In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, Cash on Delivery (COD) remains a preferred payment method in many regions. Especially in emerging markets, customers often trust COD over prepaid options due to limited access to digital payments or concerns over product authenticity. As a result, choosing a COD-friendly courier with strong performance is crucial for businesses aiming to build customer trust and streamline deliveries.
This article explores the top COD-friendly couriers, ranking them based on performance metrics such as delivery speed, reliability, return handling, customer service, and COD remittance timelines.
1. Delhivery – India’s E-Commerce Giant
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Delhivery is one of the most reliable COD couriers in India. Known for their wide coverage and advanced tech integration, Delhivery ensures secure COD collection and timely remittance to sellers, usually within 48 hours.
- Strengths: Strong rural reach, API integration, quick COD settlements
- Weaknesses: Slight delays in peak seasons
2. Blue Dart (With COD via DHL eCommerce)
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Though Blue Dart primarily caters to premium services, its partnership with DHL allows it to offer COD in selected regions. It maintains high accuracy in delivery and remittance.
- Strengths: Reliable tracking, secure deliveries
- Weaknesses: Limited COD availability outside metro areas
3. XpressBees – Rapid Expansion with Reliability
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
XpressBees has emerged as a strong player in India’s logistics scene, offering dependable COD services and scalable logistics for e-commerce businesses.
- Strengths: Fast delivery, efficient reverse logistics for COD returns
- Weaknesses: Remittance may take up to 72 hours in remote regions
4. Ninja Van – Southeast Asia’s COD Champion
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ninja Van provides top-tier COD services across countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It supports real-time COD tracking and transparent settlements.
- Strengths: Regional COD consistency, SMS alerts, real-time dashboards
- Weaknesses: Performance can vary slightly between countries
5. LBC Express – Trusted COD in the Philippines
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
LBC is a household name in the Philippines and offers a solid COD service for both local and provincial deliveries.
- Strengths: Widely trusted, strong domestic network
- Weaknesses: Longer lead times in rural areas
6. J&T Express – Competitive and Growing Fast
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Active across Asia, J&T Express offers affordable and efficient COD solutions, particularly in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The brand’s aggressive expansion is backed by technological innovation.
- Strengths: Economical, quick COD updates for businesses
- Weaknesses: Customer service can be inconsistent
7. 2GO – Philippines’ COD Pioneer
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2GO is another key logistics player in the Philippines offering reliable COD services. Its long-standing reputation makes it a top choice for SMEs and major e-commerce platforms.
- Strengths: National coverage, trackable COD flow
- Weaknesses: Slower delivery speeds compared to competitors
8. Aramex – Global Reach with Regional COD
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Aramex serves the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia with COD services tailored for cross-border and domestic shipments. Their platform is particularly helpful for small businesses.
- Strengths: Strong Middle Eastern network, mobile COD solutions
- Weaknesses: Return handling fees can be higher
9. DTDC – Blending Coverage with Affordability
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
DTDC is popular in India for affordable pricing and COD support even in tier-3 cities. Businesses benefit from its hybrid delivery model and dedicated remittance dashboard.
- Strengths: Cost-effective, decent reverse logistics
- Weaknesses: Tracking system can be outdated
10. COD Express – Tailored for Cash Collection
Performance Rank: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
As the name implies, COD Express focuses primarily on COD deliveries, especially in high-demand urban zones. While still growing, it offers high success rates for cash collection and low return rates.
- Strengths: High cash accuracy, focused service
- Weaknesses: Limited to selected cities and regions
How We Ranked Them
To assess the performance of these couriers for COD services, we considered:
- COD Remittance Speed: How quickly sellers receive their money
- Delivery Success Rate: COD orders completed without issues
- Reverse Logistics Handling: Efficiency of returns and refunds
- Customer Communication: Delivery updates, SMS/Email tracking
- Geographical Reach: Urban and rural service availability
Final Thoughts
For businesses relying heavily on COD orders, selecting the right courier can influence both cash flow and customer satisfaction. Delhivery, Ninja Van, and XpressBees are leading the way with robust COD features, while regional players like LBC, 2GO, and Aramex offer strong local support.
As the e-commerce landscape evolves, couriers that offer quick COD settlements, wide delivery reach, and effective reverse logistics will continue to dominate the performance charts.