1) Introduction to DTDC Courier Company
DTDC is among the most popular global courier companies for parcel delivery, freight forwarding, expedited delivery, and e-commerce shipping. Founded in 1990, DTDC offers nationwide and international services. With its headquarters in Bangalore, Karnataka, Desk to Desk Courier and Cargo is an Indian logistics company delivering over 12 million monthly packages.
DTDC is also a majority stakeholder in UAE’s Eurostar Express and Bangalore-based Nikkos Logistics. It is favored by many B2B and B2C companies for automatic order tracking, bulk shipping, and secured transit of important items.
DTDC has a presence in 240 countries with 21 head offices in some of the world's major cities. DTDC Global is one of the world's best logistics and courier companies for international shipping and cross-border logistics operations.
In this post, we'll be breaking down the services provided by DTDC and helping you find the cheapest DTDC charges using the DTDC price calculator.
2) What is the DTDC Shipping Rate Calculator?
The DTDC shipping cost and delivery time calculator enables shippers or sellers to calculate the DTDC rates and duration for an order. Merchants can add their destination and delivery pin codes along with the type of consignment to access these details.
The DTDC rate calculator helps companies and individuals narrow down their shipping charges and cut down on unnecessary expenses. The DTDC cost calculator can be found on the MyDTDC app, easily downloadable on all Android and iOS devices.
3) How to Use the DTDC Shipping Calculator to Find Estimated Shipping Rates?
Using the DTDC Calculator is straightforward. Users need a DTDC account to calculate shipping costs. Ecommerce entrepreneurs only need to fill in the required fields to find estimated costs.
Step 1 - Download the MyDTDC app or use the DTDC online portal to find your rates.
Step 2 - Choose the type of destination (Domestic or International) and fill in the Origin Pincode, Destination Pincode, and Type of shipment (Document or Non-Document)
Step 3 - Enter the weight of the package. DTDC accepts shipments up to 100 kgs.
Step 4 - Fill in the dimensions of the packaged item (Length, Width, and Height).
Step 5 - Select the estimated value of the package. This information is used to calculate the risk surcharge.
Step 6 - Now, choose the type of item your package contains. DTDC offers several options like passports, auto Parts, cameras, laptops, jewelry, etc.
Step 7 - Pick the type of service you require depending on the urgency of the shipment.
Step 8 - Login with your existing DTDC account or create a new one to start shipping!
4) Factors Analyzed by DTDC Shipping Calculator to Determine Shipping Costs
DTDC shipping calculator offers you estimates for domestic and international packages once you plug in the above information. All of these are required fields without which the DTDC courier charges calculator will not be able to process the data entered by you.
4.1) Pick-up and Delivery Location
The further the delivery location is from the origin point, the greater the shipping cost. Domestic orders will naturally cost far less than international orders. Similarly, domestic orders within the same city will cost much less than the ones shipped to another city.
4.2) Package Details
The weight and dimensions of a package are major factors in shipping rates. A document will cost more than a Non-document item. The bigger and bulkier your shipment is, the greater its shipping value. However, e-commerce companies need to contact DTDC to ship bulk items.
4.3) mode of Delivery
The speed or mode of delivery you choose affects your shipping rates. Expedited shipping services like Premium or Express Delivery reach customers faster but also cost more than Standard shipping options.
4.4) Risk Surcharge Percentage
DTDC provides 3 risk surcharge options to cover shipments of high value.
- No Risk or 0% - DTDC does not provide shipping insurance. This is usually opted for items of low priority and value.
- Owner Risk or 0.2% - In this, senders pay 0.2% of the total shipment value, and DTDC covers them for the estimated shipment value (provided by the sender) in case of loss or damage.
- Carrier Risk or 2% - Here, consigners pay 2% of the total order value, and in return, DTDC provides shipping insurance on the total estimated or declared value of the shipment. This is opted for high-value packages.
4.5) Large Packages
Suppose the amount of space occupied by your package is greater than usual. In that case, the DTDC calculator will use dimensional or volumetric weight to calculate your tariff rather than the actual weight or shipment.
Note - For Priority shipments like Air Cargo, Air Express, and R-Express, if the dimension of the parcel is greater than 110 cm, then twice the volumetric or actual weight will be charged to the customer as actionable under railway customs and fees.
4.6) International Shipments
As discussed earlier, Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo offers varied international services for optimal supply chain operations. However, DTDC international courier charges do not include customs clearance or duty fees. DTDC is one of the few courier companies worldwide to provide international Cash on Delivery (COD) services.
5) Shipping Services offered by DTDC (Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo)
With strategic tie-ups in over 240 countries worldwide, DTDC is a logistics provider offering supply chain solutions, warehousing, distribution, and transportation. It also provides domestic and international express and cargo services under Priority Services.
DTDC has several shipping modes and services for you to choose from. Listed below are DTDC services covering domestic and international shipping options for businesses and individuals.
5.1) DTDC Domestic Courier Services
- DTDC Lite - Under this banner, Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo offers 2 services - Domestic Express Service for time-sensitive documents and Domestic Cargo Service for heavier shipments that require bigger transportation and workforce. Cargo services are carried out by air and land.
