As India’s D2C (direct-to-consumer) ecosystem grows rapidly, the question of choosing the right shipping partner becomes more crucial than ever. In our latest WhatsApp community discussion, seasoned eCommerce founders from The eCom Mafia shared real-world experiences about domestic and international shipping—covering platforms like Shiprocket, Delhivery, India Post, Bluedart, and newer alternatives like NimbusPost and Amazon Shipping.

This post builds on our earlier articles like:

• Shiprocket vs. Delhivery: Choosing the Right Shipping Partner for Your Online Clothing Store

• Understanding India Post’s E-commerce Services: A Seller’s Guide

• E-commerce Solutions: Insights from Indian Entrepreneurs on Billing, Payments, and Shipping

Let’s dive into what’s working in 2025 and what’s not.

🚚 Best Courier Services for D2C Brands in India

1. Delhivery – Broad Reach, Mixed Reviews

Delhivery continues to be a go-to for most sellers due to its extensive PIN code serviceability and support for Cash on Delivery (COD). However, users reported delays and non-delivery resolution (NDR) issues. One seller noted a shipment taking 16 days to reach Mumbai, which is well beyond acceptable timelines.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider setting up a direct account with Delhivery for better rates (~₹112 for surface, ₹137 for prepaid at 500g starting rates) if your volume justifies it.

👉 Delhivery Official Site

2. Shiprocket – A Beginner’s Friend with Limitations

Shiprocket remains a popular choice for new sellers thanks to:

• Multi-courier access

• Decent shipping rates

• Seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify

• Features like RTO prediction, WhatsApp notifications, IVR, and NDR tools

However, several sellers raised concerns over:

• Pickup delays

• Unexplained shipping rate hikes

• Disputed weight discrepancies

• Poor customer service

Despite these issues, sellers recommend it for its tech stack and user interface—especially when you’re starting out.

👉 Shiprocket Official Site

3. India Post – Reliable but Old-School

India Post’s reach is unmatched, especially in rural areas. It’s often used for both domestic and international shipping (via their new Tracked Packet Service).

However, drawbacks include:

• Manual COD reconciliation (with cheques or money orders)

• Occasional missed home deliveries

• Bureaucratic delays and paperwork

🚨 Key Insight: India Post works best if you have a good relationship with the local post office staff. Otherwise, expect delays and drama.

👉 India Post E-commerce Services Guide

4. Bluedart – Premium Quality, Premium Pricing

Bluedart is considered top-tier for reliable deliveries—both COD and prepaid. But be ready to pay for it. You’ll need:

• A security deposit (~₹20,000)

• Direct onboarding (available if you have solid volumes)

For brands prioritizing premium customer experience, it’s worth the investment.

👉 Bluedart Official Site

5. Amazon Shipping – An Emerging Contender

Amazon Shipping (accessible via platforms like Shipmozo) offers lower rates, according to users currently testing the service. While long-term feedback is pending, early impressions suggest it could be a game-changer for low-cost, pan-India delivery.

👉 Amazon Shipping

6. NimbusPost – Worth Exploring

A former Shiprocket user who handled 100-200 orders/day now uses NimbusPost. Though not flawless, it’s seen as a balanced option. It supports integrations and offers decent pricing and performance.

👉 NimbusPost Official Site

7. Other Mentions

• Shree Maruti Couriers – Excellent service, but expensive and no COD

• ST Couriers – Affordable in Tamil Nadu, but no COD

• DTDC, Garudavega, Hindustan Couriers – Mixed usage across the community

• Envia – Preferred by those facing weight dispute issues on Shiprocket

• Parcel Monkey – Used for UK deliveries, may have potential in India

🌍 What About International Shipping?

If you're looking to ship beyond India:

• DHL remains the gold standard for international shipping.

• Shiprocket International is a cheaper alternative, especially for UK shipments.

• India Post now offers International Tracked Packet services at very competitive rates.

• Garudavega is preferred for transparent rate visibility online.

❓Aggregator vs. Direct Tie-Up: Which One Should You Choose?

Use a Courier Aggregator (like Shiprocket or NimbusPost) If:

• You’re just starting out

• You want access to multiple couriers

• You need shipping analytics and customer communication tools

Set Up a Direct Account If:

• You ship 200+ orders/month

• You want rate negotiation

• You can manage reconciliations and service levels yourself

🔄 Final Thoughts: No One-Size-Fits-All

Your ideal shipping solution depends on:

• Order volume

• Target regions

• Prepaid vs. COD share

• Tech integration needs

• Customer expectations

Start lean with a platform like Shiprocket, test others like NimbusPost and Amazon Shipping, and scale into direct tie-ups with Bluedart or Delhivery as you grow. Always track costs, monitor delivery times, and build relationships with local courier teams.