Shipping costs are one of the biggest concerns for both individuals and businesses in India. Whether you're sending a 500g document pouch or a 50 kg bulk shipment, understanding courier charges per kg helps you pick the right service and budget accurately.
We've compiled the latest 2026 rates across India's top courier companies so you can compare at a glance.
Courier Charges Comparison Table (2026)
Below are typical domestic courier charges per kg for standard delivery (not express). Actual rates vary by origin, destination, and volume.
| Courier Service | Up to 500g | 1 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinified | ₹40 | ₹55–70 | ₹140–200 | ₹250–380 | 1–5 days |
| India Post (Speed Post) | ₹35–59 | ₹77–106 | ₹200–350 | ₹350–550 | 2–6 days |
| DTDC | ₹50–70 | ₹80–120 | ₹250–400 | ₹450–700 | 2–5 days |
| Blue Dart | ₹80–110 | ₹130–180 | ₹400–600 | ₹700–1000 | 1–3 days |
| Delhivery | ₹45–65 | ₹70–100 | ₹200–350 | ₹350–600 | 2–5 days |
| XpressBees | ₹50–70 | ₹80–110 | ₹220–380 | ₹400–650 | 2–5 days |
Key takeaway: Pinified starts at just ₹40 for up to 500g — among the lowest in the industry — with no hidden surcharges.
What Affects Courier Charges Per Kg?
1. Distance (Zone-Based Pricing)
Most courier companies divide India into delivery zones. Local deliveries (within the same city or state) cost significantly less than inter-state or cross-country shipments. For example, shipping 1 kg within Maharashtra might cost ₹55, while Mumbai to Chennai could be ₹90+.
2. Weight vs Volumetric Weight
Couriers charge based on whichever is higher — actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000. A large but lightweight box (like pillows) will be charged by volumetric weight, not actual weight.
3. Service Speed
Express and same-day options cost 2–3x more than standard delivery. Blue Dart's next-day air service is premium-priced, while economy surface options are cheaper but take 5–7 days.
4. Pickup vs Drop-off
Home pickup typically costs ₹20–50 more than self-drop at a courier centre. Pinified offers free doorstep pickup on all shipments — no extra charge.
5. Insurance and COD
Adding insurance (typically 1–2% of declared value) and Cash on Delivery (₹25–50 per order) increases the total shipping cost.
How to Get the Cheapest Courier Rates
- Compare before booking — Use rate calculators (like Pinified's pricing page) to compare across services for your specific pincode pair.
- Ship in bulk — Most couriers offer volume discounts. Pinified offers business accounts with up to 30% lower rates.
- Right-size your packaging — Reduce volumetric weight by using smaller boxes. Don't ship air.
- Use surface transport for non-urgent shipments — Surface (road) is 30–50% cheaper than air for parcels above 2 kg.
- Prepaid over COD — COD adds ₹25–50 per shipment. Encourage prepaid payments to save.
Pinified's Pricing Advantage
Pinified offers some of the most competitive courier rates in India:
- Starting at ₹40 for packages up to 500g
- No hidden charges — the price at booking is the price you pay
- Free doorstep pickup — no extra charge for home collection
- 18,000+ pincodes — nationwide coverage at a single rate card
- Real-time tracking included on every shipment
Ready to ship? Check your rate now or contact us for business pricing.