Navigating the landscape of courier services in India can often feel like a challenge. With an array of options available, it’s crucial to identify which companies offer reliability, speed and value for money. In this guide, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the top 10 courier companies in India operating across the country.
From established firms with decades of experience to innovative startups disrupting traditional delivery models, there’s a wealth of choice when it comes to sending parcels around India. Whether you’re shipping small packages or arranging large freight deliveries, these are the companies that have proven their worth time and again.
While each company has its strengths and unique selling points, they all share one thing in common: a commitment to providing top-notch service. So let’s dive into our list and find out why these names are current market leaders in India’s bustling courier industry.
Courier Industry in India
- In 2021, the courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market reached a volume of 3.9 billion pieces in India.
- The Indian parcel courier market has an annual growth rate of 25%.
- The India Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) Market size is expected to grow from USD 7.28 billion in 2023 to USD 15.75 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 16.69%.
- The size of India Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market is USD 6.24 billion in the current year and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 15% during the forecast period.
- The Indian domestic courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market is segmented by business model (Business-to-Business [B2B], Business-to-Customer [B2C], customer-to-customer [C2C]), type (E-commerce and Non-e-commerce), and end-user (Service, Wholesale and Retail Trade, Healthcare, Industrial Manufacturing, and other end-users). Courier services are vital for healthcare logistics, much like the pharmaceutical industry is crucial for public health. Explore top pharma companies in India.
- The Indian post has shifted its focus from post and has identified more profit in delivering e-commerce parcels. Indian post has a vast reach and good connectivity in rural areas.
- The growth in the e-commerce segment, higher internet penetration into the masses, and the latest technological innovations in the sector have been the driving force for the market.
Parallel to the burgeoning courier sector, the shipping industry in India also plays a pivotal role in the nation’s logistics framework. Learn more about the leading shipping companies in India.
Courier Companies in India
- Blue Dart Express
- Delhivery
- DHL Express
- DTDC Courier Service
- Gati
- XpressBees
- FedEx
- Ecom Express
- eKart Logistics
- The Professional Couriers
| Company | Fiscal Year | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Dart Express | 2022 | ₹5,172 Cr |
| Delhivery | 2023 | Rs 7,200 Cr |
| DHL Express | 2022 | €27.6 billion (≈ INR 2,31,000 Cr) |
| DTDC Courier | 2022 | ₹500 Cr |
| Gati | Q1 FY 2024 | ₹367 Cr |
| XpressBees | FY22 | Rs 1,900 Cr |
| FedEx | FY2022 | Rs 500 Cr |
| Ecom Express | FY22 | Rs 2,000 Cr |
| eKart Logistics | FY22 | ₹43,357 Cr |
| The Professional Couriers | FY21 | Between INR 1 Cr and INR 100 Cr |
- Blue Dart Express:
- Fiscal Year: 2022
- Revenue: ₹5,172.22 Cr
- Delhivery:
- Fiscal Year: 2023
- Revenue: Rs 7,200 Cr
- DHL Express:
- Fiscal Year: 2022
- Revenue: €27.6 billion (≈ INR 2,31,000 Cr)
- DTDC Courier:
- Fiscal Year: 2022
- Revenue: ₹500 Cr
- Gati:
- Fiscal Year: Q1 FY 2024
- Revenue: ₹367 Cr
- XpressBees:
- Fiscal Year: FY22
- Revenue: Rs 1,900 Cr
- FedEx:
- Fiscal Year: FY2022
- Revenue: Rs 500 Cr
- Ecom Express:
- Fiscal Year: FY22
- Revenue: Rs 2,000 Cr
- eKart Logistics:
- Fiscal Year: FY22
- Revenue: ₹43,357 Cr
- The Professional Couriers:
- Fiscal Year: FY21
- Revenue: Between INR 1 Cr and INR 100 Cr
1. Blue Dart Express
We’re diving into the details of Blue Dart Express, one of India’s leading courier companies.
