Top 10 Ecommerce Courier Companies in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Introduction

What should one consider while choosing a courier partner for an eCommerce business in the UAE? Their commitment to order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

The success of an eCommerce business lies in the hands of the right logistics supply chain model.

From the minute a package leaves a warehouse until it’s placed in the hands of a customer, a number of elements come into consideration. And it indeed isn’t a piece of cake to fulfill all orders efficiently. 

This is why finding the right courier partner is imperative. However, the search can often get challenging for a new eCommerce company, especially in a country like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where locations are often remote and the competition is high.

To solve this gap, after conducting a thorough analysis, the following list of the top eCommerce courier services provider firms is compiled. Have a look, and we’re sure your choice will become crystal clear by the time you reach the end.

UAE’s Top 10 eCommerce Courier Services Providers

There are more than 50 courier providers in the UAE that provide high-quality, value for money courier services to small, medium, and large-scale eCommerce businesses.

A majority of them include shipping and courier API integrations, which let customers receive regular updates on their shipments.

To handpick the service providers listed below, several factors have been looked into, such as transit time, cost of delivery, security and safety, flexibility, logistic supply chain model, technology, cargo weight, freight costs, Cash on Delivery, return, and confidentiality.

1. Aramex Courier

Aramex is the first and oldest eCommerce courier service in the UAE. It was also the first ever company from GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to be listed in NASDAQ stock exchange. 

There’s a significant reliability factor associated with Aramex since it has been delivering worldwide since 1982, and has often been ranked as an outstanding courier partner for multinational and domestic deliveries.

It has a scalable model for all types of customers along with specialized express delivery features which eCommerce enterprises in the UAE can use.

Here’s a quick look at the eCommerce courier services Aramex offers:

• Cash On Delivery (COD)
• Bulk orders
• API based transit tracking 
• Warehousing 
• Scaling of business 
• Online store development (through integration with Shopify, Magneto, and WooCommerce)
• Technical support
• 24/7 visibility of delivery status
• Customer care services

2. Fetchr Courier

Fetchr is a Dubai-based worldwide courier, postal fulfillment, and supply chain services provider that uses a smartphone based on-demand delivery system. It was established in December of 2012 in Dubai. 

Fetchr enables individuals and businesses in the Middle East to send and receive anything from anywhere in the world. eCommerce websites can set up a scheduled delivery by simply using the coordinates shared by customers.  

Sneak peek into the services provided by Fetchr:

• App-based interface for both business and customers
• GPS-based tracking of customers for better delivery experience
• Scalable technology  
• Last-mile solutions  
• Tracking shipments through app  
• Automation-based system  
• AI-based technical support

3. DTDC (Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo) – A Eurostar Express company

Desk to Desk Courier is an India-based cargo service which dates back to the 1990s. In fact, it is the most used service in the subcontinent providing logistic services in more than 230 countries. 

In 2012, DTDC acquired 52% stake of Eurostar express in the Middle Eastern countries, and today, it covers almost every city in the UAE and its neighboring countries. It provides continuous tracing of packages, proof of delivery, warehouses for storage, bulk orders, international shipping facility to eCommerce companies located in UAE. 

Roundup of services provided by DTDC:

• Impact-proof packaging 
• Safe transit handling 
• Reverse logistics expertise  
• Balancing speed & cost 
• On-demand pickups  
• Omnichannel tech 
• Integrations for easy COD & returns 
• Zero volumetric charges

4. FedEx Courier 

FedEx is an eCommerce courier partner that had already created a reputation for itself with the worldwide supply chain industry before coming to UAE. Offering ideal shipping solutions to online businesses, it is regarded as one of UAE’s top courier services for eCommerce firms. The service is a perfect fit for organizations that deal in a broad array of products, notably, massive things, fragile items, luxury items, and toxic commodities such as electrical vehicle batteries and liquid nitrogen etc.  

FedEx has a specialized unit for managing tie-ups with eCommerce companies. It provides them with customer support, product return support, warehouses, bulk orders, etc.   

