Getting Started with IndiSpeed:
A Simple 4-Step Guide to Smarter Shipping

~ by Hanoz Avari

August 22, 2025

If you sell online, you already know this truth. Great products alone are not enough. Customers remember delivery speed, easy tracking, and smooth returns. That experience is built on logistics. The right Logistics Solution can turn shipping from a headache into a growth driver. IndiSpeed gives you modern logistics services with order sync, courier allocation, and returns handling in one flow.

This guide shows you how to set up IndiSpeed in four practical steps. The goal is simple. Reduce manual work, increase delivery reliability, and give your customers a smooth e-commerce shipping experience..

Indispeed step guide smarter shipping

Who this guide is for

  • New D2C stores that want a quick start without hiring a tech team
  • Growing brands that need reliable logistics services and better Courier Management
  • Enterprises that already use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and want an API-first platform to orchestrate shipping at scale
  • Anyone curious about how modern logistics software and Courier Management rules bring clarity to day-to-day operations

Before you start: a 30-minute setup checklist

Spend a few minutes preparing the essentials. It will save you hours later.

  1. Business details
    Your GSTIN, pickup address, and billing contact. If you sell on marketplaces and your own website, list each pickup point clearly.
  2. Product and packaging data
    Create a simple spreadsheet of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) — unique codes that identify each product. Add dimensions, weights, and any special handling tags like
  3. Service preferences
    Decide how you want to ship. Surface for heavier parcels, air for urgent orders, and standard service for most city-to-city movements. If you serve rural or remote pincodes, mark them so you can route via the right logistics provider and avoid gaps in e-commerce shipping coverage.
  4. Returns policy
    Write a short, plain language policy that customers can understand without support. Many shoppers look at return rules before they buy, so clarity helps reduce pre-purchase anxiety. You can deepen this later using your dashboards. Studies often find that returns friendliness matters during peak season, which means it is worth being explicit. (Source: Investopedia)

How IndiSpeed helps

IndiSpeed is an API-first platform that connects your store, your order system, and multiple courier partners into one place. You get a dashboard for teams, an API for developers, and ready-to-use plugins for popular carts. The platform focuses on end-to-end Logistics execution. That includes allocation rules, label generation, live tracking, exception handling, and simple returns—making it a complete Logistics Solution trusted by businesses seeking reliable logistics services.

Now let us walk through the four steps.

Step 1: Create your account and turn on the essentials

1.1 Sign up and add your basics

Visit the IndiSpeed site and create your business profile. Enter your legal name, pickup address, and contact details. Add your GSTIN if applicable. This unlocks the dashboard where your team will work daily.

1.2 Connect your store or your system

You have three simple choices. Pick the one that matches your current setup.

  • No-code
    Install the plugin for Shopify. Orders sync automatically, you print labels from day one, and tracking links go to customers without any extra steps.
  • Low-code
    Use CSV upload from your order export. This is useful if you sell on multiple channels and want to centralize dispatch while your tech team plans a deeper link.
  • API
    If you already run an Order Management System (OMS) or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, you can connect through the IndiSpeed API. This lets orders flow in automatically, labels get created instantly, and tracking updates appear in your system without manual effort.
1.3 Learn the dashboard in 10 minutes

Open the Orders tab to view incoming orders, use the RTO Management tab to control Return-to-Origin shipments, and the Invoice & Billing section to manage costs. The dashboard also gives access to Transactions, a built-in Support module, and a Rate Calculator for quick cost checks.

Step 2: Configure preferences and courier logic

This step decides how your shipments are routed. Small changes here produce large gains in speed and cost.

2.1 Key terms explained

Understanding these terms makes it easier to work with your logistics provider or set up your own Courier Management playbooks.

  • SLA
    Service Level Agreement. In shipping, this is your delivery promise, for example two days to metro cities or four days to long-haul surface lanes.
  • Volumetric weight
    Couriers charge for space as well as actual weight. Volumetric weight is calculated from dimensions. Right-sized packaging lowers cost.
  • Allocation rules
    If there are multiple courier options, rules assign the right partner for a given pincode, weight band, SLA target, or cost ceiling.
  • Exceptions
    Anything that blocks delivery. A missing address detail, a customer not reachable, a road closure. Exception handling decides what action to trigger and when.
2.2 Create service profiles

Define zones, SLA targets, and weight logic. For example, you might keep metro to metro orders on an air service with a two day SLA and use surface for non urgent shipments. Mark fragile SKUs so the system prompts for better packaging.

