India Post was established in 1856 and has evolved to meet the courier needs of India’s large population. It operates one of the world’s oldest and largest postal networks, with 1.5 lakh post offices serving towns and villages nationwide. India Post is known for its affordable services. It offers some of the lowest Speed Post charges globally, making shipping accessible for individuals and small businesses.
India Post provides various services like postal savings accounts, cash on delivery, registered post, and speed post. EMS Speed Post was introduced in 1986 and is the quickest medium for transfer of parcels, letters, documents, and cards inside the country, most of the time completing delivery within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the location. With the tracking number provided to their shipment, the customers can easily monitor the progress of their Speed Post deliveries.
This manual clarifies the way in which India Post determines the Speed Post charges for domestic and international parcels, thus shedding light on their competitive pricing.
Factors Affecting Domestic Speed Post Charges of India Post
It is important for senders to understand the Domestic Speed Post charges of India Post. India Post parcel rates per kg depend mainly on two factors:
Distance: The farther the destination is from the sender’s location, the higher the India Post charges. Transportation costs are affected by longer distances, which consequently have an impact on the final price.
Weight: Weight is another factor that influences the shipping fee. Heavier products are charged more because they need more care and transportation to be moved around.
India Post Speed Post Tariff Rates For Domestic
India Post has defined Speed Post tariff rates for domestic shipments. The table below shows the rates for various weight categories respective to distances that have been divided into four parts.
| Weight | Local Rates | Up to 200 Kms | 201 to 1000 Kms | 1001 to 2000 Kms | Above 2000 Kms |
| Up to 50 grams | Rs 15 | Rs 35 | Rs 35 | Rs 35 | Rs 35 |
| 51 to 200 grams | Rs 25 | Rs 35 | Rs 40 | Rs 60 | Rs 70 |
| 201 to 500 grams | Rs 30 | Rs 50 | Rs 60 | Rs 80 | Rs 90 |
| Additional 500 grams or part thereof | Rs 10 | Rs 15 | Rs 30 | Rs 40 | Rs 50 |
Note: The tariff does not include taxes, which are applied as per Central Government notifications.
Features of Domestic Speed Post
Speed Post service of India Post offers several standout features in the Indian courier market. These features are mentioned below.
Express Delivery: Offers parcel delivery of 35 kg across the country at a uniform rate of INR 35. Deliveries in cities and towns are priced at INR 15 for packets weighing up to 50 grams.
Insurance Coverage: The shipment value up to INR 1 lakh is guaranteed an insurance coverage.
Booking Window: Appropriate 24-hour booking is available for all services.
Online Tracking: Customers can track their parcels online simply by entering their consignment number and receive status updates via SMS notifications.
Pick-up Services: Free pick-up services for parcels, with special benefits for commercial clients like call scheduling, regular collection, and a Book Now Pay Later option.
Credit Facility: Available for corporate clients and customer partnerships.
Volume Discounts: Discounts are offered for large-scale shipments.
Cash-on-Delivery: This payment method is available exclusively for online sellers.
Compensation: Payment is provided for delays, loss, or damage to parcels.
India Post Speed Post Tariff Rates For International
India Post has defined Speed Post tariff rates for international shipments. The table below shows the rates for different weight categories, separately for Documents and Merchandise, applicable to various countries.