In the fiscal year 2022, Blue Dart reported impressive revenue figures. The company generated ₹5,172.22 crores from operations, showing a substantial increase compared to the previous year when they made ₹4,409.02 crores. After considering all expenses and taxes, their profit amounted to ₹366.44 crores.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (in Cr) | Profit After Tax (in Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ₹4,409 | – |
| 2022 | ₹5,172 | ₹366 |
Blue Dart workforce exceeds 10,001 employees as of 2023.
When you think of services offered by Blue Dart Express, imagine everything from air express and freight forwarding to supply chain solutions and customs clearance—they’ve got it all covered.
Their client base is equally diverse and impressive—it includes big names like Amazon India, Xiaomi, Apple and Flipkart among others.
The company operates out of its headquarters located at Blue Dart Centre on Sahar Airport Road in Mumbai.
Blue Dart has quite a few feathers in its cap when it comes to achievements:
- Named one of ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ by The Great Place to Work® Institute
- Ranked amongst ‘Best Multinational Workplaces in Asia’
- Voted a ‘Superbrand’
- Recognised as ‘Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand’
They’ve also achieved notable success with various partnerships such as teaming up with St.Jude India ChildCare Centres providing comprehensive support for young cancer patients.
A bit about their history: Blue Dart was founded in 1983 by Khushroo Dubash, Clyde Cooper, and Tushar Jani. Starting with a modest investment of ₹30,000 from a one-room office in Mumbai’s Nariman Point, the company has come a long way.
Today they command an impressive market share—46% in India’s organised air express segment amounting to ₹3,360 crores and 13% in the ground express market worth ₹4,830 crores.
Innovation is at the heart of everything Blue Dart does. They’ve developed mechanisms to handle fuel price swings and currency fluctuations—these initiatives have been adopted worldwide by DP-DHL and even copied by competitors.
Innovation is key in various industries. Similarly, India’s automobile sector is rapidly evolving with cutting-edge technology. Discover prominent automobile companies in India.
Blue Dart bagged ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ award in 2021 and ‘Best Organizations for Women’ honour in 2022 by Economic Times.
The company is part of DHL Group’s eCommerce division which gives it access to a vast global logistics network.
At the helm of this successful enterprise is Balfour Manuel—the Managing Director of Blue Dart Express.
2. Delhivery
A major player in the Indian courier industry, Delhivery has etched its name with impressive revenue figures and a diverse range of services. It’s worth noting that their recorded revenue for the fiscal year 2023 was Rs 7,200 crores. While they’ve wrestled with losses – Rs 1,007 crores in FY23 down from Rs 1,011 crores in the previous year.
Employing over 66,000 people as of 2021, Delhivery is not just contributing to India’s economy but also creating significant job opportunities. Their team supports a broad spectrum of logistics services which include express parcel delivery, freight, cross-border shipping and supply chain management. The company prides itself on serving approximately 28,000 clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations.
Delhivery counts numerous eCommerce businesses among its key clients – making up about three quarters of their customer base – and is headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana. They’ve certainly made their mark within the logistics market; by the end of 2021 they boasted over 85 fulfilment centres along with a network of automated sort centres and direct delivery centres across India.
In August last year (2021), Delhivery acquired B2B logistics company Spoton Logistics at a cost of ₹1,600 crores followed by another acquisition in December when they brought California-based unmanned aircraft system company Transition Robotics Inc under their umbrella.
Delhivery began its journey back in May 2011 as SSN Logistics Ltd., co-founded by Sahil Barua and his associates Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani,Suraj Saharanand Kapil Bharati. Initially focusing on e-commerce logistics segment with Urban Touch as their first client; before long they switched completely to offering logistics services to a variety of e-commerce companies.
It’s widely acknowledged that they are one of the top logistics providers in India. The company is also known for their technological prowess especially within the logistics sector; providing reliable and cost-effective solutions to its customers using advanced technology.
Delhivery were awarded ET Startup of the Year (2019), Mahindra Transport Excellence Award (2018) and Young Turk Start-up of the Year (2016). Their growth strategy has included making significant acquisitions such as Spoton Logistics and Transition Robotics Inc.
