, India, and delivers to 250+ locations worldwide.

DTDC provides cross-border delivery and last-mile delivery services to online businesses. It also offers warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment services. 

Key Features:

• DTDC provides Express (mail and documents) and Cargo Services (large commercial packages) in its international shipping segment.

• It also allows Cash on Delivery on certain international orders. DTDC offers both DDP and DDU tariff options for clients.

• It can manage the entire supply chain for companies, including warehousing, air and surface freight forwarding, FTL, and bulk services.

• It also offers various packaging solutions of various sizes and capacities - Flat box, Self-sticking box, Ply box, etc.

• Approximate shipping rates can be calculated at the DTDC website by entering volumetric dimensions and the package's destination.

8) S F Express 

S F Express, or S F Holding, is a Chinese multinational supply chain management and courier company headquartered in Shenzhen, China. It provides domestic and international express delivery services and real-time order tracking features to online retailers.

It also operates warehouses that can hold ecommerce orders and ship them directly to hasten delivery. It is the 4th largest courier company in the world regarding market share.

Key Features:

• SF Express offers regular, batch Mail, and extra heavy shipping (items weighing more than 20kgs in total) services across China and worldwide.

• It provides time-definite same-day delivery across the globe with real-time order tracking facilities. SF Express can also pick up orders from drop locations.

• This courier service provider company also offers a ton of value-added services like Cash on Delivery, Shipment Insurance, Special Warehousing, On Demand Delivery, Loading/Unloading, Assembly and Installation, and much more.

9) Royal Mail 

Royal Mail is a UK-based postal service and courier company that operates out of London. It provides same-day delivery of couriers and posts within the UK. It also provides Guaranteed Special Delivery between 9 am and 1 pm for domestic addresses.

All international shipments must be within the 2kg mark to be approved for shipping. International Standard delivery may take between 3-5 days, while International Economy delivery can take up to 2 weeks.

Key Features:

• Royal Mail’s parcel delivery system requires users to create a business account before they start shipping. All mails and parcels are delivered at the earliest and tracked through a fully automated GPS system.

• Royal Mail accepts international shipments of upto 2kgs. They offer several different international shipping options like Business Tracked and Signed (EDD - 3-5 days), Business Standard Priority (Untracked, EDD - 3-5 days), Business Standard Economy (EDD - 10-15 days), etc.

• Royal Mail allows packages weighing upto 30kgs to be shipped under its subsidiary Parcelforce Worldwide.

10) J D Logistics 

JD Logistics is a popular courier company in ecommerce shipping. It provides cargo distribution, transportation, warehousing, and other shipping services to online businesses.

It operates out of China and provides online retailers with comprehensive shipping and logistics solutions. 

Key Features:

• JD Logistics provides superior land freight services through intermodal railways. It is one of the more flexible and cost-efficient ways of transporting goods from one place to another.

• JD Logistics has a team of professionals dedicated to solving the LTL needs of clients. They can optimize supply chain management through time-saving shipping solutions.

• JD Logistics provides excellent courier delivery service for heavy shipments like furniture, home appliances, etc. It is also equipped to deliver perishable goods like fresh produce and food.

11) Aramex

Aramex is a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and customer service, Aramex has been at the forefront of the ecommerce and logistics industry for over 35 years.

Established in 1982, Aramex today operates in over 60 countries across the globe, employing more than 30,000 workers.

Key Features:

• Aramex’s airfreight services offer door-to-door delivery of time-sensitive shipments. In contrast, its land freight services provide end-to-end solutions for full truckload, less-than-truckload, and heavy haul shipments. Its sea freight services offer competitive rates for FCL and LCL shipments.

• It also offers contract logistics services like customized warehousing, distribution, and transportation solutions. Aramex's ecommerce fulfillment services provide end-to-end solutions for online retailers.

• Their supply chain management services provide comprehensive supply chain planning, execution, and optimization solutions for better shipping outcomes.

12) DPD

DPD is one of the world's leading logistics companies. With over 30 years of experience, DPD has the expertise and resources to handle any logistics challenge, big or small.

From ecommerce shipping and warehousing to cross-border logistics, DPD has a solution that will fit your needs. Here are a few ways that DPD can help your business.

