Postcards & Profits: How Local Couriers Are Winning the Last-Mile Race

In a digital-first world, it’s the analog charm and hyperlocal hustle that are delivering big wins. India’s local courier services are experiencing a surprising resurgence in 2025, driven by the rise of e-commerce in Tier-2/3 cities, demand for same-day delivery, and a renewed appreciation for personalized, reliable logistics.

 

Key Highlights:

 

- Booming Market
 

- India’s Courier, Express & Parcel (CEP) market is valued at ₹72,500 crore in 2025, with projections to hit ₹1.2 lakh crore by 2030.
 

- Over 10 billion shipments were processed in FY25 alone, with e-commerce accounting for nearly 50% of the volume.

 

- Local Wins Big
 

- Courier startups and regional players are thriving by offering faster, cheaper, and more personalized delivery than national giants.
 

- Services like bike couriers, EV fleets, and hyperlocal drop-offs are gaining traction in dense urban zones.

 

- Tech-Enabled Efficiency
 

- Route optimization, real-time tracking, and automated NDR (non-delivery report) handling are now standard.
 

- Platforms like eShipz are helping businesses manage multiple courier partners through a single dashboard.

 

- Postcards & Nostalgia
 

- A niche revival in vintage postcards and snail mail is also fueling demand for local delivery, especially among collectors and boutique brands.

 

- Courier as Brand Experience
 

- Logistics is no longer backend—it’s frontline customer experience, with speed, visibility, and trust becoming key differentiators.

 

In 2025, the courier isn’t just delivering packages—it’s delivering brand value, community connection, and a surprising dose of analog charm.

 

Source: eShipz, Mordor Intelligence, 6Wresearch