Australia Post Alternatives: Best Discounted Shipping Rates & Express Delivery Options

While Australia Post is a trusted name, rising costs, delays, and evolving consumer expectations have prompted many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to explore alternatives. This guide highlights the best Australia Post alternatives to help you save money, streamline operations, and meet your customers’ needs.

The Top 10 Australia Post Alternatives

These courier services offer excellent alternatives to Australia Post, balancing affordability, delivery speed, reliability, and international reach for growing eCommerce brands in Australia.

1. CouriersPlease

Best for: Affordable metro-to-metro domestic deliveries

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CouriersPlease specializes in metro-to-metro standard and express delivery, making it ideal for urban-based SMBs. They provide cost-effective and reliable shipping, with Authority to Leave (ATL) and convenient parcel locker options. Businesses in Sydney and Melbourne, for instance, benefit from lower pricing than Australia Post’s standard parcel rates.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • 1kg Metro-to-Metro: $11.72 (1–6 days)
  • Cheaper than AusPost Parcel Post, which costs $12.85 (2 days)
• Service Types: Standard, Express (via partners), International (partnered)
• Top Features: ATL, online tracking, international network via Easyship
• Easyship Insight: Perfect for Shopify merchants needing affordable domestic delivery without sacrificing reliability.

2. Sendle

Best for: Carbon-neutral, budget-friendly shipping for SMBs

Sendle is a standout for carbon-neutral shipping with same-day, next-day, and standard delivery options—ideal for eCommerce stores aiming for sustainability and affordability. Its seamless eCommerce integrations and no-volume requirements make it a go-to for smaller merchants.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • Same State: $7.90 (1–2 days)
  • Metro-to-Metro: $11.90 (1–3 days)
  • Intl (NZ): $13.95 (7–10 days)
• Service Types: Same-Day, Next-Day, Standard Domestic, International
• Top Features: No pickup fees, Shopify & WooCommerce integration, carbon-neutral
• Easyship Insight: Sendle often beats AusPost’s pricing by up to 25%—ideal for non-urgent deliveries and customers expecting eco-responsibility.

3. Allied Express

Best for: Same-day and next-day express delivery

Allied Express focuses on tight-window express delivery, especially for bulky or high-value items. It’s a strong domestic alternative when time is of the essence.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • Road Express (1kg): $15.49
• Service Types: Same-Day, Next-Day (Domestic)
• Top Features: Handles large freight, real-time tracking, tailored for retail and healthcare
• Easyship Insight: Great for urgent in-city delivery needs where AusPost Express Post ($16.50) might not meet custom timing.

4. TNT (by FedEx)

Best for: Time-critical freight and express shipping

TNT delivers next-flight-out, overnight, and standard express services for both parcels and freight. Ideal for businesses shipping larger or time-sensitive goods across Australia or internationally.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • Road Express (1kg): $45.80
• Service Types: Overnight, Express, Freight
• Top Features: Door-to-door delivery, customs support, real-time tracking
• Easyship Insight: A go-to for complex logistics where precision and reliability outweigh cost.

5. UPS

Best for: Secure international shipping with tracking and return management

UPS offers express and economy international shipping, suitable for SMBs looking to expand globally while maintaining control and visibility.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • Express Saver (1kg): $24.81
• Service Types: Express International, Standard International
• Top Features: UPS Returns®, Quantum View® tracking, business tools
• Easyship Insight: A trusted global courier with robust tracking, ideal for cross-border returns and compliance-heavy shipments.

6. FedEx

Best for: Fast, tracked international and domestic express delivery

FedEx is renowned for Express and Priority shipping, making it a strong fit for high-value and time-sensitive orders. It also supports cold-chain logistics and extensive international destinations.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • Quote-based
• Service Types: Same-Day, Next-Day, Express International, Standard International
• Top Features: FedEx Delivery Manager, cold-chain support, end-to-end tracking
• Easyship Insight: Ideal for Shopify stores with frequent high-value global orders.

7. Team Global Express

Best for: End-to-end logistics and freight for growing or large-scale eCommerce

Team Global Express offers freight and parcel shipping with warehousing, temperature-controlled options, and national coverage. It’s well-suited for enterprises with complex operations.

• Delivery Speed & Cost: Quote-based
• Service Types: Parcel Freight, Temperature-Controlled, Standard & Express
• Top Features: Warehousing, last-mile delivery, reverse logistics
• Easyship Insight: An enterprise-grade partner for businesses scaling operations beyond basic shipping.