- DTDC vas - This DTDC value-added service includes C.O.D or Collect on Delivery, F.O.D. or Freight on Delivery, and Mentioned Piece. In all 3 services, DTDC collects the value listed on the invoice after successful delivery.
- Intracity - Here, DTDC arranges for the pickup and delivery of bulk orders of high importance, like chequebooks, insurance bills, bank documents, invitation cards, etc.
- TechMailer - In this service, DTDC provides end-to-end management of bulk orders across the country with a proprietary MIS (Management Information System).
5.2) DTDC Express Services
- DTDC Plus - Under DTDC Plus, DTDC provides Next Business Day (NBD) delivery across India for shipments weighing up to 10kgs. Order status notifications are shared via emails and SMS. The service is divided into - City Plus, Regional Plus, Zonal Plus, Metro Plus, and National Plus.
- DTDC Blue - This option delivers orders within the country by Second Business Day. Orders can weigh a maximum of 10kgs.
- Prime Time Plus - This is the best DTDC shipping option for time-sensitive orders because it guarantees delivery by the next day. The Prime Time Plus service is categorized into - Prime Time Plus 10.30 AM (guaranteed order delivery by 10.30 AM next day), Prime Time Plus 12 (guaranteed delivery by the next day noon), and Prime Time Plus Sunday (guaranteed delivery on Sunday for orders processed before Saturday 6 PM). All PTP orders can be tracked online in real time.
- Premium Express Cargo - This DTDC service provides nationwide Same Business Day and Next Business Day delivery of orders weighing anywhere from 25 kgs to 100 kgs.
5.3) Priority
DTDC provides special packaging arrangements and day-definite deliveries for priority shipments. These are perfect for B2B and B2C orders. Senders can opt for secure shipping depending on the value of the orders. DTDC uses the fastest routes for these deliveries. Priority orders offer 24/7 tracking visibility and customer support.
5.4) DTDC International Services
As a major Eurostar stakeholder, DTDC leverages its vast network to deliver the fastest and most securely international orders. DTDC provides international services under 2 categories - Express and Cargo.
- International Express Document and Non-Document services - DTDC provides expedited air shipping services for document and non-document packages in this category. Armed with rapid customs clearance at origin and destination, this Air Parcel Service is designed for worldwide parcel delivery.
- International Cargo services - Cargo enables the shipping of large packages. It is further divided into 3 segments. Firstly, Door to Door, where packages are delivered to the customer's doorstep. This is available in Express and Economy. Secondly, Door to Airport, Express, or Economy shipping of large shipments from the origin to the destination airport. Lastly, Airport to Airport, where orders are shipped from the origin airport to the destination airport.
DTDC also accepts International Cash on Delivery, where customers can pick up packages from their nearest registered DTDC office.
5.5) Supply Chain Solutions
DTDC provides end-to-end supply chain management for e-commerce enterprises. Besides premium air cargo services that provide 24/7 shipment visibility and guaranteed time-definite delivery, it also offers FTL (Full Truck Load) and rail cargo services. DTDC uses specialized GPS-enabled vehicles for critical deliveries, online order tracking, and electronic POD (Proof of Delivery).
It also offers full-fledged warehousing and inventory management services, including pick-up, tamper-proof packaging, and AI-driven stock management.
6) Surcharges included in DTDC Shipping Calculator
While there are multiple value-added services offered at a cost by DTDC, two of their main surcharge verticals are those that fall under the risk category and fuel category.
6.1) Risk Surcharge
Designed for the benefit of customers, this coverage aims to protect goods uninsured by the shipper at an extra cost to the receiver. This surcharge is suitable for most Premium Express consignments and products. However, the package has to fall under the stipulations of DTDC as listed below to be eligible for this beneficial cover.
- The Maximum Shipment Value should be Rs. 25,000 per parcel for DTDC Plus and DTDC Blue.
- Any COD or Post-paid Maximum Shipment Value is Rs. 50,000 per parcel.
- Certain consignments may be limited to a maximum of Rs. 100 as liability cover.
- Valuable cargo must have valid insurance coverage by the seller or a maximum risk surcharge per product category.
- If a package is not covered by risk surcharge or insurance, the maximum claim due to damage or loss is limited to Rs. 500.
- The shipper must fortify certain consignments with relevant documents such as tax forms and invoices.
- Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract will make the carrier’s liability null and void, and any consequential losses will not be considered.
6.2) Fuel Surcharge
- Fuel surcharges are important for any business because they impact service charges and product rates. Logistics-related operations are heavily affected by any hike or increase in fuel prices.
- Any hike in fuel charges has a domino effect- freight costs calculated by airlines and railways, fuel charges by co-loaders, and handling fees by airports and railways all multiply to create a massive spike in the surcharges calculated by DTDC.
7) Value-Added Services and Activities Included in DTDC Shipping Calculator
7.1) DTDC Lite
DTDC organizes special arrangements for delivering heavy consignments under the banner, including manpower boost, handling equipment, and larger vehicles for prioritized land and air delivery at the best cost.