2.3 Build smart allocation rules

Route orders by corridor strength, cost, and recent performance. In practice, this means the system auto selects a partner with strong reach in your delivery pincode and a good recent delivery record for that lane. Good allocation rules reduce support tickets and improve the first attempt delivery rate.

2.4 Rate strategy made simple

Upload your rate cards so the system can compare options when you print a label. This protects margins on heavy or oversized items where volumetric weight matters most.

2.5 Exception playbooks

Set what should happen if a parcel is stuck. Two practical checkpoints work well, one in the morning and one mid afternoon. If an address is incomplete, trigger a message to the buyer. If a parcel has not moved for several hours, escalate to the courier support lane. Proactive management keeps your WISMO volume in control. WISMO means ‘Where Is My Order’, which is the most common support query in any shop.

2.6 India specific context

Pincode coverage varies by region. Some rural areas need partners with stronger local networks. If you are exploring open network commerce, learn about ONDC and how interoperable catalogs and order flows work in India. Even if you do not integrate immediately, understanding the model will influence how you plan coverage and inventory. (Source: Adobe for Business)

Step 3: Automate bookings and choose the right operating model

Automation does not mean losing control. It means the system handles repeatable steps so your team can focus on the exceptions that actually need attention.

3.1 What automation looks like
  • Orders sync from your cart or OMS
  • Allocation rules choose a courier
  • Labels print in batches
  • Pickup requests go to the partner
  • Tracking events feed back into your dashboard and customer notifications

This is classic Logistics Automation, and it is the easiest way to remove avoidable errors at scale. By connecting logistics software with courier networks, you gain a smarter Shipping guide that works without manual effort.

3.2 Which operating model fits you
In-house fleet
Maximum control of the last mile. Useful for hyperlocal or same day deliveries. The trade off is higher fixed cost and more complexity as volumes grow.
3PL logistics
Third-party fulfillment and warehousing. You benefit from shared infrastructure, faster scale-up, and nationwide reach. This model gives access to professional logistics services without the overhead of building your own fleet. The trade-off is less direct control of the last mile. Many brands start here during peaks, since shared capacity is easier to flex.
Aggregator platform

Multiple couriers managed from one operating layer. This is flexible, fast to start, and very data friendly. You can test new lanes quickly and keep historical performance in one place. Clear rules are important so that cost and SLA targets remain consistent.

Most teams blend models. Use aggregator workflows for speed, and add 3PL lanes or micro-fulfillment where you see clear benefits.

Step 4: Track, learn, and keep improving

Shipping is not set and forget. The best teams treat the first month as a learning cycle.

4.1 Your first 30 days
  • First attempt delivery rate
    Target eighty five percent or better. If you see repeated failures on a corridor, switch the partner for that lane and review address quality.
  • SLA adherence
    Measure how often you meet your own delivery promise. If a route is missing the promise, adjust the SLA or move to a faster service for that zone.
  • Cost per shipment
    Track landed cost which includes base freight, fuel or remote area fees, and any surcharges. High volumetric weight is a common culprit. Right sizing boxes quickly improves margins.
  • WISMO share
    WISMO means Where Is My Order. If this grows, increase the clarity of your tracking messages, add proactive alerts for delays, and clean up delivery promise language on your site.
  • Damage rate
    If damage crosses your baseline, invest in stronger dunnage for fragile SKUs and test alternate lanes.

Review these weekly in a simple standup. The goal is to identify one improvement per week and make it stick.

4.2 Turn data into decisions

With IndiSpeed’s logistics software, you can see SLA compliance at a pincode and courier level, analyze failure reasons, and compare cost by carrier. Benchmark yourself against the previous month and your off-peak baseline rather than chasing absolute numbers that vary by category. Use these insights to edit allocation rules, packaging choices, and service profiles.