Here’s a quick look at the services provided by FEDEX:

• International and domestic models    
• Fedex API integration  
• Tracking ID  
• Eco-friendly reusable packaging  
• Courier insurance  
• Warehousing  
• Last mile solutions
• Scalable  

5. DHL Courier

Another leading international delivery company for eCommerce in UAE is DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn). Its worldwide controlled and highly-connected infrastructure of warehouses allows it to make reliable solutions to increase order fulfilments both within the country and throughout the globe. DHL is quite bold when it comes to decreasing wastage in the distribution process by reducing each firm’s operational carbon footprints. To make this possible, the company uses biodegradable and sustainable materials throughout its processes, making it a highly environmentally friendly company.

These are the services you can expect from DHL’s operations in the UAE: 

• API integration
• Shipment tracking
• Bulk order support
• Custom web portal
• Customer services  
• International and domestic shipping

6. Cloud Express Courier

Cloud Express is an experienced courier service provider in the UAE offering affordable solutions to eCommerce stores as well local businesses delivering in more than 100 countries. Their services include a range of options like cash on delivery, prepaid deliveries, drop-shipping services, courier tracking, etc. They value providing flexible, reliable and secure delivery services making eCommerce business more efficient than ever. 

The services they provide include: 

• Shipment tracking
• Cash On Delivery (COD)
• International and domestic customer services 
• Cost-effective prices  
• Last mile solutions  
• Delivery across UAE

7. ViaMe

ViaMe is a Dubai-based instantaneous courier delivery startup boasting same day delivery, and even same-hour delivery to a certain extent. In cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi luxury is given a lot of priority. ViaMe aims to exploit this and make online shopping luxurious than ever, setting new standards in delivery services. It’s an app-based system which can get the exact coordinates of the customer and delivery can reach desired destination hassle free.

Sneak peek into the services provided by ViaMe:  

• On demand delivery 
• App-based interface   
• Same day and same hour delivery available
• Live order tracking 
• 24/7 customer support  
• Professional fleet  
• Last mile solutions

8. Droply

Droply is a UAE based startup which solely focuses on eCommerce shipping with affordable pricing. The company has successfully implemented an end-to-end logistics model across the country. They provide customized delivery services to help ecommerce businesses thrive in a competitive environment and give them a far superior reach.

Roundup of services provided by Droply:

• Door-to-door delivery & pickup  
• Delivery across all cities in the UAE 
• Live order tracking 
• Express solutions for same & next day delivery
• Cash On Delivery (COD)
• Return To Origin (RTO) management
• API integrations  
• Express pickup

9. Max Express Courier

Max Courier was established in 2014 in the UAE with a local center throughout the Gulf Region. Inside the UAE market, they have carved out a space for themselves within a span of 3 years owing to their innovative streak and uncompromising services. Max Courier uses its own fleet to provide the most efficient freight delivery services. They collaborate with a diverse group of customers from various industries and areas, including various sectors like eCommerce, healthcare, hardware, and governments.

There are the primary services they offer:  

• Same day delivery  
• Domestic and international delivery  
• Shipment tracking
• Cash On Delivery (COD)
• Prompt customer support  
• Efficient return service 
• Third-party collection & delivery 

10. Century Express

Century Express service was established in 2005 in Dubai. Since then, they have expanded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Oman and other GCC countries. Their international shipments are distributed through a global network of major distributors that covers 195 locations. They claim to provide high-quality courier and transportation services through a proactive attitude and a structured client-oriented work style. 

The services they provide include:  

• Coverage across 95% of the UAE region 
• Last mile solutions
• Efficient reverse logistics  
• Same day delivery  
• Cost effective  
• Express import and export  
• Clearance and brokerage  
• Sorting and warehousing  
• Prompt customer support

Essential Criteria to Choose the Best Courier Providers in the UAE

When choosing the ideal courier service for your eCommerce business, there are a number of variables to consider. So, for your prospective or present business in UAE, you must investigate each courier service company based on the factors given below:

1. Courier Weight and Size

It’s crucial to keep in consideration that delivery companies may handle varying weight and shipment restrictions, as well as multiple modes of transport. While the specific weight and size of products and shipments may vary from one order to the next, the general size range of freight being handled on a routine basis should be taken into account. A courier partner who is familiar with managing goods of that size and locations would be great.

