Speed Post Courier Services By India Post: A Complete Overview

India, has an extensive postal service network owing to a host of courier services spread across the country. Doing most of the heavy lifting is the government-operated postal system, India Post. It is the trade name of the Department of Posts (DoP) which has been running for more than 150 years. The DoP has over 155,000 post offices, making it the largest postal network worldwide.

With such a large population, a robust courier network is required to cater to all sections of society. Whether it is sending a letter to your loved ones or shipping a parcel, India Post’s services have you covered. Almost everything, from personal belongings to industrial equipment, can be sent across the country via India Post. While there are different types of services, Speed Post courier is the preferred choice for almost every other person because of its ease of use, shortened delivery timelines, and affordability.

What is Speed Post?

Speed Post is a high-speed postal service provided by India Post. Started in 1986, it offers fast delivery of parcels, letters, cards, documents, and other important stuff. The Indian Postal Department started this service by the name of “EMS Speed Post.”

Speed Post is the fastest form of delivery in tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India. Even today, many rely on Speed Post for successfully delivering their packages. Along with time-bound delivery and excellent coverage, Speed Post offers a Status Tracking Service that helps people track the status of their parcels.

People use postal services to send and receive essential documents such as commercial papers, official documents, and more. However, with the introduction of courier aggregators such as Shiprocket, the entire scenario of Speed Post and couriers has changed. It delivers goods and documents faster and with higher accuracy.

Different Speed Post Services Offered by India Post

Let’s explore the speed post services offered by India Post in detail.

• Domestic Speed Post

It’s a premier domestic courier solution. It offers reliable time-bound deliveries, enabling you to send letters and parcels up to 35 kg within India. Domestic Speed Post is best known for its affordability. For nationwide deliveries, the starting price is just Rs.35. The starting price for up to 50 gm of weight for local consignments is Rs.15 only. Domestic Speed Post offers extensive coverage. It’s a cost-effective solution that’ll handle your domestic shipping requirements, enabling you to ship to every address across the country.

• International Speed Post

Also known as Express Mail Service (EMS), it is designed to quickly deliver your documents and merchandise globally. It helps you comply with strict international postal standards and is available for shipments weighing up to 35 kg. However, this requirement may vary from one country to another. With competitive pricing and extensive global reach, International Speed Post is preferred for international shipments. It ensures timely and secure delivery.

• Business Solutions

India Post offers specialised Speed Post services for businesses. It offers a range of features like on-premise pick-up, monthly billing, and single national account management. These services are designed to help you streamline operations for bulk shippers. It also offers additional benefits such as the BNPL (Book Now, Pay Later) option, cash-on-delivery (COD) services, and volume-based discounts. This makes it easier for your business to manage your shipping requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

Features Of Speed Post Courier

Let us have a look at some of its features:

• Provides express and time-bound deliveries of up to 35 kgs all over India.
• An affordable nationwide delivery for ₹35.00 and local delivery for ₹15.00 on packages weighing up to 50 gms.
• Insurance of consignments up to ₹1 lakh.
• Online tracking service to track consignments from booking to delivery.
• Free pickup service for corporate or bulk customers.
• No need for upfront payment. Corporate and contract customers can use a credit facility.
• Volume-based discounts for corporates and bulk orders.
• Cash on delivery service for eCommerce and online sellers.

Provides compensation in cases of delay, loss of article, pilferage or damage – double the Speed Post charges or ₹1,000, whichever is less.

How Does Speed Post Work?

Follow the steps given below to send a speed post courier:

• Buy an envelope from the post office. Insert the letter/courier into it, seal the envelope, and write ‘Speed Post’ on the top.
• Write the receiver’s name, address, and contact details on the left side of the envelope.
• Mention your details like name and address on the right side.
• Hand over the courier to the Speed Post staff.
• The staff will calculate the shipping rate as per the courier’s weight and destination.
• The next step includes the speed post staff printing and attaching the shipping label and forwarding the courier for further processing.

How to Prepare a Parcel for Speed Post?

To ensure your parcel reaches its destination safely and promptly through Speed Post, follow these steps:

• Choose the right packaging: Use a sturdy box or padded envelope that can protect the contents from damage. Ensure appropriate packaging as per the weight and size of the items.
• Secure the contents of the package: Place fragile items in bubble wrap or other cushioning material. Ensure there’s no movement inside the package by filling any gaps with additional packing material.
• Seal the parcel properly: Use strong adhesive tape to seal the package. Ensure all edges are secured to prevent accidental opening during transit.
• Label the parcel clearly: Write the recipient’s full name, address, and contact number on the front of the package. Include a return address in case the parcel cannot be delivered. Print or type the details for better readability.
• Weigh the parcel: Visit a post office or use a digital scale to weigh the parcel. This will help determine the postage cost.
• Fill out the necessary forms: Depending on the contents and destination, you might need to fill out a customs declaration or other forms. Ensure all documentation is accurate to avoid delays.
• Visit the post office: Take the parcel to your nearest post office, pay the postage fee, and request a tracking number. This will allow you to monitor the delivery progress.

How Much Time Does Speed Post Take?

The delivery time for Speed Post varies depending on the destination:

• Within the same city: Typically, Speed Post deliveries within the same city are completed the next day.
• Inter-city deliveries: For parcels sent to different cities within the same state, delivery usually takes 1 to 2 days. For parcels sent to different states, it can take 2 to 3 days.
• International deliveries: Speed Post for international destinations can take 4 to 7 days, depending on the destination country and customs processes.

These timelines are standard estimates. However, delivery times may vary depending on weather conditions, holidays, and the efficiency of local postal services.

The Bottom Line

Speed Post courier service is undeniably persistent with its market share. But, in today’s competitive times, when an eCommerce website or online store comes up every other day, it isn’t easy to deliver consistently. As an eCommerce seller, you must be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. To keep delivery mishaps at bay, it is recommended that you use a courier aggregator.

The courier aggregators help you deliver seamlessly on time and reduce shipping costs by providing multiple courier options at your convenience. Want to know more about courier aggregators or Shiprocket? Let us know in the comments section, and we’ll be happy to help you!