Parcel delivery companies in Austria 2026: a ranking built on verified facts
A ranking of parcel and courier companies in Austria for private senders and small online shops, built only on facts from the carriers' own websites and the App Store: the cheapest published retail price for one domestic parcel up to 2 kg (the smallest size that takes 2 kg, any channel, VAT included or VAT-exempt as a universal service, no promotions) as a percentage of the Austrian reference price of 3.68 EUR (the median of collected prices at launch; the original price is on each card). Where a carrier only publishes a "from" price, we use that starting price and say so. We also check own parcel lockers, liability included in the price, cash on delivery, sending abroad, tracking, the stated delivery time and the App Store rating. RTR's list of notified postal service providers sits in an open-data portal whose robots.txt excludes automated access, so the register fact is empty. Compare Scores only within Austria. Places are not for sale.
| # | Company | Who it serves | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GLS Austria | 60 | Not verified | 87% | Yes | 1 days | Lockers Sending abroad |
| 2 | Österreichische Post | 59 | Not verified | 84% | Yes | Not verified | Lockers Cash on delivery Sending abroad |
| 3 | DPD Austria | 45 | Not verified | 113% | Yes | Not verified | Lockers Sending abroad |
| 4 | Hermes Österreich | 40 | Not verified | 125% | Not verified | 2 days | Insurance included in the price Sending abroad |
-
- In the register of postal operators
- Not verified
- Price of a 2 kg domestic parcel, % of country reference
- 87%
- Own parcel lockers
- Yes
- Stated domestic delivery time
- 1 days
Pros
- Long track record
- Fast stated delivery within the country
- Has its own network of parcel lockers
- Private customers can send parcels abroad
Details Visit site ↗ 67% backed by facts
-
- In the register of postal operators
- Not verified
- Price of a 2 kg domestic parcel, % of country reference
- 84%
- Own parcel lockers
- Yes
- Stated domestic delivery time
- Not verified
Pros
- Long track record
- Has its own network of parcel lockers
- Well-rated app
- Offers cash on delivery
Details Visit site ↗ 66% backed by facts
-
- In the register of postal operators
- Not verified
- Price of a 2 kg domestic parcel, % of country reference
- 113%
- Own parcel lockers
- Yes
- Stated domestic delivery time
- Not verified
Pros
- Long track record
- Has its own network of parcel lockers
- Private customers can send parcels abroad
- Parcels can be tracked online
Details Visit site ↗ 62% backed by facts
-
- In the register of postal operators
- Not verified
- Price of a 2 kg domestic parcel, % of country reference
- 125%
- Own parcel lockers
- Not verified
- Stated domestic delivery time
- 2 days
Pros
- The base price includes insurance or liability cover
- Private customers can send parcels abroad
- Parcels can be tracked online
Details Visit site ↗ 61% backed by facts
How we calculate the Score
25%
Reliability
Listing in the national register of postal operators kept by the regulator (or a licence number the company states) and the year the company or its national brand started.
30%
Price
The cheapest published retail price for a private customer to send one domestic parcel of up to 2 kg in the smallest standard size, through any channel (branch, locker or online), including VAT and without time-limited promotions, as a percentage of the country's reference price. The lower the price, the higher the score.
30%
Service
Own network of parcel lockers in the country, insurance or liability cover with a stated amount included in the base price, cash on delivery, sending abroad for private customers and online tracking.
15%
Speed and app
The standard domestic delivery time the carrier states for the service we priced (the upper bound, in working days) and the App Store rating of its own app.
How to choose a courier
Measure and weigh the parcel
Prices depend on weight and size, and many carriers sell fixed sizes such as S, M and L. Measure the packed parcel and check the carrier's limits before you buy a label, or you may pay a surcharge or have it refused.
Choose how to send and receive
A parcel locker or pick-up point is usually cheaper than collection from your door and delivery to the recipient's address. Ask the recipient which option suits them.
Check what cover is included
Read how much the carrier pays if the parcel is lost or damaged under the base price and how much extra insurance costs. For valuable items, declare the value and keep proof of it.
Pack the parcel properly
Use a sturdy box, fill the empty space and seal the seams. Carriers can limit their liability for damage caused by poor packing; their terms say what counts as proper packing and which items are prohibited.
Keep the receipt and tracking number
Keep the receipt or confirmation with the tracking number until the parcel has been delivered. You will need it for a claim.
Know where to complain
First send a written complaint to the carrier within the deadline in its terms. If the answer does not satisfy you, you can turn to the postal regulator or consumer protection authority of your country, and finally to court.
Frequently asked questions
Does a parcel company in Austria have to be registered?
Yes. In Austria, providing a postal service must be notified to RTR. The regulator publishes the list of notified and licensed services with the names of the postal service providers, and the list of currently notified providers is updated regularly.
Where do I complain about a lost or damaged parcel?
First in writing to the postal service provider, as soon as possible, because important data may otherwise already be deleted. Every postal service provider must run a complaints procedure. For a lost item, a trace by tracking number helps, but only the sender can request it.
What does the RTR dispute resolution body do?
If you disagree with the provider's written reply, you can file a dispute resolution request with RTR. It first tries to reach an agreement; if that fails, it reviews the case and sends you its legal view in writing, for example as a proposed solution.
What are the deadlines and costs?
You have one year to file the request, starting from the day you sent your complaint to the postal service provider. The procedure is free of charge; you only pay your own costs, such as copies, postage, phone calls or a lawyer if you hire one.