Local Delivery: CSF Couriers
Prominent logistics company, CSF Couriers, based here in Trinidad & Tobago, is known primarily for it’s skybox service for overseas online shopping.
By utilizing its existing delivery framework for skybox deliveries domestically, it addressed a critical need for efficient and reliable delivery solutions for T&T’s growing local E-Commerce marketplace.
What’s
Under the
Hood
Order delivery is one of the most impactful touchpoint in the customer journey that we Trinis may not realize. It’s more than just getting orders in your hands. A late or damaged delivery can instantly sour a customer’s perception of your brand. By ensuring speed, transparency, and careful handling, a strong logistics partner builds the trust necessary for repeat business.
On This Page
About CSF
CSF Couriers is one T&T’s leading providers of Skybox, Domestic Delivery and Ocean Shipping services, and has been operating for more than 20 years. It’s local delivery service started in 2018 to leverage and complement its robust logistic framework already established through its skybox service.
How it Works
Signed up merchants manage their pick-ups and deliveries on CSF’s online portal (or on the merchant’s online store if integrated), where they can:
- Add or import customer’s information
- Add a Request Order
- Complete the request
CSF will send a driver to pickup the order(s) and complete the delivery. Customers receive 2 automatic notifications straight to their email:
- The first when CSF stops by the merchant’s warehouse to pick up the package. Here the merchants hands over the package to the CSF driver and the driver scans the label.
- The second when the driver delivers and hands over the package to the customer and makes his final scan.
CSF Couriers operate on a flat rate per delivery, tiered-subscription model with ‘buckets’ of prepaid deliveries. Merchants also have the option of insuring their item(s) for delivery, and collecting non-cash payments from customers.
Who It's Best For
CSF promotes their domestic delivery to primarily Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Trinidad & Tobago, so virtually most everyone. They also provide inter-island delivery between Trinidad and Tobago.
Platforms & Technical Compatibility
The ‘CSF Connect’ API is technically compatible with all platforms that provide such access for development and connection. However, integrating any platform for the first time will be very costly as you basically have to write the code from the ground up.
There might also be limitations, as some platforms provide access to for online payment integrations but not for delivery; Shopify, and Lightspeed’s Ecwid platform, are examples of this limitation. Open source platforms like WordPress, which most Trinis use for online stores, are full access.
It’s important to note that integration with websites is not absolutely necessary; the service can be used standalone, independent of a website.
Key Features
- ONE Flat Fee for ALL Deliveries
- Built for Businesses and Individuals
- Deliveries 7 Days a Week
- Delivery to Tobago for an upcharge.
- Linx on Delivery service
- Insurance Coverage of up to $500
Fees & Costs
Even on the high end, CSF’s delivery rates are very affordable, with the highest delivery rate being $33 TTD per delivery up to 60 lbs. CSF’s rates are volume based via subscription tiers, generously spread out over 6 months.
Integration fees, in the absence of off-the-shelf plug-ins for any online store platform, will be subject to developer costs, and may be upward from $5K TTD.
Integration Process
Integrations to shopping platforms are enabled by their ‘CSF Connect’ API. However, they do not offer any prebuilt extensions or plug-ins, which means any seamless online store integration will require custom coding and development.
Integration with an online store automates and streamlines the logistics process, for example, notifying CSF of pick-ups, automatic label generation for printing etc.
In 2021, when CSF introduced this API, Forward Multimedia actually implemented the first integration with a client’s WordPress/Woo Commerce site, and was instrumental in it’s refinement. Being the first such local integration, it was a very expensive.
Sign-Up & Approval Process
The sign-up process is as follows:
- Register for a Merchant Account via the CSF website (registration is free)
- Complete the Registration Form
- A confirmation email is then sent to you with your Merchant ID, Agreement etc.
- Once the e-mail is verified, your account will be activated and ready to use
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages for Merchants and Individuals:
- Wide Delivery Network: They provide island-wide delivery across both Trinidad and Tobago, reaching even rural areas.
- Flexible Delivery Options: You can choose from multiple timing tiers to meet customer needs, including Standard (3-day), 2-Day, and Next Day delivery.
- Seven-Day Delivery: Unlike many competitors, CSF Couriers delivers seven days a week, including Sundays (excluding public holidays).
- Payment Collection Services: They can collect non-cash payments (credit card or Linx) from your customers upon delivery, with weekly remittance of funds back to the merchant.
- Competitive Flat Rates: On-island deliveries start from as low as $25 TTD, offering a predictable cost structure for businesses.
- Merchant Dashboard & Integration: Merchants gain access to a dashboard for tracking orders and can use the CSF Connect API
- Optional Insurance: You can protect high-value or fragile items with optional insurance coverage up to $3,000 TTD.
Support
Most issues are generally handled directly through CSF’s customer support team.
Summary & Recommendation
CSF came in when the market really needed it and is an example of the private sector stepping up and being innovative. CSF has great potential over other eventual competitors, by virtue of their excellent track record of efficiency and stellar service.
Note that website integration with their API not absolutely necessary, primarily because of the use of flat rates, i.e. there is no need for complex shipping calculations. Merchants can manually call them up and request pick-up when orders are ready.
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