It’s important to mention some of the key figures behind this successful venture: Sahil Barua, CEO and co-founder; Kapil Bharati, CTO; Sandeep Barasia who was appointed Chief Business Officer in December 2018; and Ajith Pai who took over as COO. Together, they’ve led Delhivery towards becoming a formidable name within India’s courier industry.
3. DHL Express
Let’s delve into the world of DHL Express, one of India’s top courier companies. This global titan saw a revenue increase of 14% in 2022, hitting €27.6 billion (approximately INR 2,31,000 crores). Their operating profit wasn’t too shabby either as it reached €8.4 billion (approximately INR 70,000 crores).
With around 600,000 employees globally in 2022, DHL Express is a significant player in the international shipping industry. They’ve got their fingers in many pies – from document and parcel shipping to cargo shipping and enterprise logistics services.
DHL Express has an impressive client list including big names like Amazon, eBay, Samsung, Philips and Walmart amongst others. They’re headquartered at Silver Utopia in Mumbai but their reach extends far beyond the Indian subcontinent.
In terms of achievements, they were named the best workplace worldwide for two years running by Great Place to Work® annual list.
They’ve also shown commitment towards capacity expansion and sustainability initiatives with an investment of EUR 500 million (approximately INR 4,000 crores) in India announced by DHL Supply Chain in 2022.
Originating as a division of Deutsche Post DHL – the globe’s largest logistics company – back in 1969, it’s grown extensively over time to now possess a market share accounting for 7.37% of global usage making them fifth most widely used shipping carrier worldwide.
Research and development is key for any forward-thinking business; Deutsche Post DHL Group invested €4.1 billion (approximately INR 34k crores) into their operating business as well as digitalization and sustainability initiatives last year alone.
It doesn’t stop there though; alongside being awarded best workplace worldwide again this year, they also scooped up the title of Top Employer in Europe at the start of 2023.
In terms of growth and expansion, DHL Supply Chain acquired a majority stake in Dutch company Monta during Q4 of 2022 to accelerate their e-commerce growth.
As of 2022, Frank Appel was holding down the fort as CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group. DHL Express has proven time and again that they’re not just a courier company; they’re a global logistics powerhouse committed to providing excellent service while pushing boundaries and driving innovation.
4. DTDC Courier Service
Firmly standing as one of India’s leading courier companies, DTDC Express Limited has reported impressive revenue figures. In the financial year 2021, the company made a whopping ₹1,231 crores. By March 2022, their operating revenue had crossed INR 500 crores.
The workforce that keeps this machinery running smoothly is also worth noting. Official data points to around 13,000 employees but some sources speculate it could potentially be as high as 40k-50k.
Offering a wide variety of services, from domestic and international courier delivery to e-commerce solutions and e-fulfilment services, DTDC has its fingers in many pies. They’re not just about shipping products across borders; they offer express deliveries and ground shipping too. Plus there are extras: securitised logistics for your precious cargo; packaging especially designed for electronics; temperature-controlled shipments when needed; even reverse logistics.
DTDC provides comprehensive logistics support to numerous e-commerce companies around the globe. You’ll find their headquarters nestled in Bangalore, Karnataka.
The company is known for making significant strides in digital transformation such as implementing mobile apps for tracking first and last mile delivery or leveraging big data operationally. And let’s not forget about their implementation of SAP BRIM on Amazon Web Services (AWS) which has boosted accounting accuracy and customer service levels.
Collaborating with AWS on their digital transformation journey was a smart move indeed! They’ve teamed up with new-age start-ups like logistic management platform Shipsy to scale operations digitally.
Founded by Subhasish Chakraborty in 1990, DTDC have since acquired multiple stakes including a substantial portion in Eurostar Express of Eurostar Group in the UAE and Nikkos Logistics.
The company’s commitment to R&D shines through their investments in technology that improve both customer-facing and internal operations. The implementation of SAP BRIM on AWS has become a single source of truth for DTDC’s customers’ master and invoicing data.
They’ve made several acquisitions including major stakes in Eurostar Express of the Eurostar Group in UAE, and Nikkos Logistics. It’s worth noting that Subhasish Chakraborty is not only the founder but also a significant figure within the company.
