FAQs about eCommerce Aggregators (Logistics, Couriers and Shipping Aggregator)
Here are the answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Aggregators.
Question 1: If I fulfill 200-300 orders per day, do I need a shipping aggregator?
Answer 1: No. If you are filling under 100 orders per day, a shipping aggregator can be helpful. However, for volumes larger than 100, like 200-300, multiple courier partners grant you greater scope to fulfill orders efficiently.
Question 2: What services do courier aggregators provide?
Answer 2: Courier aggregators typically provide simplified integrated shipping services at low negotiable rates. They are tied up with multiple courier companies and provide a unified platform for creating and tracking orders across courier partners.
Some aggregators may also offer express delivery and COD services, alongside a wide pin code reach. Most are equipped to handle both end-to-end forward and reverse logistics, and few even provide quality checks for returning items.
Question 3: What is courier management software?
Answer 3: A courier management software is a platform that enables e-commerce companies to manifest orders across couriers, track shipments across couriers, monitor courier performance, and identify supply chain exceptions.
Question 4: How to find a shipping aggregator in India?
Answer 4: Finding a shipping aggregator is a relatively easy process. A cursory Google search will give you a few options. However, finding the right courier aggregator is a different task.
There are certain parameters that you must consider first, like the number of courier partners and companies, serviceability and remittance cycle. Here’s an article we wrote on what you need to consider when selecting the best logistics aggregator.
Question 5: How to tie up with a logistics aggregator
Answer 5: Tying up with a logistics aggregator is not too different from tying up with a courier partner. You select the aggregator of your choice, pick the payment plan you prefer and then proceed with integrations as per their onboarding process.
Question 6: Will a logistics aggregator provide packaging facilities
Answer 6: While some logistics aggregators provide packaging facilities, like Ship Rocket and iThink Logistics, most only provide packaging as a separate and chargeable service. The packaging may also differ depending on the courier partner allocated to each order.
Question 7: Which is the best logistics aggregator in India
Answer 7: Determining the best logistics aggregator in India is like asking what the best flavor of ice cream is. It’s largely based on preference, and given the serious nature of logistics, on need. If the best aggregator for you is one that gives access to the largest number of courier partners, then Ship Rocket might be for you.
However, if your preference is an aggregator that can offer serviceability in remote locations, you may be more inclined to tie up with Pickrr. ShipDroid is known for its accounts management services which makes billing easier. For low prices and bulk shipping, Vamaship offers per shipment rates and no charge for platform usage, which makes it among the cheapest.
Question 8: Which is the cheapest logistics aggregator in India
Answer 8: Again, there’s no single answer to this question because it is based on your needs, resources and volume orders. Let’s take a look at a few major aggregators and their pricing arrangements.
Vamaship is often considered one of the cheaper options because they only take shipment fees and do not charge for use of the platform. ShipDroid also charges per shipment and has no minimum volume requirements on the number of orders shipped every month.
Pickrr, on the other hand, charges different prices per shipment depending on the number of orders, with higher volumes bringing in a lower per shipment rate. ShipYaari and ShipKaro both offer basic plans with no initial monthly fee but offer less access to carriers and specific services.
High volumes of orders may push you toward Pickrr, low volumes to Ship Droid. A base need to fulfill a bare minimum number of orders may make ShipKaro or ShipYaari are better options for the time being.
Question 9: Which eCommerce aggregator website is better: Shiprocket, Vamaship and Pickrr?
Answer 9: While ShipRocket currently takes the lead in the number of partnered carriers, Vamaship is a close second. And unlike ShipRocket, Vamaship offers QC (quality check) services for all return orders. Pickrr offers rates comparable to ShipRocket, but with the added benefit of serviceability to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Question 10: Which are international shipping aggregators in India
Answer 10: ShipYaari, ShipRocket, Vamaship, and Ecourierz are logistics aggregators that provide international shipping services. Ecourierz especially is known for its safe and speedy overseas delivery.
Question 11: What does a “logistics aggregator” mean?
Answer 11: Logistics aggregators are companies that maintain relationships with reputed carriers for the purpose of providing e-commerce companies quick and easy access to shipping partners. The goal of an aggregator is to help online merchants stabilize their base delivery operations.
Question 12: How does a logistics aggregator calculate shipping rates?
Answer 12: Most logistics aggregators calculate rates based on two main metrics: volume of orders and average dimensions (size and weight) of each order. That’s why most aggregators either offer monthly plans or per shipment rates, some of which are unconditional, and others which are based on the total volume of orders fulfilled every month.
Question 13: Which shipping aggregator provides COD coverage?
Answer 13: Shyplite, Ship Rocket, Vamaship, ShipKaro and Ship Droid all provide cash on delivery services.
Final Words
For smaller enterprises with an output of 3k orders a month, there are 10+ aggregators to choose from that give you access to 20-30 courier partners. The main advantage is the access to a unified tracking platform to maintain transparency with your orders.
However, their tech applications remain rooted in operations and will not be equipped to improve overall functionality. As volumes increase, greater transparency and development initiatives are required which tying with courier partners independently grants you.
Logistics management software, like ClickPost and MetaPack, allows you to maintain your direct relationship with courier partners and make use of advanced tech that helps reduce delivery failures and RTO%. Aggregators can help you get a leg up on growth, but they act as a buffer between you and your delivery mechanism. As an e-commerce company, your focus has to be on the future and taking control of your logistics operations.