South African shipping cost calculator for online stores
Enter a parcel’s size and weight to compare published rates from The Courier Guy Lockers, Paxi, Pargo, PostNet, Aramex, Fastway and Bob Box side by side, with delivery times and monthly cost. Then set a free-delivery threshold that protects your margin. For the full comparison, read the best courier for South African online stores.
Compare courier costs for your parcel
Start from a common parcel or type your own size. Prices are published retail rates; account rates from couriers and aggregators can be lower.
Parcel
Cheapest option
Cheapest to the door
Chargeable weight
Free-delivery threshold
Delivery as % of order
Gross profit left at threshold
Rule of thumb
Rates as published in 2026 (The Courier Guy Lockers, Paxi, Pargo, PostNet, Aramex, Bob Box) and Fastway’s account “from” rate ex VAT. The Courier Guy door-to-door figure is its last published economy rate (2024) and is a guide only. Most sources do not state VAT. Always confirm with the courier or your aggregator before you set checkout rates.
Rates used in the calculator
| Service | Size / weight | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCG Lockers, locker to locker | XS 2 kg / S 5 kg / M 10 kg / L 15 kg / XL 20 kg | R49 / R59 / R69 / R89 / R119 | 1–2 days main centres, 2–4 regional |
| TCG Lockers, locker to door | XS to XL | R73.31 to R222.06 | 1–4 days |
| Paxi store to store | Standard bag 45 x 37 cm, 5 kg | R59.95 (7–9 days) / R109.95 (3–5 days) | 3–9 days |
| Paxi store to home | Standard / large bag | R119.95 / R149.95 | 3–5 days |
| Pargo pickup point | Up to 15 kg | About R75 to R140 | 2–5 days |
| PostNet2PostNet | Up to 15 kg | R109 first 5 kg, R25 per extra kg | 2–3 working days |
| Aramex Store to Door | Sleeve 45 x 35 cm | R89.99 | 24–72 hours |
| Fastway national satchel | A5 to A2 satchel, account holders | From R82.69 ex VAT | Next day |
| Bob Box (Gauteng) | Small 6 kg / Medium 12 kg / Large 22 kg | R50 / R60 / R70 incl. VAT | Gauteng only |
Questions
What is volumetric weight?
Couriers charge on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the space the parcel takes up. Volumetric weight is length x width x height in cm divided by 5,000. A 40 x 40 x 35 cm box weighs 11.2 kg volumetrically even if the product inside is 6 kg.
What is the cheapest way to send a parcel in South Africa?
For small parcels, a Courier Guy locker-to-locker XS at R49 or a Bob Box locker in Gauteng at R50. Paxi’s standard bag at R59.95 is close if your customer can wait 7 to 9 business days.
Is PUDO still available?
PUDO was rebranded in June 2025 and is now The Courier Guy’s Lockers service. The lockers, sizes and apps are the same network.