8. Aramex

Best for: Eco-conscious businesses seeking flexible delivery options

Aramex combines eco-friendly domestic shipping with international flexibility through its Shop & Ship platform. A strong alternative to AusPost for eCommerce retailers with a sustainability ethos.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • Standard Metro (1kg): $7.46 (2–4 days)
• Service Types: Standard, International
• Top Features: Mobile tracking app, PoD, carbon-offset options
• Easyship Insight: Cheaper than AusPost for local shipping; best for sustainable DTC brands.

9. DHL Express

Best for: Premium international express delivery

DHL offers time-definite international services, trusted by brands that require reliability, speed, and detailed tracking across borders. It's more expensive but unmatched for speed.

• Delivery Speed & Cost:
  
  • To NZ (1kg): $25.50 (2–4 days)
• Service Types: Express International, Time-Definite
• Top Features: ProView platform, carbon-neutral options, customer support
• Easyship Insight: Best-in-class for urgent global delivery, outperforming AusPost Express Intl in transit time and tracking.

10. Seko Logistics

Best for: Tech-forward cross-border eCommerce fulfillment

Seko offers international shipping, returns, and warehousing, optimized for eCommerce logistics. With real-time visibility, it's a modern solution for digital-first brands shipping globally.

• Delivery Speed & Cost: Quote-based
• Service Types: Cross-border eCommerce, Warehousing, Returns
• Top Features: Real-time visibility, tech integrations, white-glove delivery
• Easyship Insight: Perfect for merchants expanding internationally and needing advanced logistics beyond just parcel shipping.

Summary Table of Courier Options (1kg Parcel)

To easily choose between multiple carrier options, you could also consider using Easyship’s multi-carrier shipping software and look through over 550 global alternatives for your needs. Here, you can also explore exclusive discounts and choose a courier tailored to your preferences.

What to Compare When Choosing Courier Services

Selecting the right shipping company depends on your business needs and expectations of your customers. For some items, express delivery is essential—like ensuring tomorrow’s outfit arrives in time for an important event. On the other hand, for bulkier goods, a longer delivery time is often acceptable if it means opting for the most affordable shipping option.

Be sure to consider the following key factors when selecting a shipping service:

• Cost: Look for cheaper options that don’t compromise reliability.
• Speed: Match delivery times to your customer’s expectations, especially for time-sensitive goods.
• Reliability: A dependable courier ensures packages arrive on time and in good condition. Reliable delivery minimizes customer complaints and protects your brand reputation.
• Coverage: Ensure the provider can handle rural and remote areas if your customers are in those locations.
• Tracking: Real-time branded tracking builds trust and transparency with your customers.
• Eco-Friendliness: For businesses with sustainability goals, choose providers like Sendle or Aramex that offer environmentally friendly solutions.

Here’s an example to highlight this point: Highway Tyres, a leading Australian tyre distributor, partnered with Easyship to optimize their shipping operations. With Easyship’s multi-carrier platform and automation tools, Highway Tyres streamlined their logistics processes, reducing manual labor by 60% and achieving a 20% improvement in delivery times, all while expanding their reach to new markets.

Key Takeaway

Choosing the right shipping option depends on balancing cost and delivery speed. For SMBs, slower services like Sendle are ideal for cost-conscious customers, while Omni Parcel and premium couriers like DHL or Australia Post Express cater to urgent or high-value shipments. Evaluating options by destination and urgency can help businesses save money while maintaining excellent customer service.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

Join our community of eCommerce sellers and get started with Easyship for free today.

FAQs About Australia Post Alternatives

What’s the cheapest way to ship within Australia?

For local deliveries, Sendle and CouriersPlease often have the lowest rates, particularly for small to medium parcels. Sendle’s pricing guarantees savings compared to Australia Post for same-city and near-metro zones, while CouriersPlease excels in urban areas with competitive rates.

What are the best Australia Post Alternatives?

CouriersPlease, Hubbed, Sendle, and AlliedExpress are some good alternatives to Australia Post.

How can Easyship simplify my shipping operations?

Easyship not only helps you compare rates but also integrates directly with your eCommerce platform, automating label generation, tracking, and tax calculations. It’s particularly useful for businesses managing high shipping volumes or expanding internationally, saving both time and money while improving customer satisfaction.

Can Easyship help me compare Australia Post alternatives?

Yes, Easyship is a powerful tool for eCommerce businesses. It allows you to compare shipping rates and services from over 550 couriers, including Australia Post, Sendle, and DHL Express. This simplifies the decision-making process, ensuring you find the best option for your shipping needs.

How does Easyship help with international shipping?

Easyship simplifies international shipping by offering pre-negotiated rates with top couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. It calculates duties and taxes upfront, ensuring transparency for your customers and reducing unexpected costs. With features like real-time tracking and seamless integration with eCommerce platforms, Easyship makes it easier to expand your business to global markets while maintaining reliable delivery standards.