Key Features:

• DPD's ecommerce shipping solutions ensure your orders arrive on time and in perfect condition. With their vast network of warehouses and distribution centers worldwide, they can get your orders to your customers quickly and efficiently.

• This international courier service provider has a network of warehouses across Europe that can store your products and fulfill your orders. They offer both short-term and long-term storage options to fit your needs. Additionally, their fulfillment services are reliable and efficient, ensuring that your orders are timely fulfilled.

• The DPDgroup provides several cross-border shipping solutions for businesses that sell internationally. They appoint a team of experts that help you navigate the complexities of cross-border shipping, including customs regulations and duties.

13) YRC Freight

YRC Freight is one of the leading e-commerce courier companies in the world. It offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of ecommerce businesses. These services include transportation, warehousing, and distribution. YRC Freight has a global network that spans more than 190 countries. In addition, it has a team of experts dedicated to providing its clients with the best possible service.

Key Features:

• YRC Freight provides standard and time-critical shipping with the US, Mexico, and Canada. Merchants can decide the date and time when they want orders picked up and delivered to their customers. 

• It offers numerous other features, like white glove delivery, reverse logistics, LTL/FTL trucking, and intermodal shipping, that can hugely benefit ecommerce companies.

• If none of the services fit your needs, YRC Freight will customize a service to suit your exact business needs. YRC Freight remains hugely popular in retail, government, and hazardous goods for this unique service.

14) GATI-KWE

Gati is an international e-commerce courier service company with exceptional logistics and supply chain solutions. It provides consistent e-commerce courier service in over 19000 pin codes in India. Gati is also a popular name in the international e-commerce delivery market. It makes real-time shipment tracking and bulk shipping easy for e-commerce sellers looking to broaden their market.

Key Features:

• GATI-KWE provides excellent road freight services under Express. This is a cost-effective service for non-urgent packages. All orders are sealed in tamper-proof packaging and transported in weather-resistant vehicles. GATI provides POD (Proof of Delivery) upon successful order completion. It supports COD (Cash on Delivery) and Pay-on-Delivery for this service.

• GATI also provides bulk shipping of up to 10 kgs under Student Express. It also transports bikes and other automobiles with Bike Express.

• Ecommerce companies can hire GATI to manage end-to-end operations of their entire supply chain, from procuring manufacturing materials to shipping the finished goods to the end customer.

15) Purolator

Purolator started back in the 1960s as a modest Canadian courier company with a handful of services. Sixty years later, it's one of the best e-commerce courier companies in the world, with a huge fleet of shipping vehicles designed to reduce carbon gas emissions. Purolator is best known for making time-critical deliveries worldwide. It ships to 210 countries across the world.

Key Features:

• Use Purolator's Trade Assistant service to ship packages in the US, Canada, or worldwide with Purolator's expert shipping tips for saving costs. Online retailers can also ask for specialized order handling for fragile or expensive items.

• It also sells packaging boxes and other materials on its website, like envelopes, bubble wrap, etc. Ecommerce businesses can also get customized packaging for special orders. 

•  With Purolator's Ecommerce logistics solutions, online stores will see their supply chain operations getting leaner and smarter daily. This includes but is not limited to 24/7 customer care, returns management, cross-border logistics, and warehouse management. 

How to Choose the Best Courier Company in the World for Your Online Ecommerce Store?

We can’t begin to describe just how important having a good courier company is for any ecommerce business. A customer’s post-shipping experience is directly related to customer satisfaction.

A good post-shipping experience greatly increases the chances of returning customers and customer retention.

As first responders in the logistics industry, we believe every ecommerce company should look for some of the criteria in their courier company. We have listed all the key criteria for the best courier company in the world, down below.

1. Number of Serviceable Regions

Serviceability refers to the number of regions or locations a courier company has reached in. Serviceability should play a huge role in deciding on a courier company.

You want your courier service provider to make deliveries to as many locations as your business wants to deliver in.

Additionally, it’s always better if your logistics service provider delivers to several locations because it will give you access to a wider delivery network.

2. Shipping Rates

Ecommerce shipping comes with a lot of added and hidden charges. When calculating shipping rates, an online company should look for services with additional costs, hidden fees, or special charges.