7.2) Value-Added Services
DTDC provides VAS such as Collect/Cash on Delivery, To Pay or Freight on Delivery, and delivery of personal or valuable items under their Mentioned Piece category.
7.3) Mass Consignment Pickup and Delivery
With smooth pick up and delivery using IMS (Management Information System), DTDC incorporates TechMailer in their operations for bulk dispatches, ensuring fast, accurate and smart logistics.
7.4) Corporate Solutions
DTDC’s Priority Product focuses on multinationals, financial and banking institutes, insurance companies, and corporate clients. It offers them a dedicated handling team, service routes, enhanced automated operations, document and cargo handling, and tracking and information support.
8) Prohibited Items Under DTDC Shipping Calculator
The Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo list of prohibited, restricted, and banned goods is extensive. Please find them enumerated below.
8.1) Prohibited items
- Original and Imitation firearms and parts
- Clinical and Biological sample
- Animal Fur
- Corrosive, Toxic, and Bio-hazardous substances
- Radioactive substances
- Livestock and Animals
- Perishables
- Tobacco Products such as Cigarettes and Cigars
- Cash, Cheques, Credit Cards
- Jewelry and Gemstones
- Metal Bullions
- Antiques and Art over a century old
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Asbestos
- Cremated Human remains
- Dry and Wet Ice
- Edible Oil, Bran, and Fodder
- Endangered Fauna and Flora, Seeds and Flowers
- Fireworks, Extinguishers, and Flammables
- Compressed, Dissolved, or Liquefied gases
- Lottery Tickets
- Animal and Human Embryos and Remains
- Human Corpses, Body Parts, Organs
- Animal Trophies and Ivory
- Magnetized Items
- Pornographic Material
- Natural Resources - Sand, Ore, Seashell
- Wood and Wood Pulp Products
8.2) Restricted and Permitted with prior approval from Customs Clearance
- Beverages containing Alcohol
- Artificial and Costume Jewellery
- Auto Parts with fluid
- Medical Cannabis
- Tobacco Products exceeding 500,000 Euros
- Commemorative coins value exceeding 2,000 Euros
- Loose Pearls
- Seeds
- Maps and Literature with incorrect boundaries
- Passport
- Time-sensitive documents
- Watches
8.3) Dangerous Goods
- Flammable solids and liquids
- Gases
- Explosives
- Toxic Substances
- Infections Substances
- Radioactive and corrosive substances
- Miscellaneous materials
- Oxidizers and organic peroxides
9) What are the DTDC Courier Charges per kg?
Domestic DTDC charges per kg -
- Within the same metro city - Standard - Rs. 85, Premium - Rs. 205
- To a different metro city - Standard - Rs. 245, Premium - Rs. 505
- Remote locations - Standard - Rs. 150, Premium - Rs. 410
- International locations - DTDC Premium F - Rs. 3542, DTDC Premium D - Rs. 4862 (These values are calculated for Commercial Courier from Delhi to the United States.
10) Benefits of Using the DTDC Shipping Rate Calculator
Using the DTDC shipping rate calculator before sending out shipments is the best way to gauge how much you'll spend on shipping. It also helps e-commerce businesses understand which locations are serviceable by DTDC. Depending on the shipping charges levied by DTDC, online companies can choose whether to offer free shipping to customers.
11) Choose the Right DTDC Shipping Option for Your Ecommerce Business
As discussed above, DTDC offers plenty of shipping options for businesses of all sizes. The best shipping option for an online store depends solely on that business's requirements. International freight cargo is best for sending bulk international shipments, whereas Express Non-Document Domestic services are great for shipping goods within the country.
12) How to Ship and Save With DTDC
Like most shipping companies, DTDC has special offers for occasions, holidays, and destinations running on its app. Planning and keeping an eye out for discounts makes it easy to ship and save with DTDC.
13) Conclusion
With an extensive range of services and the ability to offer customer support, DTDC has the perfect solution for businesses looking for domestic and international shipping services. No matter the cargo’s size or type, as long as the content is not prohibited, DTDC promises to deliver your package with accuracy and speed at a reasonable price tag.
As a popular shipper, it is convenient to ship with DTDC regardless of whether your package is an intracity document delivery or an oversized and fragile sculpture.
14) FAQ
1) Does DTDC provide shipping insurance?
Yes, DTDC offers shipping insurance upto Rs. 49999 for domestic shipments and Rs. 24999 for all International packages.
2) Is DTDC safe for documents?
DTDC has services optimized for safe documentation handling and delivery like most leading logistics companies.
3) What is carrier risk in DTDC?
When the shipper has not insured the shipment, DTDC dons the hero’s cape to protect the customer from transit risks for a small coverage charge payable by the customer.
4) Is it safe to courier a laptop through DTDC?
DTDC provides special packaging and services for electronic items like laptops to ensure the speedy and safe delivery of laptops and other items. DTDC laptop courier charges are the same as any other non-document parcel. However, it varies depending on the size and weight of the laptop.