4.3 Returns that do not break the experience

A clear policy reduces confusion. Pre-authorizing labels for selected categories can speed up refunds. Grade returns on arrival so re-saleable items go back to stock quickly and refurbish or scrap items follow a different path. You can iterate on the policy later, but start simple and communicate updates inside your tracking emails. Friendly returns are part of modern logistics services and give long-term benefits in loyalty. For many SMEs, this step is as important as fast e-commerce shipping, since a smooth reverse logistics process builds trust with customers. External industry roundups frequently note how returns clarity influences purchase decisions. (Source: Investopedia)

The four steps at a glance

  1. Create your account and connect your store or system
  2. Configure preferences and build allocation rules
  3. Automate bookings and pick the operating model that fits your stage
  4. Track performance, learn every week, and keep improving

Follow this order and you will ship with confidence. Your customers will feel the difference in every delivery.

Practical SOPs you can copy

Order to dispatch in five checks
  1. Order received
    From your store, marketplace, or API.
  2. Picklist generated
    Pickers scan from bin to tote for accuracy.
  3. Pack and verify
    Weigh the parcel, add invoice and any inserts, and seal.
  4. Label and allocate
    Print the label and confirm the auto selected courier is correct for the corridor.
  5. Handover
    Close the manifest and prepare the pickup zone for the driver.
Daily cadence that keeps you on time
  • Plan pickup waves for the day
  • Run exception scrubs at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Escalate non moving shipments to courier support lanes
  • Review WISMO spikes and respond with proactive messages

Your quick troubleshooting playbook

  • Pickup missed
    Trigger an alternate pickup automatically after a set number of hours.
  • Repeated damage on a lane
    Audit packaging for those SKUs and test a different partner for that corridor.
  • Address issues
    Use validation at checkout and confirm the phone number format. Add a message template for missing landmarks or building details.
  • SLA slippage
    Temporarily route that lane to the next best partner while you investigate.

Why teams choose IndiSpeed

  • Pickup missedAPI-first e-commerce shipping with control for both ops and engineering
  • Rate comparison and allocation rules that protect margins
  • Real time tracking with clear events for customers and agents
  • Exception handling that turns stuck parcels into resolved deliveries
  • Plugins for popular carts and a dashboard your team can use from day one
  • Context for India, with pincode realities and network diversity in mind
  • Interoperability with initiatives like ONDC if you plan to expand your reach over time (Source: Adobe for Business)

If you prefer to use one platform for allocation, tracking, and returns, IndiSpeed keeps the moving parts together. If you already have parts that you like, keep them. Connect what you have, and improve the rest step by step.

How different industries apply IndiSpeed

  • Fashion and accessories
    Use address validation and flexible allocation to reduce RTO. Light parcels move fast, but sizes and styles create returns. Clear returns rules help control cost.
  • Grocery and essentials
    Plan strict SLAs, route by regional strength, and monitor cold chain tags where required. Delivery reliability matters more than speed on some routes.
  • Electronics and fragile goods
    Standardize packaging and add photo checks at packout. Intelligent routing plus good packaging reduces damage claims.
  • SMEs and regional manufacturers
    Start with the dashboard, batch upload orders, and use rate comparison for cost control. Move to API as volumes grow.
  • Export and cross border
    Use partners with customs experience and auto documentation. Keep one truth source for tracking even when multiple networks handle a parcel.

Glossary

  • 3PL logistics
    Third party logistics. A partner that stores, picks, packs, and ships your orders.
  • Courier Management
    The set of rules and tools that choose the right courier for each shipment, generate labels, and handle exceptions.
  • Logistics Automation
    Software that removes manual steps such as allocation, label generation, pickup requests, and tracking updates.
  • OMS and WMS
    Order Management System and Warehouse Management System. OMS handles orders and status. WMS handles inventory and physical flow inside the warehouse.
  • RTO
    Return to Origin. A parcel that could not be delivered and returns to the sender. Reducing RTO protects margins.
  • SLA
    Your delivery promise to the customer for each corridor or service.
  • WISMO
    Where Is My Order? The most common support question in retail.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Most teams are label ready the same day. The deeper benefits arrive in the first week when you fine tune allocation rules and exception playbooks.

No. You can begin with the dashboard or a plugin for Shopify. If you want a custom flow, your developers can integrate the API while operations continue on the dashboard.

Yes. Use the API to push orders in and pull tracking events out. This keeps one truth source for status across teams.

First attempt delivery rate, SLA adherence, cost per shipment, WISMO share, and damage rate. Start with a weekly review and move to twice weekly during peak demand.

Treat it like any network expansion. Understand catalogs, order and settlement flows, and partner capabilities. Plan a small pilot once your core operations are stable. See the official ONDC site for context.
FAQ

Do you have more questions?

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