| Countries | Documents | Merchandise | ||
| First 250 grams or part thereof in Rs | For every additional 250 grams or part thereof in Rs | First 250 grams or part thereof in Rs | For every additional 250 grams or part thereof in Rs | |
| Afghanistan | 1390 | 100 | 1390 | 100 |
| Argentina | 1345 | 295 | 1345 | 295 |
| Australia | 1125 | 230 | 1125 | 230 |
| Austria | 1430 | 95 | 1430 | 95 |
| Bahrain | 1415 | 50 | 1415 | 50 |
| Bangladesh | 765 | 50 | 765 | 50 |
| Barbados | 1330 | 270 | 1330 | 270 |
| Belarus | 1450 | 100 | 1450 | 100 |
| Belgium | 1430 | 110 | 1430 | 110 |
| Bermuda | 1050 | 215 | 1050 | 215 |
| Bhutan | 910 | 70 | 910 | 70 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1205 | 150 | 1205 | 150 |
| Botswana | 1500 | 130 | 1500 | 130 |
| Brazil | 1595 | 230 | 1595 | 230 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 750 | 120 | 750 | 120 |
| Bulgaria | 1200 | 85 | 1200 | 85 |
| Cambodia | 730 | 65 | 730 | 65 |
| Canada | 1180 | 180 | 1180 | 180 |
| Cape Verde | 1345 | 230 | 1345 | 230 |
| Cayman Islands | 1360 | 235 | 1360 | 235 |
| China | 680 | 115 | 680 | 115 |
| Cuba | 1340 | 225 | 1340 | 225 |
| Cyprus | 1310 | 110 | 1310 | 110 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 1490 | 160 | 1490 | 160 |
| Denmark | 2190 | 100 | 2190 | 100 |
| Ecuador | 1370 | 290 | 1370 | 290 |
| Egypt | 1190 | 75 | 1190 | 75 |
| El Salvador | 1810 | 315 | 1810 | 315 |
| Eritrea | 1440 | 110 | 1440 | 110 |
| Estonia | 1280 | 130 | 1280 | 130 |
| Ethiopia | 1570 | 100 | 1570 | 100 |
| Fiji | 980 | 240 | 980 | 240 |
| Finland | 1615 | 90 | 1615 | 90 |
| France for French Antilles(which includes Guadeloupe, Martinique), Reunion, Corsica, New Caledonia, Mayotte, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre et Miquelon | 4140 | 340 | 4140 | 340 |
| Rest of France | 1275 | 105 | 1275 | 105 |
| Georgia | 1425 | 120 | 1425 | 120 |
| Germany | 1860 | 80 | 1860 | 80 |
| Ghana | 1760 | 140 | 1760 | 140 |
| Great Britain | 1965 | 90 | 1965 | 90 |
| Greece | 1450 | 85 | 1450 | 85 |
| Guyana | 1810 | 280 | 1810 | 280 |
| Hong Kong | 1230 | 90 | 1230 | 90 |
| Hungary | 1455 | 90 | 1455 | 90 |
| Iceland | 2350 | 125 | 2350 | 125 |
| Indonesia | 1200 | 90 | 1200 | 90 |
| Iran (Islamic Republic) | 1445 | 80 | 1445 | 80 |
| Iraq | 920 | 80 | 920 | 80 |
| Ireland | 1610 | 120 | 1610 | 120 |
| Israel | 1690 | 80 | 1690 | 80 |
| Italy | 1530 | 105 | 1530 | 105 |
| Japan | 700 | 80 | 945 | 80 |
| Jordan | 1435 | 70 | 1435 | 70 |
| Kazakhstan | 1650 | 110 | 1650 | 110 |
| Kenya | 1455 | 90 | 1455 | 90 |
| Korea (Republic) | 1685 | 70 | 1685 | 70 |
| Kuwait | 1040 | 50 | 1040 | 50 |
| Latvia | 1075 | 130 | 1075 | 130 |
| Lithuania | 1200 | 150 | 1200 | 150 |
| Luxembourg | 1150 | 105 | 1150 | 105 |
| Macau | 1430 | 90 | 1430 | 90 |
| Malawi | 1175 | 190 | 1175 | 190 |
| Malaysia | 1610 | 60 | 1610 | 60 |
| Maldives | 1165 | 50 | 1165 | 50 |
| Mauritius | 1210 | 110 | 1210 | 110 |
| Mexico | 1605 | 235 | 1605 | 235 |
| Mongolia | 1170 | 110 | 1170 | 110 |
| Morocco | 1480 | 180 | 1480 | 180 |
| Namibia | 1000 | 140 | 1000 | 140 |
| Nauru | 1025 | 165 | 1025 | 165 |
| Nepal | 670 | 40 | 670 | 40 |
| Netherlands | 1375 | 105 | 1375 | 105 |
| New Zealand | 1040 | 270 | 1040 | 270 |
| Niger | 1180 | 195 | 1180 | 195 |
| Nigeria | 1310 | 140 | 1310 | 140 |
| North Macedonia | 1265 | 150 | 1265 | 150 |
| Norway | 2250 | 100 | 2250 | 100 |
| Oman | 1395 | 40 | 1395 | 40 |
| Pakistan | 885 | 70 | 885 | 70 |
| Panama (Republic) | 1610 | 245 | 1610 | 245 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1585 | 220 | 1585 | 220 |
| Philippines | 1180 | 70 | 1180 | 70 |
| Poland | 1205 | 90 | 1205 | 90 |
| Portugal | 1115 | 130 | 1115 | 130 |
| Qatar | 1340 | 100 | 1340 | 100 |
| Romania | 1250 | 80 | 1250 | 80 |
| Russian Federation | 1040 | 120 | 1040 | 120 |
| Rwanda | 1340 | 100 | 1340 | 100 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1535 | 60 | 1535 | 60 |
| Senegal | 1270 | 160 | 1270 | 160 |
| Singapore | 1175 | 65 | 1175 | 65 |
