Introduction
In today’s fast-paced business world, shipping/courier/parcel/delivery is an unavoidable part of daily operations for individuals, small businesses, eCommerce sellers, and large companies. Whether you are sending a small document, a fragile gift, or bulk logistics shipments, one question always matters the most:
“What is the courier price per kg?”
This single metric determines how affordable your delivery will be, which courier company you should choose, and how you should plan your shipments to save money. Understanding courier charges per kilogram can help you cut unnecessary shipping expenses and increase delivery efficiency.
This article gives you a complete 360-degree guide on courier price per kg in India, covering:
- What courier price per kg actually means
- Domestic vs international courier prices
- Courier charges for 500 grams, 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and beyond
- How courier companies calculate weights
- Hidden charges most customers are not aware of
- Tips to reduce the overall courier price per kg
- Best practices for eCommerce seller
- Delivery zone-wise courier pricing
- How packaging can affect per-kg courier rates
- How logistics companies determine freight charges
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know.
What Does “Courier Price Per Kg” Mean?
When you send a parcel through a courier company, your delivery charge is calculated based on different factors. The most important of them is the weight of the package. Courier companies use weight modules like:
- 500 grams
- 750 grams
- 1 kg
- 2 kg
- 5 kg
- 10 kg
- 20 kg
- 25 kg
- 50 kg and above
However, the unit cost per kg helps people compare pricing across companies and choose the most economical option.
Example
If Company A charges ₹80 per kg and Company B charges ₹110 per kg, the difference becomes clear immediately, helping you make better decisions.
Thus, courier price per kilogram is essential for individuals and businesses who want to manage shipping costs wisely.
How Do Courier Companies Calculate the Price Per Kg?
Courier companies do not look only at the “weight” of the parcel. They follow a combination of parameters:
Actual Weight
This is the weight of the parcel when placed on a scale.
Example: A mobile phone that weighs 300g.
Volumetric Weight
Large but lightweight parcels take more space in the delivery vehicle. So, courier companies calculate “volumetric weight” to charge fairly.
Volumetric Weight Formula (Domestic)
L x B x H (cm) / 5000
Volumetric Weight Formula (International)
L x B x H (cm) / 6000
Whichever is higher — actual weight or volumetric weight — becomes your chargeable weight.
Example
Parcel Dimensions: 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm
Volumetric Weight = 40×30×20 / 5000 = 4.8 kg
Actual Weight = 2 kg
Chargeable Weight = 4.8 kg
This is why lightweight but large-size shipments cost more.
Factors That Affect Courier Price Per Kg
Many people think the courier price only depends on weight — but that’s not true. Here are all major factors:
Delivery Distance
Local → Cheapest
Within State → Slightly higher
Within Region → Moderate
National (Across India) → Highest domestic rates
International → Maximum price per kg
Package Weight Slabs
Heavy shipments often get lower per-kg rates because bulk shipping is cheaper.
Shipment Type
- Documents
- Non-documents
- Fragile items
- Liquid
- High-value items
- Electronics
- Hazardous goods
Different categories have different price slabs.
Speed of Delivery
Economy → Low cost
Express → Medium
Same day / Priority → High
Hyperlocal Fast Delivery → Very high per kg
Packaging Material
Using bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, and foam increases volumetric size but improves safety.
Fuel Surcharge
Major companies add an FSC (Fuel Surcharge Component), usually 10% to 26%.
GST
GST on courier services is 18%, added on top of the base price.
All these make the final courier rate per kg vary from company to company.
Average Courier Price Per Kg in India (2025 Updated)
Below is a realistic average rate table, considering major courier brands like DTDC, Blue Dart, Delhivery, Xpressbees, Professional Couriers, India Post, etc.
