Courier services are an invaluable asset to businesses, such as food businesses, ecommerce, and healthcare, enabling them to stay connected with customers and deliver products and documents. Understanding what determines courier charges is essential for businesses and individuals looking for the most cost-effective delivery services for their needs, especially for same-day courier service.
In recent years, courier charges for ecommerce shipments have increased due to a rise in the price of commercial fuel. Other factors such as weight, size, and distance all determine courier charges, but there are also other considerations such as delivery speed, which can affect courier charges.
Price of Fuel
Fuel costs account for a large portion of courier charges. The cost of fuel is a direct factor in courier charges, making them highly volatile with changes in the price. With unstable macroeconomic factors leading to intense fuel price fluctuations, courier service providers are also forced to evaluate their courier charges from time to time.
Petrol and diesel prices are close to ₹100 per litre in major Indian cities due to international oil prices, the fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and US Dollar, refining costs, and changes in taxes and duties imposed on fuel by the government, which they use for public services and projects.
Opt for Porter Delivery Service to transport goods within your city or outstation or some other cities within India.
Distance and Location
Another major factor affecting courier charges is the distance between the courier’s origin and destination. Longer distances require more fuel and time, which increases courier charges. Courier zone is another factor in logistics and it can vary from one courier company to another based on local taxes, pickup and drop location, and more. Courier zones determine the standard courier charges for that area, which makes it easier for business owners or individuals to decide whether to ship couriers to a particular location.
For instance, if a courier company has a 4-zone model — Zone A to Zone D, where Zone A is within the city and Zone D is pickup and delivery in a non-metro city — their courier charges will be highest in Zone D.
Courier Weight and Dimension
The size and weight of courier packages directly influence courier charges. Heavier items require more energy to transport, which results in higher courier charges. Similarly, courier companies often charge for the size of courier packages in addition to their weight.
Courier charges can vary between companies in terms of weight. For instance, Porter’s courier services start at a base fare of ₹30 for parcels weighing up to 20kg. Courier charges will vary depending on the location, parking, and road tax.
Delivery Speed
Time is crucial when it comes to courier services — faster delivery speeds can come at a hefty cost. Businesses must consider their specific needs before selecting a service provider. While same-day or overnight deliveries offer an express alternative, they also involve additional courier charges that may not be within budget. Choosing the correct speed for your package could mean saving big on costs!
Surcharges
When sending a parcel, be sure to consider any potential delivery surcharges as they can add up when choosing the right courier service. These fees often apply in rural areas and for larger or heavier items. Specifics of these additional charges vary between providers, so checking their policies is key – you may find yourself paying more than expected!
With a clearer understanding of courier charges, businesses can incorporate their courier budget requirements into the overall business plan and make more informed decisions when selecting suitable courier services.
Having a proper order fulfilment procedure is essential for any business. That’s why it is crucial to choose the right logistics partner. Porter offers hassle-free booking with minimal human intervention, transparent pricing, zero hidden charges, and real-time tracking to seamlessly deliver your packages.
Book your next delivery with Porter and experience hassle-free order fulfilment!