5. Gati
Gati Courier is a well-known express distribution and supply chain management company in India. Established back in 1989, it initially began operations between Madras (now Chennai) and Madurai. Fast-forward to 2022, Gati’s headquarters are now located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
During the first quarter of the financial year 2024, Gati registered ₹367 crores as revenue from its express business. However, it wasn’t all good news as they also reported an after-tax loss of ₹5 crores. In this same period, their total expenses amounted to ₹432.28 crores.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue | After-Tax Loss | Total Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 FY 2024 | ₹367 Cr | ₹5 Cr | ₹432 Cr |
By the year 2023, Gati had a workforce consisting of around 46 employees.
Gati’s range of services include express distribution, special services like reverse logistics and e-commerce solutions among others, transportation services along with end-to-end logistics solutions. The company’s express distribution service ensures direct route connectivity across major locations within India guaranteeing timely and secure delivery of shipments.
For over five years now Gati has been a trusted partner for delivering CDC products consistently to dealers.
Amongst its numerous achievements, one that stands out is how Gati has embraced technology – recently signing a Letter of Intent with a large domestic IT firm to develop an advanced Gati Enterprise Management System (GEMS 2.0) based on a microservices platform.
One noteworthy partnership that Gati has entered into is with Japan’s Kintetsu World Express, leading to the formation of KWE Gati-Kintetsu Express Private Limited. In this partnership, KWE holds a 30% stake while Gati retains the remaining 70%.
Since its inception in 1989, starting operations between Madras (now Chennai) and Madurai, Gati has grown leaps and bounds to become a reputable express distribution and supply chain management company within India.
Gati’s journey towards digitization is notable as it aims to automate numerous processes for faster execution and decision making. Their newly launched software, GEMS 2.0 will significantly enhance many major functions including finance, CRM, management data for report generation and performance analysis.
Gati’s strategic alliance with Japan’s Kintetsu World Express led to the formation of KWE Gati-Kintetsu Express Private Limited where KWE holds a minority stake at 30%, while Gati remains the majority holder with 70%.
One significant appointment in recent times was that of Rajesh Gowrinath who took up the role of Vice President Sales. He brings over two decades worth of experience from his previous stints at large logistics companies including DHL and BlueDart.
6. XpressBees
In the booming world of courier companies, XpressBees has certainly made its mark in India. With revenues soaring to more than Rs 1,900 crore in FY22, the company’s strong financial performance is hard to ignore. They’ve seen a significant boost in total income, witnessing an 88% growth from INR 1,024.9 Cr in FY21 to INR 1,929.9 Cr during the year. Their overall losses shrunk by a whopping 57% to Rs 27 crore.
They employ around 30,000 individuals across their network. From B2B and B2C express delivery services to cross-border logistics and third-party logistics services (3PL), XpressBees handles over three million shipments per day across its vast network covering some 2,500 cities.
Their client list is as diverse as it is impressive featuring names like Snapdeal, Myntra, Meesho, Netmeds, Bigbasket, Xiaomi, Paytm and Lenskart amongst others. With their headquarters stationed at Kalyani Nagar in Pune’s Cerebrum IT Park – they command operations across the length and breadth of India.
Since its inception as FirstCry’s logistic arm before spinning off into its own entity back in 2015 – XpressBees has gone from strength to strength with each passing year. Nearing unicorn status after securing $300 million funding round led by Blackstone Growth – TPG Growth and ChrysCapital earlier this year – speaks volumes of their steady ascension within this competitive market space.
One can’t forget their notable partnership with Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba back in ’18 which significantly shaped their business trajectory, helping them forge business partnerships with other investee companies like BigBasket and Paytm Mall.
And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about XpressBees from this deep dive, it’s that they’re not just a courier company – they’re a testament to what hard work and smart strategy can achieve. Their success story continues to inspire and sets an example for others in the industry.
7. FedEx
FedEx Express Transportation and Supply Chain Services (India) Private Limited has made significant strides in the courier industry. With an impressive operating revenue of over INR 500 crores for the financial year ending on 31 March, 2022, it’s clear to see why they’re one of India’s top courier companies. Their EBITDA experienced a healthy growth of 12.31% from the previous year, while their net worth took a giant leap of 168.52%.