Local Delivery (Within 10–20 km)
| Weight | Average Price |
| 500 g | Approx. ₹40 – ₹70 |
| 1 kg | Approx. ₹60 – ₹90 |
| Additional kg | Approx. ₹30 – ₹50 |
Within City / District
| Weight | Average Price |
| 500 g | Approx. ₹50 – ₹80 |
| 1 kg | Approx. ₹70 – ₹110 |
| Additional kg | Approx. ₹40 – ₹70 |
Within State
| Weight | Price Range |
| 1 kg | Approx. ₹80 – ₹130 |
| 2 kg | Approx. ₹140 – ₹200 |
| Additional kg | Approx. ₹60 – ₹90 |
Within India (Domestic National)
This is the most common courier use for eCommerce.
| Weight | Price Range |
| 500 g | Approx. ₹60 – ₹120 |
| 1 kg | Approx. ₹90 – ₹150 |
| 2 kg | Approx. ₹130 – ₹220 |
| 5 kg | Approx. ₹250 – ₹450 |
| 10 kg | Approx. ₹400 – ₹900 |
| 20 kg | Approx. ₹800 – ₹1800 |
International Courier Price Per Kg
| Destination | Price per kg |
| USA | Approx. ₹1400 – ₹2600 |
| Canada | Approx. ₹1500 – ₹2700 |
| UAE | Approx. ₹850 – ₹1600 |
| UK | Approx. ₹1200 – ₹2200 |
| Australia | Approx. ₹1400 – ₹2600 |
Prices vary depending upon speed, brand, and additional service charges.
Courier Price Per Kg for eCommerce Sellers
ECommerce sellers usually ship 500g–5kg products frequently. The courier cost per kg becomes extremely important because it affects profit margin.
Typical Price Per Kg for eCommerce (Standard Delivery)
| Weight | Average Price |
| 500 g | Approx. ₹40 – ₹70 |
| 1 kg | Approx. ₹60 – ₹110 |
| 2 kg | Approx. ₹110 – ₹180 |
| 5 kg | Approx. ₹250 – ₹350 |
COD Shipping Charges
Cash on Delivery adds an extra cost:
- COD fee: Aprox. (₹15 – ₹40) per shipment
- Sometimes percentage-based (1%–2% of order value)
Hidden Charges That Increase the Courier Price Per Kg
Customers are often shocked when the final bill is higher than expected. This happens because of hidden or additional charges:
Remote Area Surcharge (RAS)
Some pin codes are difficult to deliver. Companies charge ₹30 to ₹80 extra.
Fuel Surcharge
Added percentage on every shipment (10%–26%).
Reattempt Fee
If the delivery fails, a second attempt can be charged extra.
Packaging Charges
Bubble wrap, large boxes, wooden packing — all cost extra.
Oversized Shipment Fee
For parcels exceeding standard dimensions.
Seasonal Surge Pricing
During festival seasons and peak months.
Understanding these will help you calculate the accurate courier price per kg.
How to Reduce Courier Price Per Kg
To save maximum money, follow these expert cost-cutting tips:
Reduce Package Size
Cut unnecessary packaging. Smaller box = lower volumetric weight.
Choose Economy Shipping
If speed is not important, avoid express and same-day delivery.
Send Bulk Shipments
Larger bookings reduce per-kg courier price due to slab discounts.
Compare Courier Companies
Different companies have different zone-wise pricing.
Avoid Fragile & High-Risk Category Surcharges
Pack carefully to avoid the “Fragile” category unless necessary.
Choose Nearby Courier Centres
Local centers offer promising negotiated rates.
Use Your Own Packaging Material
Avoid paying extra for the courier company’s packaging.
Courier Price Per Kg for Different Types of Shipments
Documents (Up to 500g)
Usually between Approx. ₹30–₹80 depending on speed and distance.
Electronics
Due to high value and fragile nature:
- Charges increase 10–20%
- Mandatory insurance sometimes required
Household Items
Bulky items often attract volumetric weight charges.
Food Items
Dry food is allowed; liquids and perishable items cost more.
Bulk Cargo
Above 20 kg, per-kg prices reduce significantly.
