How to Choose the Right Logistics Partner for Your Business

Ecommerce is growing faster, and logistics can improve your customer experience. Affordable shipping costs, real-time tracking, timely deliveries, and wide service coverage are no longer luxuries, but they are expectations. Doesn't matter what the primary goal of your eCommerce business. Choosing the right logistics partner ensures smooth supply chain operations and customer satisfaction.

Through the blog, we'll guide you through choosing the right logistics partner for your business and provide an overview of India's top 10 logistics service providers to help you make an informed decision.

Explore a comprehensive list of reliable courier partners on the ILS Portal, with service details, coverage areas, and integration support to help you choose the right logistics provider for your business.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Perfect Logistics Partner

1. Service Coverage

• Check the provider pin codes and offer pan-India delivery
• How the support system of the Logistics Partner
• Check all areas included, like remote or rural areas

2. Delivery Speed

• Consider the turnaround time for different PIN codes.
• Check whether their delivery options are provided for same-day or next-day delivery.

3. Tracking and Transparency

• The powerful tracking system ensures real-time updates.
• The logistics partners offer automated SMS/Email or Notification alerts.

4. COD and Reverse Logistics

• If you offer cash on delivery, the logistics partner will handle COD efficiently.
• Check their return policy, how they manage returns or RTOs

5. Integration and Technology

• Do they offer any API integrations for seamless order scanning?
• Offers any mobile apps or dashboards for monitoring shipments.

6. Pricing and Value

• Competitive pricing matters, but so does service quality.
• Check if any hidden charges or extra fees are included

Top 10 Logistics Partners in India

Here's a quick overview of India's top logistics players that you can consider:

1. Blue Dart

Premium Air Express courier service is known for its speed and reliability.

Blue Dart, a part of the DHL Group, is ideal for businesses prioritizing fast delivery and customer trust. Its air and surface network covers over 35,000 locations and is known for secure and timely shipments, especially in metro cities.

• Best For: Fast, reliable premium shipping.
• Strengths: Backed by DHL, excellent for air express delivery.
• Coverage: Over 35,000+ locations.
• Features: Real-time tracking and strong B2B support.

Looking for a reliable shipping solution for your Shopify store? The Bluedart integration with Shopify through the ILS Portal allows you to automate shipping, print labels, track orders, and manage COD deliveries effortlessly.

2. Delhivery

India's leading logistics and supply chain company for eCommerce brands.

Delhivery offers services like express parcel delivery, warehousing, and freight. Known for its tech-driven infrastructure, it supports over 18,000 pin codes and is preferred for D2C and high-volume sellers.

• Best For: Large-scale eCommerce logistics.
• Strengths: Tech-driven platform, flexible solutions.
• Coverage: 18,000+ pin codes.
• Features: COD, returns, warehousing, API support.

3. Amazon Shipping

Seamless delivery solution built for Amazon sellers.

If you sell on Amazon Shipping, is a smart option. It offers quick deliveries, real-time tracking, and cost-effective rates, especially for Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) shipments. ATS ensures streamlined order handling for Prime and regular customers alike.

• Best For: Amazon sellers.
• Strengths: Seamless integration with Amazon orders.
• Coverage: Extensive reach in India.
• Features: Reliable delivery, tracking, and competitive rates for FBA sellers.

4. Ecom Express

It specializes in eCommerce logistics and has a substantial reach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

With over 27,000+ pin codes, Ecom Express is known for its COD services, secure shipping, and reverse logistics. It's a reliable option for sellers expanding in remote and semi-urban regions.

• Best For: Tier II and III city coverage.
• Strengths: Strong in COD reverse logistics.
• Coverage: 27,000+ pin codes.
• Features: Safe delivery, real-time tracking, and returns support.

5. DTDC

Established courier brand with domestic and international services.

DTDC has a strong franchise network and provides customized shipping solutions at affordable rates. It supports COD, returns, and international shipping, making it suitable for SMEs and regular parcel delivery.

• Best For: SMEs and regular couriers.
• Strengths: Affordable rates, reliable deliveries.
• Coverage: 10,000+ pin codes.
• Features: Both domestic and international shipping mobile tracking.

Access powerful shipping features with the DTDC portal through the ILS Portal, automate label generation, enable real-time tracking, manage COD orders, and streamline deliveries for your Shopify or eCommerce store.

6. India Post

The most widespread government-backed courier service.

India Post offers unmatched rural and remote coverage with budget-friendly rates. Its Speed Post and Registered Post services are ideal for businesses that want nationwide reach, though delivery times may vary by region.

• Best For: Government-run, budget-friendly shipping.
• Strengths: Unmatched reach, especially in rural areas.
• Coverage: All pin codes in India.
• Features: Speed Post, registered mail, tracking, COD in some services.

7. XpressBees

Fast-growing logistics provider catering mainly to eCommerce businesses.

XpressBees delivers across 20,000+ pin codes and offers fast, efficient delivery, reverse logistics, and fulfillment support. It's trusted by many leading eCommerce platforms for speed and service reliability.

• Best For: High-volume eCommerce logistics.
• Strengths: Fast-growing network, strong tech stack.
• Coverage: 20,000+ pin codes.
• Features: Real-time tracking, COD, returns, fulfillment centers.

8. Ekart Logistics

Flipkart's in-house logistics partner is known for large-scale delivery.

Ekart offers reliable delivery across metros and major cities. With access to Flipkart's tech infrastructure and warehouses, Ekart is ideal for Flipkart sellers or businesses looking for metro city reach and high-volume handling.

• Best For: Flipkart sellers and large shipments.
• Strengths: Flipkart's in-house logistics arm.
• Coverage: Excellent urban and semi-urban reach.
• Features: Warehouse integration and same-day delivery in metro cities.

Want to streamline your Shopify order deliveries? Become an Ekart partner through the ILS Portal and simplify your logistics with automated shipping, real-time tracking, label generation, and smooth COD handling.

9. Shree Maruti Courier

Regional logistics partner is known for fast and cost-effective delivery.

Popular in western and central India, Shree Maruti covers 4,500+ destinations. It's a good option for businesses looking for reliable delivery in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and nearby states, with options for documents and parcels.

• Best For: Regional shipments and SMEs.
• Strengths: Good reach in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and surrounding regions.
• Coverage: 4,500+ destinations.
• Features: Cost-effective, basic tracking, document & parcel delivery.

10. Smartr Logistics

A new-age logistics company focused on digital express solutions.

Smartr is making waves with its technology-first approach and fast-growing network. It is ideal for D2C brands and startups that want flexible express delivery options with reliable tracking and customer communication.

• Best For: Digital-first logistics for startups and D2C brands.
• Strengths: Fast deliveries, tech-enabled logistics.
• Coverage: Expanding rapidly across metros and Tier I cities.
• Features: AI-powered tracking, affordable shipping, express delivery.

Final Thoughts

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for selecting the right courier partner for your business. Services like Delhivery or XpressBees may be ideal if you're handling high shipping volumes. For companies aiming to reach rural or remote areas, India Post and Ecom Express offer strong coverage. On the other hand, if your focus is on fast and reliable metro deliveries, Blue Dart or Smartr can provide excellent value. To simplify the decision-making process, the ILS Portal offers a complete list of courier partners with integration details, helping you find the most suitable logistics solution.