Why Speed Post is the Worst Courier Service in India

While opinions on courier services can vary widely based on personal experiences, some common criticisms of India Post's Speed Post service include inconsistent delivery times, unreliable tracking systems, poor customer service, and occasional mishandling of items. High expectations and low performance have led many users to prefer private courier companies, despite Speed Post's affordability and extensive network.

Delivery Delays

One of the most frequently cited issues with Speed Post is the inconsistent delivery times. Packages often take longer than expected to reach their destination, especially in remote areas. This is often due to a lack of infrastructure in these regions. Users report that tracking the progress of their shipments can be frustrating as the system may not be updated frequently, leading to uncertainty about the shipment's status.

Tracking Issues

The tracking system for Speed Post is often unreliable, which can lead to a lack of confidence in the service. For users who rely on tracking to ensure their packages are delivered on time, this can be particularly inconvenient. Sometimes, there is no tracking information available after a certain point, and there is no way to know whether the package has been delivered or is still in transit.

Customer Service

Complaints about customer service are also common. Customers have reported difficulties in reaching support and receiving helpful responses to their inquiries. The lack of timely and effective communication can lead to frustration and a loss of trust in the service.

Handling and Care

There are occasional reports of items being damaged or mishandled during transit, which can be a significant concern for valuable or fragile items. Users often express worry about the quality of care their packages receive during the delivery process.

Comparison with Private Couriers

Many private courier companies offer faster delivery options, better tracking technology, and enhanced customer service. Users often find that private couriers are more reliable and provide a better experience overall. For valuable or time-sensitive items, private couriers are often the preferred choice.

Despite these criticisms, Speed Post is often praised for its affordability and extensive network, making it a viable option for many users. Individual experiences can vary greatly, and some customers may have positive experiences with the service. However, the overall impression is that many users have bad experiences and do not trust the service.

A Personal Experience with Registered Post

To share a personal experience, I subscribed to a competition preparation magazine in March 2021, hoping for the real paper feel and ease on my eyes. I assumed it would be delivered by registered post and would not have a tracking mechanism. I waited until two months passed without a single delivery. Despite multiple visits to the post office and receiving the same response each time, including the promise that it would arrive soon, I finally complained on Twitter. The response was that all my orders had been returned due to non-identification of the address. This experience and many others highlight the inefficiencies and lack of trust in the Indian postal system. While Speed Post can be financially beneficial, the reliability and service quality are often subpar, leading to frustration and the choice of private couriers for more reliable and faster delivery.

Earlier, before the widespread use of digital communication, the Indian postal system was comparatively better. People used to get deliveries even without phones. However, post-2010, the system has become lethargic, slow, and unresponsive. If I have to send anything now, I do not trust Indian Post. Instead, I use private players like BlueDart, DTDC, or Maruti.