The cheapest courier for your business depends less on the company you choose than on how you ship. Parcel size, delivery speed and whether the parcel goes to a door or a pick-up point change the price far more than the logo on the van. This guide explains what drives the cost and how to bring it down. For a rundown of the main courier companies themselves, see our list of the top courier companies in South Africa.
What actually sets the price
- Volumetric weight. Couriers charge on the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight, which is the parcel’s length, width and height multiplied together and divided by a factor the courier sets. A light but bulky parcel can cost as much as a heavy one.
- Speed. Same-day and express services cost several times more than economy or overnight road freight.
- Destination. Deliveries between main centres are cheapest. Outlying and rural areas often carry surcharges.
- Door or point. Door-to-door is the most expensive option. Delivery to a locker or pick-up point is usually much cheaper.
Five ways to pay less
1. Use lockers and pick-up points
Locker-to-locker and counter-to-counter services, such as The Courier Guy’s Pudo lockers, PAXI at PEP stores and Pargo pick-up points, cost a fraction of door delivery. For low-value online orders, offering a pick-up option at checkout often increases sales because the shopper pays less for delivery.
2. Book through an aggregator
Shipping platforms such as Bob Go let you compare rates from several couriers for each parcel and book in one place, often at rates below what a small business could negotiate alone.
3. Right-size your packaging
Because of volumetric weight, empty space in a box costs money. Stock two or three box sizes that fit your main products, and use satchels for anything soft.
4. Choose the slowest service your customer will accept
Most online shoppers accept delivery in two to four working days. Keep express as a paid upgrade rather than the default.
5. Negotiate once you have volume
Once you ship regularly, ask couriers for an account rate based on your monthly volume. Even a modest discount adds up across hundreds of parcels.
Cheap is not only about price
A failed delivery costs more than the difference between two quotes: you pay for the return, the second delivery and sometimes a refund. Check tracking, claims handling and the courier’s performance in your customers’ areas before choosing on price alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send a parcel in South Africa?
Usually a locker-to-locker or counter-to-counter service, as long as the parcel fits the size limits.
Why was I charged more than the weight suggested?
Most likely volumetric weight: the courier charged for the space the parcel took up, not only its weight.
Are courier aggregators reliable?
They book the same couriers you would use directly. The parcel still travels with the courier you choose on the platform.
Should I charge customers for delivery?
Many stores charge a flat fee or offer free delivery above an order value, which protects margins on small orders.
How do I choose a courier partner for an online store?
See our guide to choosing a courier partner for your online store.
Originally published in August 2022. Updated September 2026.