At added cost, courier companies offer many services, such as Cash on Delivery, customizable packaging, and label printing. Speak to your courier service company to finalize shipping rates and clarify doubts.

3. Order Tracking Updates and Real-Time Tracking

What makes online shopping so enjoyable is the ability to track orders to your doorstep. Therefore, an online business must provide its customers with the ability to track their orders in real-time.

Not only that but customers should also be notified every time their order crosses a milestone like Out for Delivery, Reached Nearest Hub, etc. The ability to track orders empowers customers and builds trust and loyalty among them toward the brand.

4. Speedy Delivery

Thanks to Amazon, all customers today want same-day or next-day deliveries. While it’s not possible to make instant deliveries a reality yet, the best ecommerce companies can do is provide speedier deliveries to customers.

If superfast deliveries are something you want to offer your customers, look for courier delivery companies that provide services like hyperlocal delivery, same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and last-mile delivery solutions.

Such deliveries can be made within a maximum of 24 to 48 hours after an order has been placed.

5. Specialised Shipping Services

Online businesses offering services in sectors like fashion apparel, electronics, gadgets, home furnishings, and handyman services like plumbing, electrician, etc., can hugely benefit from specialized services offered by courier companies.

Many courier companies in the ecommerce segment provide specialized services like steam-ironing, assembling gadgets and furniture, etc. Many courier companies also send their representatives to help out customers on-site. 

6. Shipment Management

Order management services like warehousing, inventory, and delivery management can be extremely helpful for ecommerce companies.

Courier companies with such extra-shipping services can help you save up on hiring staff and renting spacious warehouses.

This can lower the logistics costs of shipping operations. Ecommerce companies can use this capital to reinvest in their business.

7. Reverse Logistics

Reverse logistics or returns management is a special shipping service where courier companies pick up customer goods for return or exchange. Product returns are extremely common in online shopping.

Therefore, looking for returns management in your courier company only makes sense. A good returns management courier company can help online stores sort out product returns, send out exchanged orders, process faster refunds, and cut down the overall cost of returns.

8. Insurance Policy

An insurance policy is always a good thing to have in a courier company. But it becomes even more important when you are an online retailer of precious stones, handcrafted jewelry, or other valuable articles.

Shipping and transportation have the chance of running into losses in the form of damaged, broken, or lost products.

You want a cover and fallback option when something like that happens. Your insurance terms should cover everything about how losses will be borne by the courier company and you in case of a major loss.

9. Cargo and Shipping Weight Limitations

All courier companies are not equipped to carry the same weight and volume of shipments as others. Cargo and weight restrictions can also apply in the case of domestic and international shipping.

Always confirm the weight and volume regulations they adhere to when looking for a courier company to handle your shipping. Talking in advance to your courier company will help you avoid complications at the time of actual shipping.

10. Proof of Delivery

Fake delivery attempts and delivery exceptions plague order fulfillment. Making Proof of Delivery mandatory after every order should help online stores cope with missed deliveries.

Proof of Delivery (PoD) is a digital agreement that the customer signs after they receive an order. It brings down the paperwork and also reduces the chances of delivery exceptions. All in all, it’s a good way to keep your peace while making customers happy.

Conclusion

If e-commerce companies manage the business's creating, selling, and networking, courier companies handle shipping, order management, and customer service. Only if both these equally important parts work together and in harmony can online businesses really thrive. 

Ecommerce courier companies are responsible for the delivery options (Same Day, Next Day, 2 Hour, Hyperlocal, On-Demand) an online retailer can provide their customers.

It is also responsible for managing any mishaps during the shipping process without skipping a beat so that customers still receive their orders on time. 

Choosing the right courier company for your needs is one of your most important decisions. Whether you’re an ecommerce retailer trying to reduce shipping costs, a small business with a big need for fast and timely deliveries, or anything in between, there are plenty of factors to consider when looking at how many companies fit your requirements best.

These considerations include customer service ratings and pricing models to find the perfect match. 

We hope this article helps point out some key points about choosing a courier company while also providing tips on what to look for when going through the decision-making process. Have any other questions? Let us know! Our team would love to help answer them all!