Servicing such vast operations requires considerable manpower. As part of its workforce strength in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), FedEx employs approximately 35,000 employees in India alone.
The services offered by FedEx are diverse and tailored to meet various client needs. They provide express delivery services for urgent deliveries, contract logistics for efficient supply chain management and distribution services that ensure goods reach their intended destinations promptly.
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Serving a wide customer base in India, FedEx works with over 21,000 customers which includes e-commerce players both big and small as well as SMEs among others.
Their headquarters can be found nestled within bustling Mumbai city – another testament to their prime position within Indian commerce.
In terms of achievements, FedEx played an instrumental role during the pandemic period aiding business recovery amidst strained supply chains and economic challenges; moving an average of 16 million shipments each day through its extensive network of facilities numbering around 5,000 in FY2022 alone!
Looking back at company history reveals that FedEx has been providing reliable service for more than fifteen years in India – a feat achieved through strategic acquisitions like AFL (formerly known as Airfreight) and Unifreight for about Rs.200 crore.
At its core lies innovation – whether it’s developing novel solutions or responding to global issues in a responsible and resourceful manner.
Recognised for its efforts, FedEx was awarded the ‘Best Gender Equality Workplace’ by the World HRD Congress in India. It also secured 21st place on Fortune magazine’s World’s Best Workplaces list – a commendable achievement indeed!
With strategic acquisitions of companies like AFL and Unifreight, and establishing commercial presence in different corners of the world such as Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan – FedEx is truly going global.
Finally, notable personalities associated with FedEx include Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, and Don Colleran, President and CEO of FedEx Express; who continue to steer this courier giant into the future.
8. Ecom Express
If you’re in the e-commerce industry, you’ve probably heard of Ecom Express. This tech-driven logistics solution provider has been making waves in India since its inception in 2012. Founded by T. A. Krishnan, Manju Dhawan, K. Satyanarayana, and Late Sanjeev Saxena, the company now boasts over 50,000 employees and a robust infrastructure that includes more than 150 gateways, hubs, processing and fulfilment centres.
When it comes to revenue and profit figures for FY22, there’s an interesting story to tell. Despite revenues crossing the Rs 2,000 crore mark – a growth of around 30% from FY21 – Ecom Express slipped into losses due to increased expenditure. The company posted a loss of Rs 91 crore in FY22 compared to a profit of Rs 43 crore in FY21.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (in crores) | Profit/Losses (in crores) |
|---|---|---|
| FY21 | Rs 1,629 | Rs +43 |
| FY22 | Rs 2,127 | Rs -91 |
The services offered by Ecom Express are quite diverse – from first-mile pickup and last-mile delivery to reverse logistics and returns management. They also provide e-KYC services along with cash collection and document management for various businesses across India.
Being headquartered in Gurugram doesn’t stop them from reaching the far corners of India though! In fact, Ecom Express has delivered nearly 1.6 billion shipments to an impressive 95% of Indian households till date. This wide reach led them to becoming the second-largest e-commerce focused logistics company in the country!
Their funding journey is worth noting as they managed to secure investments from notable names like CDC Group and Partners Group.
They utilise advanced artificial intelligence to ensure pinpoint precision in order allocation – a method that significantly reduces the chances of misrouted deliveries and leads to efficient and faster order fulfilment.
It’s clear that Ecom Express is an e-commerce logistics powerhouse whose journey is well worth keeping an eye on!
9. eKart Logistics
One of India’s foremost courier companies, eKart Logistics, has seen significant growth. The company reported a whopping revenue of ₹43,357 crore in the fiscal year 2022. That’s a substantial rise of 25% from the previous fiscal year. Plus, it’s losses were reduced by an impressive 23%, coming down to ₹2,445 crore.
With around 11,000 individuals on its payroll as of 2022, eKart is not just a logistics giant but also a major employer in the industry. The company started back in 2009 as Flipkart’s in-house supply chain arm and has since grown into India’s largest logistics and supply chain outfit providing end-to-end fulfilment services for businesses across various sectors.
eKart primarily serves big names like Flipkart and Myntra. eKart expanded its services to third-party businesses and now caters to brands from over 20 categories including mobile phones along with international and domestic apparel brands.