| South Africa | 1310 | 195 | 1310 | 195 |
| Spain – Canary Island | 2180 | 120 | 2180 | 120 |
| Spain – Rest of Spain | 1425 | 120 | 1425 | 120 |
| Sri Lanka | 790 | 55 | 790 | 55 |
| Sudan | 1450 | 120 | 1450 | 120 |
| Sweden | 2220 | 95 | 2220 | 95 |
| Switzerland | 1910 | 105 | 1910 | 105 |
| Taiwan | 810 | 80 | 810 | 80 |
| Tanzania | 1590 | 100 | 1590 | 100 |
| Thailand | 1095 | 60 | 1095 | 60 |
| Tunisia | 1345 | 120 | 1345 | 120 |
| Turkey | 1030 | 85 | 1030 | 85 |
| Uganda | 1460 | 95 | 1460 | 95 |
| Ukraine | 1695 | 130 | 1695 | 130 |
| UAE | 1400 | 40 | 1400 | 40 |
| USA | 1820 | 150 | 1820 | 150 |
| Vietnam | 800 | 70 | 800 | 70 |
| Yemen | 800 | 110 | 800 | 110 |
Note: The listed tariffs do not include taxes. Taxes will be applied additionally as per the Central Government’s notifications from time to time.
Factors Affecting the International Speed Post Charges
Factors influencing International Speed Post charges can help to smooth and economical shipping. Two important points are mentioned below.
Weight and size: International Speed Post is a quick way to send packages overseas, but it comes with weight and size restrictions. Settlements with sizes more than 35 kilograms are not received, also they must not exceed 1.5 meters in width and 3 meters in length. These restrictions vary by the destination country and affect the shipping cost.
Prohibited Articles: Sending some items through International Speed Post is not allowed. Prohibited items are explosives, harmful substances, and live animals. It is very important to follow these regulations because the shipping of prohibited items can lead to extra costs or refusal of service.
Features of International Speed Post
International Speed Post offers essential services that enhance shipping convenience and security for international packages. Some of its features are listed below.
Convenient Package Acceptance: You can drop off your package at any post office without any trouble, or arrange a pick-up from your place.
Priority Handling: Your package will receive extra care from pick-up or drop-off until it is finally delivered.
Online Tracking: You can track your package very easily, right from the beginning to the end, with the help of the India Post website.
Delivery Confirmation: A signature is required for International Speed Post delivery as an added security measure. This means that the package is delivered only to the official person by him/her, thus reducing the risk of loss.
Doorstep Delivery: International Speed Post takes your package straight to the recipient’s door, thus saving time and providing ease of use.
How to calculate speed post charges?
Speed Post charges are primarily determined by the weight, distance, and the specific services added. Here is an easy-to-follow guide that lays out the steps you have to take to determine your mailing cost:
Step 1: Weigh the Parcel First
The minimum Speed Post price applies to a fixed weight range. The weight of parcels is rated into slabs as follows:
- Up to 50g
- 51g–200g
- 201g–500g
And also for each part of the additional 500g
It naturally leads to the higher price for heavier parcels on account of more handling and delivery efforts.
Step 2: Establish the Distance Slab
India Post determines the postage according to the delivery area. There are five slabs according to the destination:
Local delivery
- Up to 200 km
- 201–1000 km
- 1001–2000 km
- More than 2000 km
If the delivery point is farther, it will definitely lead to higher Speed Post charges.
Step 3: Add-On or Optional Services
In case, you opt for extra services, including insurance, Cash on Delivery (COD), SMS notifications, or if they come to pick the parcel, there will be, of course, a small add-on to your bill. But these services will surely make the whole process more user-friendly and secure.
Step 4: Tax and Government Charges
Speed Post rates are not inclusive of GST. Besides, the tax at the applicable rate is added to the base postage cost as per the latest government notifications.
