Courier companies that work for a small business are few and far between. If you have a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), you can use courier services. They can help you deliver orders from your online store quickly and efficiently.
A courier service is a streamlined delivery service that delivers to any address. They usually charge a fee depending on the size of the package. Also, if you want it to arrive quickly you must pay more.
As an SME, you might have to use a courier service from time to time. In this article, we look at which courier companies in South Africa you can partner with.
1. The Courier Guy
The Courier Guy has been in operation for over two decades. The company delivers thousands of packages and ships goods in South Africa and internationally. Currently, it has 200 kiosks nationwide, 22 depots and 1200 Pudo smart lockers.
The Courier Guy has three packages for nationwide shipping:
Same-day Express – Delivery is done within 90 minutes in major centres and 90 minutes after collection in local areas. This is the highest-priced option. Requires you to request a quote.
Overnight Courier – Place the collection of parcels before 14:30 and have it ready by 15:00 (unless by alternative arrangement). Delivery is between 1-2 business days. If a Saturday or public holiday service is needed, you must clearly mark it on the waybill. This option is best for packages less than 2kg in actual or volume mass.
Road Freight – This requires you to place a collection before 14:00 and have the parcel ready by 14:30. Delivery is done within 2-3 working days (transit times vary by major centre). This is the cheapest option for packages of more than 3 kg.
For international orders, the available options are:
International Courier Documents – Use this service when sending documents only. Items such as brochures and magazines are not considered as documents. Documents depart every working day from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
International Courier Non-Documents – This service is best for sending consignments other than documents. The departures are done every working day from Johannesburg and Cape Town. This is the best option for sending consignments that weigh over 30 kg.
Note: All services on The Courier Guy require you to enter package information before receiving a quote.
2. PEP PAXI
Another courier company in South Africa, PAXI, is a delivery service available through PEP stores (including PEP Home and PEP Cell). The service allows you to send, collect and return parcels easily. PAXI allows you to send and receive packages across more than 2 800 points.
PAXI also has business tools which allow you to buy and register bags online, do a quick drop at any PAXI point and insure your products with PAXI cover.
To send a package through PAXI, follow these steps:
Step 1: Buy a bag online (also available at Shoe City) or at any PEP store.
Step 2: You will register your package by entering the package information. This includes weight, size, and who is receiving it and where they will be receiving it.
Step 3: After that, you will take the package to your chosen designated PAXI point and do a quick drop.
The pre-registering of packages helps small businesses streamline deliveries. You do not have to stand in line and track and manage your packages. PAXI does not charge a fee for registered parcels and fees are like regular PAXI parcels.
Pricing is as follows:
Standard size bags (450mm x370mm; max 5kg) – 3-5 business days for R 109,95; 7-9 business days for R 59,95.
Large size bags (640mm x 510mm; max 10kg) – 3-5 business days R 139,95; 7-9 business days for R 109,95.
PAXI Insurance – PAXI covers all parcels for up to R 500 in case of loss. For higher value items, you can buy an insurance voucher for R 10 which gives you up to R 2 500 cover; R 20 gives you up to R 5 000 cover.
Note: Insurance vouchers must be activated within 7 days of purchase. Only one voucher claim per parcel is allowed.
As a business owner, you can register many parcels on the portal. The PAXI portal allows you to view all your deliveries in the system to make it easier to manage and track your parcels.
3. PostNet
Founded in 1994, PostNet is a privately owned courier service that delivers locally and internationally. The company has over 460 owner-managed stores in South Africa.
PostNet has various packages for domestic and international delivery, including:
PostNet2PostNet (starts at R 109) – 2-3 working days to all main centres. There is also a prepaid version of this package for R 99.
PostNet2Door – Overnight, it takes 1 day to get to all main centres. Non-express takes 1-2 days to all main centres. Door-to-door also has an economy option.
International – Available through PostNet Global Express or DHL Global Express Easy.
PostNet also offers courier services for excess baggage and prohibited items. Additionally, it has an insurance option and in-store packaging.
Note: Pricing for packages and delivery is calculated in-store. PostNet has main centres in all major cities.
4. RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers
RAM Hand-to-Hand couriers have been operating for over 25 years. The company provides local, special, distribution, international and warehousing services.
For local delivery, RAM has the following services:
Same Day – The package is delivered on the same day as collection in all local and main centres.
Early Bird – The package is delivered by 09:00 on the next business day after collection.
Next Day 11:00 – The package is delivered by 11:00 on the business day following collection.
Next Day 17:00 – The package is delivered by close of business on the next business day after collection.
Regional Deliveries – RAM can deliver packages to selected regional destinations upon written confirmation. Find out from your nearest RAM store if they can do regional deliveries.
Note: RAM has a business portal which can help you track your packages and ensure they get to their customers quickly.
This list includes some of the top courier companies in South Africa. There are many other ones such as Courier It, DHL, Fastway and Pargo. There are many options available to you as an SME.
Remember that if you are delivering locally, you can also use services such as Uber and Bolt. These companies have package delivery services that you can use.
For more information on the right courier service for your business, read our article about the 8 Cheapest Courier Services to partner with. You can also book an appointment with one of our experts for more in-depth business advice.