Certain delivery services are better prepared to handle heavier items, while others may emphasize on transporting vast quantities of smaller items. E-commerce enterprises that sell larger, heavier goods such as industrial machinery or furniture will have multiple transportation requirements than those who sell medications or cosmetics. 

2. Scalability and Serviceability

This is the minimum standard that any delivery operator should meet. The concept of serviceability is based on two conditions:

• Is this courier service willing to deliver to your firm’s preferred locations? 
• Is it capable of handling the everyday, fortnightly, and annual orders that your company might get? 

Several delivery providers are required to accommodate the expanding economic growth, considering the current growth in online retail and e-commerce firms. As more sectors move to internet platforms, distribution requirements are becoming more complicated. These difficulties must be considered while choosing a delivery firm.  

3. Transit and Delivery time 

Fast delivery is the secret to success and providing consumers with the finest possible experience for any online shop platform. Customers expect deliveries of their orders in a maximum of 3-5 days on average. Failing this, they become uneasy and typically have mixed emotions about the service. As a result, there may be a high number of RTOs (Return-to-Origin) since they may refuse to accept the order.

The training of delivery partners, storage and supply chain management, transportation selection, and a host of other reasons can all affect delivery speed. Logistic partners with more efficient supply chains are much more inclined to have a track record of on-time delivery. If time is an important aspect of a company’s image, a courier that specializes in express delivery would be excellent.

You can track delivery speed for each delivery and get a consolidated view of the reasons and repercussions of low-speed delivery with platforms like ViaMe.

4. Specialization and Technology

With the pandemic hitting, more and more sectors migrated to the web. As a result, carriers had to come up with innovative approaches with respect to their transportation solutions. Today, many delivery firms offer specialized support to enable efficient transport and the protection of a broad range of freight, depending on the different products being sent. 

Moreover, shipping companies are innovating and evolving their technical skills. As such, courier partners too have the responsibility to provide the most technically superior services to the clients. AI-based and better user interface solutions can improve efficiency, optimize order tracking, and greatly reduce RTOs (return to origin) and create less confusion among consumers. Moreover, tech-solutions can also facilitate efficient and accurate tracking updates, allow for greater connectivity, regular product check in alerts, and quick client feedback. 

5. RTO and Return management 

Among the most common challenges that every online retailing business might experience is failed delivery. Be it due to any reason – inability of delivery agent to reach customer, or unacceptance of order by customer, or cancellation before delivery is completed – an RTO (Return To Origin) process can result in significant losses. This is particularly true if the product is not returned in workable condition, or if the courier partner doesn’t have a system in place for reverse supply chain. Thus, an ideal courier partner should have efficient reverse logistics mechanisms in place to ensure that the products marked for RTO aren’t lost/damaged on their way to the original warehouse.

6. Proof of Delivery 

The scale at which online retailers operate is enormous. For some orders, you as a vendor may become aware of the issue only after receiving customer feedback, when the situation has become irreparable. To handle such a situation in the best manner, customer complaints should be validated with a strong policy and framework for transmitting proof of delivery. Delivery agents should be held accountable for the status of the product at the time of delivery, and they should be trained for the use of delivery management software to automate the process of receiving PoD. 

Conclusion

That’s our list of the top shipping service providers in the UAE with whom you may collaborate to carry your eCommerce operations. They’ve all been in operation for several years and have a strong customer base and reputation for providing courier services across the UAE. Businesses of all sizes and niches can use these courier delivery partners to meet the demand of their customers in a quick period of time. We also recommend you to try any one or multiple services for maximum customer satisfaction.