Speed Post Charges & Post Office Parcel Rates: Updated Courier Charges Per Kg in India
Courier Pricing & Charges
Last week, my uncle sent a gift to my cousin in another city. He was worried it would take days. But it got there in just two days when he used speed post. The surprise was not the speed… it was the cost. He thought it would be high, but it was much less than the fancy private courier he almost booked. That's when I thought many people still don't know the speed of post charges and post office parcel rates in India.
This guide will tell you the latest rates, how much per kg, and what you can expect when sending parcels by the post office.
Speed Post Charges in India
Speed Post is India Post's express service. It is faster than regular posts and is still relatively cheap. The cost depends on weight and distance.
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Here's a simple table of domestic speed post charges:
| Weight | Local (₹) | Up to 200 km | 201–1000 km | 1001–2000 km | Above 2000 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50g | 15 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| 51g to 200g | 25 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| 201g to 500g | 35 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
| 501g to 1 kg | 35 | 80 | 100 | 115 | 140 |
| Every extra 1kg | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
Opinion: For short distances, speed post is unbeatable in price. A private courier may be faster for longer ones, but will cost twice as much.
Post Office Parcel Rates
A lot of people think parcels at the post office are old school. However, they are still used by many small shop owners and online sellers. The post office parcel charges are based on weight and distance, just like speed post, but delivery takes longer.
| Weight | Local (₹) | Up to 500 km | 501–1000 km | 1001–2000 km | Above 2000 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 kg | 19 | 35 | 47 | 59 | 71 |
| Every extra 1kg | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
Small business owners in my area who send clothes or handmade items often use this. Yes, it's slower than speed post, but it's much cheaper for non-urgent items.
Post Office Courier Charges
Here's where people get confused. India Post doesn't officially call it "courier", but Speed Post works like a courier service. It has door-to-door delivery, tracking, proof of delivery, and fixed delivery times.
For post office courier charges, you can look at speed post rates as your reference. DTDC Courier Charges
For example:
- A 500g parcel from Delhi to Mumbai by speed post costs ₹70–80.
- The same with a private courier might be ₹150–200.
I once sent a phone charger to my friend in Bangalore. Speed post took 3 days and cost ₹80. My friend got it safely and sealed, and the tracking showed every movement.
Speed Post Charges Per Kg
You need to know the per kg rate when sending something heavy, like books or electronics.
How it works:
- The first kg is charged at a higher rate.
- Every extra kg is added separately at a lower price.
Example: Sending 3kg from Delhi to Chennai:
- First kg = ₹140
- 2 extra kg x ₹60 each = ₹120
- Total = ₹260
Tip: If your parcel is above 5kg, compare it with the railway parcel service or other cargo services. Sometimes they're cheaper in bulk.
Postal Charges for Other Services
The post office does more than just speed post and parcels. Postal charges can mean:
- Registered letters
- Money orders
- International parcels
- Business bulk mail
For example, a registered letter within India is around ₹35 with proof of delivery. International speed post starts at around ₹1,200 for 250g to most countries.
Local shopkeepers in my neighbourhood who send invoices or legal papers always prefer registered post because of its legal proof.
Why People Still Use the Post Office
Some folks think post office services are outdated, but they're still trusted for:
- Broad reach in rural areas
- Lower rates than private couriers
- Government-backed reliability
- Tracking for most services
One neighbour of mine runs a home bakery. She sends cookies to customers in small towns where no private courier goes. Only India Post delivers there at a price its customers can afford.
Latest News on Speed Post Rates
India Post usually revises rates every few years. The last significant change was before 2023, when they increased some long-distance charges slightly. But the rates are still lower than most competitors.
If you want the most updated info, check the official website of India Post or visit your local post office. Some small towns even have notice boards with rate charts.
Also Read: https://ilsportal.io/blogs/digipin-india-post-digital-address-tracking
Tips to Save on Postal Charges
- Pack light is everything.
- Choose parcel post if you're not in a hurry.
- Avoid odd shapes, stick to boxes.
- Compare speed post with private couriers for heavy items.
I've saved hundreds of rupees by reducing unnecessary bubble wrap when sending items.
Final Thoughts
Speed post charges and post office parcel rates are still an excellent option for most people in India. If you send items regularly, learn the rate slabs and keep a small scale at home to weigh before you go. The post office is slower in some cases, yes, but it's safe, cheap, and can reach almost anywhere in India.
So next time you think of sending something, don't just click "book courier" on an app. Check your nearest post office, you might be surprised at the price.
If you run an online store or send parcels regularly, visiting the post office every time can be a hassle. That’s where tools like the ILS (Indian Logistics Services) Portal make things simple. You can explore more at the ILS Portal and see how it can speed up your shipping process.
FAQs
1. What is the cost of speed post per kg?
Speed post rates depend on the distance. For most long-distance deliveries in India, the first 1kg costs around ₹140, and every extra kg adds ₹60–₹70. Local deliveries can be as low as ₹35 for 1kg. Courier Charges India
2. How much does a 1kg parcel cost?
If you send a 1kg parcel within your city or nearby (up to 200 km), it's usually ₹35–₹80. For faraway states, it's around ₹100–₹140.
3. Is Speed Post costly or a courier?
In most cases, speed post is cheaper than private courier services. It might take the same or just 1 day longer, but the cost can be half or even less. Cheapest Courier Service In India.