The nerve centre of this logistics behemoth is based out in Bengaluru, Karnataka .
It’s been quite a journey for eKart since its inception back in 2009. From being merely Flipkart’s supply chain arm to becoming India’s largest logistics firm serving myriad businesses – it truly has come a long way!
Being at the forefront requires constant innovation & that certainly seems to be part of their formula – evident through their launch of warehousing-as-a-service initiative. This novel service provides comprehensive supply chain solutions including warehouse space order management integrated logistics inventory management thus helping brands reduce inefficiencies streamline operations.
They’re part of the Flipkart Group which also includes Flipkart India Pvt Ltd (the wholesale business) and Flipkart.com (the e-commerce marketplace).
In a nutshell, eKart is an integral player in India’s logistics scene and its contributions to the industry are undeniable.
10. The Professional Couriers
Setting the gold standard in courier services, The Professional Couriers has earned its place among the top 10 courier companies in India. Since its inception in 1987, this Mumbai-headquartered firm has expanded both domestically and internationally. Today, it proudly operates over 2485 offices and more than 5000 collection centres across India. The company’s global presence is felt with operations stretching from New York City to Dubai, Singapore, and Kuwait.
In terms of financial performance, The Professional Couriers’ operating revenues for the fiscal year ending on 31 March 2021 fell between INR 1 crore and INR 100 crores. Despite a challenging year marked by a -81.99% decrease in EBITDA compared to the previous year, the company demonstrated resilience.
The backbone of any successful company lies in its workforce. At The Professional Couriers, around 500 dedicated employees work tirelessly to provide superior service to customers.
From delivering documents to handling cargo shipments, The Professional Couriers offers an extensive range of services tailored for every customer’s needs including:
- Express service for time-critical items
- Surface cargo delivery for bulk consignments
- Air cargo delivery for high-priority shipments
- Logistics solutions
- Packaging and processing
- Same-day delivery
- Mass mail service
- Special messenger service
Nestled amidst the bustling cityscapes of Mumbai City in Maharashtra sits the headquarters of The Professional Couriers.
Over years, this pioneering courier firm has established a robust network that spans over 200 major hubs, more than 850 sub hubs and upwards of 3300 branches across India. This translates into an impressive reach with over 70,000 delivery points dotting cities globally.
In 2007, The Professional Couriers formed a subsidiary company – The Professional Couriers Network Ltd. (PCNL), aimed at strengthening its operations base across North, West, East and Central India.
Born in the year 1987, The Professional Couriers has steadily grown over three decades to become one of India’s leading courier companies.
With such a widespread network and wide array of services, it’s no surprise that The Professional Courriers holds a strong market share within their industry.
Apart from main operations, the company also operates through its subsidiary – The Professional Couriers Network Ltd. (PCNL), established back in 2007.
At the helm of this esteemed organisation is CEO Eric Oommen. He is joined by other influential individuals such as Chief Operating Officer Ciril Abraham and Senior Manager (Marketing) Rakesh Nair who play instrumental roles in shaping the company’s growth trajectory.
Conclusion on Courier Companies in India
After an enlightening journey through India’s world of courier services, we’ve arrived at our final destination. Let’s wrap it all up.
Firstly, it’s abundantly clear that the courier sector in India is dominated by a handful of key players. Companies like DTDC, Blue Dart and Professional Couriers consistently outshine their competitors with their extensive reach, reliable delivery times and customer-centric service models. But remember, there are plenty more companies out there waiting to be discovered!
The choice ultimately lands on your specific needs – whether you prioritize speed over cost or require specialized handling for delicate items. Keep your eyes open for promotional offers or loyalty programmes which could save you some money too.
To sum up, investing time into researching various options can pay off massively when choosing a courier service in India. Remember that even though larger firms may dominate headlines, smaller specialists might just offer exactly what you need!
Remember it’s your power to choose which courier company suits your needs best.
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