Step 5: Use the India Post Price Calculator
For the most reliable estimate, you should make use of the official India Post Rate Calculator available on their website. All you have to do is enter the parcel weight, origin, and destination and the tool will immediately give you the estimated Speed Post charge.
Such a calculator is mainly useful for the e-commerce traders and the small industries that need rapid cost assessment before shipment.
What Are India Post’s Technology and Sustainability Initiatives?
India Post has remained in a state of constant evolution over time. It has taken on board modern technology and digital innovations to enhance its postal and logistics network. The combination of online parcel tracking, ePost communication services, and seamless e-commerce integrations has made the transition from traditional mailing to a tech-driven system that can cater to the current delivery demands.
India Post is also making its technological advances environment friendly. For the better of its environment, the organization has adapted to the use of electric vehicles for last-mile delivery, solar-powered post offices, and eco-friendly packaging that will reduce waste and promote responsible shipping practices among the various changes shown by its innovativeness and sustainability.
India Post is thereby still covering the main ground in the Indian logistics and postal industry by these different methods and selling its services through dependability, innovation, and sustainability, thus, reaching out to millions of customers all over the country.
Conclusion
India Post’s Speed Post remains one of the most reliable and affordable postal services in India, trusted for its wide reach, transparency, and timely deliveries. However, as shipping demands evolve in today’s fast-paced world, businesses often need advanced logistics tools, multiple courier options, and better tracking systems. This is where courier aggregators like Bigship add value.
Bigship provides an easy-to-use dashboard with various features, a sophisticated shipping rate calculator, early COD remittance options, and additional services to accommodate the exact shipping requirements of sellers.
Moreover, as a tech-based courier aggregator, Bigship collaborates with more than 19 courier partners to deliver across more than 29,000 pin codes in India and over 190+ countries globally.
FAQs- Speed Post Charges
Is it possible to redirect the delivery address for my shipment during speed post?
Yes. You can change the given address during the time of speed post but only before dispatch. You can also rectify it by approaching customer care, or the nearest post office. If you have a registered account, you can simply redirect the delivery address by following the given path, Home > Menu > Mail Services > Manage Mail > Redirect Mail.
In the absence of the recipient, will the postman deliver the parcel at the location mentioned or take it away?
The postman will call the recipient and if he is not available then he will paste the notice of arrival of the parcel for collecting it from the post office within 7 days or will leave the parcel as per the recipient’s instruction.
How to claim compensation for the lost shipment in Speed Post?
India Post compensates for the lost or damaged shipment on certain terms and conditions with the value proof including how much the damage or loss has occurred. If the documents and value content are not fulfilled then it becomes difficult to claim for lost shipment.
What is the Speed Post delivery time?
Speed Post is the fastest and most reliable delivery service. Depending on which city, or town the parcel has been shipped to decides the time. For example
- Regional speed post: 1 to 2 days
- National speed post: 2 to 5 days
- International speed post: 4 to 7 days
Does Speed Post operate for delivery on Sundays?
No, Speed Post service only facilitates from Monday to Saturday. Speed Post services remain closed on Sundays.
Is Speed Post faster than courier and aggregator companies?
One cannot say Speed Post is faster than other aggregates or courier services. These days aggregator and courier services are also offering faster modes of delivery. However, these services provided by them could be more expensive than postal services.
What is proof of delivery in a speed post and why it is important?
Proof of delivery is a document that confirms that your package has been delivered to you. It is made to be signed by the recipient for full confirmation. This document is important as it allows both parties to be sure that the package has reached the right hands.
Does postman will call during the time of delivery or before?
Postman generally doesn’t call during or before the time of delivery. If the recipient is not available then he will paste a notice regarding the collection of package within 7 days from the post office.
What if the Speed Post is not timely delivered?
This does not happen frequently but if someday it gets delayed due to any reason, you can contact the India Post through customer care or by visiting the nearest post office from where the parcel is sent.
Are the consignment number and tracking ID the same?
Yes, both of these terms are used to describe the same things. It is the 13-digit unique number that is given to the customer to track where your package has reached.
Can I track my parcel?
Definitely yes. You can track your parcel through the unique tracking ID or the consignment number that you will be given after placing your parcel.
Through mail or messages, you will be timely notified where the parcel has reached.
Is Speed Post safe for sending documents?
Yes, it is safe. Whether you want to send your documents domestically or internationally, it is one of the safest modes. These days it is widely used for sending many important documents related to reports, property pages, and also marksheets.