Domestic vs. International Courier Price Per Kg
Let’s understand the exact differences:
Domestic
- Cheaper
- Minimal weight-based differences
- Low documentation
- Faster delivery
- No customs clearance
International
- Expensive per kg
- Customs charges
- Fuel surcharge higher
- Slower unless choosing express shipping
Courier Price Per Kg by Popular Courier Companies in India
Here is a general overview:
DTDC
- Local: Approx. ₹40–₹80
- Domestic: Approx. ₹70–₹160 per kg
- International: Apprpx. ₹1200–₹2600 per kg
Blue Dart
Premium company:
- Domestic: Approx. ₹100–₹180 per kg
- Fast service, higher charges
Delhivery
Favoured by eCommerce:
- 500g: Approx. ₹35–₹60
- 1 kg: Approx. ₹50–₹90
Xpressbees
Popular for COD shipments:
- 500g: Approx. ₹40–₹65
- 1 kg: Approx. ₹60–₹100
Professional Couriers
Low cost for South India deliveries.
India Post
Cheapest, especially speed post parcels.
Weight Slab Strategy: How It Helps Reduce Courier Cost
Most couriers use weight slabs like:
- 0.5 kg
- 1 kg
- 2 kg
- 3 kg
- 5 kg
- 10 kg
If your parcel weighs 1.1 kg, you will be charged for 2 kg.
So optimizing packaging becomes extremely important.
Importance of Courier Price Per Kg for Businesses
Businesses depend heavily on accurate shipping cost calculations. This helps:
- Set product pricing
- Manage logistics expenditures
- Offer competitive delivery charges
- Provide free shipping above certain order values
- Reduce cost leakages
Especially for eCommerce, courier price per kg is directly tied to profit margin.
How to Calculate “Courier Price Per Kg” Accurately (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Measure dimensions
Use cm for L × B × H.
Step 2: Calculate volumetric weight
(L × B × H) / 5000
Step 3: Compare actual & volumetric weight
Choose the higher one.
Step 4: Check rate chart
Identify the correct slab.
Step 5: Add surcharges
Fuel, RAS, GST, COD, packing, etc.
This will give you the accurate courier price per kg.
Popular Use Cases for Understanding Courier Price Per Kg
Online Sellers
To calculate margins properly.
Small Businesses
To reduce logistics costs.
Individuals Sending Gifts
To choose a cost-effective courier.
Corporate Bulk Shipments
To negotiate lower per-kg rates.
Conclusion: Why Understanding Courier Price Per Kg Is Important
Knowing the courier price per kg helps you:
- Compare different courier companies
- Estimate accurate shipping costs
- Avoid overcharging and hidden fees
- Save money on packaging
- Choose the most reliable and cost-efficient delivery option
- Improve business profitability
- Reduce unnecessary logistics cost
Whether you are an individual sender, a business owner, or an eCommerce seller, understanding courier pricing is essential for smart shipping decisions.
FAQs
Que: What is the courier price per kg?
Ans: Courier price per kg refers to the cost charged by a courier company for shipping a package based on each kilogram of weight. It helps customers compare delivery rates and estimate the total shipping cost based on weight slabs.
Que: How is the courier price per kg calculated?
Ans: Courier companies use the higher value between actual weight and volumetric weight as the chargeable weight. Then, they apply zone-wise rate slabs, add fuel surcharge, GST, and any additional charges to calculate the final courier price.
Que: Why does the courier price per kg vary between companies?
Ans: The rate varies because each courier company has different operational costs, delivery network reach, speed of service, fuel surcharge, packaging method, and zone-wise pricing structure. Premium couriers generally charge more.
Que: Is heavier shipment cheaper per kg?
Ans: Yes. In most cases, bulk or heavy shipments (5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, etc.) get discounted rates. The price per kg decreases when total shipment weight increases due to consolidated transport costs.
Que: How can I reduce the courier price per kg?
Ans: You can reduce courier costs by minimizing parcel dimensions, choosing economy service, avoiding unnecessary packaging, sending bulk shipments, comparing couriers, and shipping from a nearby courier centre to reduce fuel and handling charges.