Delhivery Raises Shipping Charges For D2C Brands Ahead Of Festive Season From Sep 1

Logistics firm Delhivery plans to raise shipping fees for direct-to-consumer brands starting September 1, putting pressure on online retailers heading into the important festive shopping season. The increase includes an extra ₹4 for express deliveries and ₹2 for surface deliveries, on top of existing rates, according to Moneycontrol.

Delivered automatically to shipments manifested from September 1, the surcharge stems from higher fuel prices, supply issues, and increased expenses for Delhivery's delivery staff and fleet partners.

Delhivery cited these cost factors as the reason for the rate hike, which fluctuates based on variables like parcel weight, destination, shipment volume, and individual contracts. The timing is crucial, as most logistics firms typically adjust prices in October or around Diwali. For D2C businesses operating with thin margins, even a slight rise in per-package costs can significantly impact when order volumes surge.

For instance, a seller shipping 10,000 packages might face an extra ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, depending on the mix of express and surface deliveries.

Delhivery's move follows similar actions by e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart. Amazon changed its cancellation charges to 2%-10% of an order's value and raised its closing fee by ₹1 to ₹3 per item. Flipkart introduced penalties of ₹30 to ₹90 for specific seller cancellations and dispatch delays. The changes come as e-commerce firms brace for a surge in orders during the festive period.

D2C is a key growth area for Delhivery, with CEO Sahil Barua noting during the Q1 FY27 earnings call that volumes have been expanding 40-45% year-on-year, giving the company a substantial share of the market. As shipment volumes rise, sellers may need to absorb the added logistics expenses or partially pass the cost onto consumers.