RAM tracking

What is RAM?

RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers is one of South Africa's most established domestic courier and logistics companies, built on a strict no-subcontracting policy that the company says makes it unique within the South African market. RAM is the only courier in the country that does not outsource any part of its delivery operations to third parties. Every shipment stays within the company's own staff and vehicle network from collection to final handover, giving the operator direct control over how each parcel is handled at every stage.

RAM was founded in 1988 by Nathan Lazarus as a family-owned courier business based in Gauteng. The company grew over the following decades, gaining considerable market profile after winning the Vodacom courier contract, a competitive tender in which RAM was selected over both local and international rivals. RAM retained that contract through three subsequent tender cycles. A further milestone came when RAM assumed Cell C's courier operations after another carrier failed to service the contract, absorbing a large-scale logistics program at short notice without disruption to existing delivery volumes.

In 2013, RAM entered a formal partnership with DHL Express, extending its geographic reach to over 220 countries and territories worldwide. This arrangement transformed the company from a purely domestic operator into one capable of handling end-to-end international shipments while retaining its South African operational identity. Today, RAM operates more than 40 hubs across southern Africa, maintains a fleet of over 1,600 fully serviced vehicles, and employs approximately 3,000 personnel. The company is chaired by founder Nathan Lazarus, with his sons David and Graeme Lazarus serving as co-managing directors.

• Founded: 1988, by Nathan Lazarus, as a family-owned courier business
• Headquarters: Isando, near Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
• Trading name: RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers
• Leadership: Nathan Lazarus (Chairman), David Lazarus and Graeme Lazarus (Co-Managing Directors)
• Infrastructure: More than 40 hubs across southern Africa, over 1,600 vehicles, and approximately 3,000 employees
• DHL Express partnership: Active since 2013, covering over 220 countries and territories
• No-subcontracting policy: The only South African courier operating exclusively with its own staff and vehicles, without any third-party outsourcing
• POD retention: Electronic proof of delivery records maintained for five years
• Rate adjustment: Most recent market-related increase effective February 1, 2026

RAM's position in the South African courier market is built primarily on long-standing relationships with large corporate accounts in sectors including pharmaceuticals, information technology, retail, financial services, and telecommunications. The company offers industry-specific logistics infrastructure tailored to each vertical rather than a generic service model. Customer access is available through a web-based business portal, a Smart Track mobile application, and a verified WhatsApp Business account, reflecting a multi-channel approach to communication and self-service tracking.

Which countries does RAM deliver to?

RAM's primary operational territory is South Africa, where the company maintains a hub-and-spoke network spanning all nine provinces. Known hub locations include Isando in Gauteng, where the head office is based, Bellville South in Cape Town, and East London in the Eastern Cape, with further branches accessible through the company's online branch locator tool. The network covers major metropolitan areas including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, as well as regional centers across the country. Demand-tier services to regional destinations require prior written approval from the nearest RAM hub before dispatch.

Beyond South Africa, RAM describes its coverage as spanning southern Africa, and the company operates its own international infrastructure of 53 offices across 20 countries, referred to internally as its International Value Network. This proprietary network supports cross-border delivery within Africa without reliance on external logistics partners. Through the DHL Express partnership, RAM's effective international reach extends to over 220 countries and territories, with major markets across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America covered through this arrangement.

• South Africa (domestic): Full coverage of all nine provinces, including major cities and regional centers, through a network of more than 40 hubs
• Southern Africa (cross-border): Delivery to neighboring countries via RAM's own International Value Network of 53 offices in 20 countries
• Africa: Broad coverage of continental African markets through both the International Value Network and the DHL Express partnership
• Europe: All major European markets covered via the DHL Express partnership
• Asia: Key destinations across Asia accessible via DHL Express
• North America: United States, Canada, and other North American destinations via DHL Express
• Global reach: Over 220 countries and territories accessible through the DHL Express integration

International shipments from South Africa operate through RAM's integration with DHL Express. A parcel dispatched through RAM is transferred to the DHL Express network for the international portion of the journey, with tracking data maintained across both systems. For shipments within Africa, the International Value Network provides an alternative routing channel through RAM's own regional offices, handling cross-border deliveries without passing through the DHL Express infrastructure.

What are the RAM services and delivery times?

RAM divides its service portfolio into four main categories. The Local or Demand category covers the company's fastest domestic options, all designed for delivery within local and main urban centers on a same-day or next-business-day timeline. Regional destinations in South Africa can be served under this category, but only with prior written approval from the nearest RAM hub. Weekends and public holidays fall outside the standard delivery schedule and require a specific surcharge arrangement agreed in advance with RAM.

The Special services category addresses shipments that carry regulatory or security requirements beyond standard parcel handling. The Valuable Cargo service delivers high-value goods by end of business on the day after collection. The Face to Face service restricts delivery to the person named on the waybill and requires the courier to verify identity documents and proof of residence at the point of handover, in line with FICA and RICA regulatory requirements. This service is used for regulated deliveries such as bank cards, SIM cards, and cellular equipment. RAM also operates a Firearm Service that the company says is the only such service in South Africa authorized to transport firearms. It is available only to pre-approved clients, operates exclusively via road within three to five business days, and requires ammunition to be packaged separately from the firearm.

The Distribution category covers RAM's primary business-to-business logistics. The Express Road XR service delivers within 24 to 48 hours from collection, and the Economy Service ES delivers within 48 to 72 hours. Distribution clients can move cellular phones, IT equipment, credit cards, secure mail, inter-branch transfers, marketing materials, and general retail goods through these tiers. Reverse logistics, meaning the collection of goods from recipients for return to the original sender, is included in this category. RAM also manages mail room facilities on behalf of selected corporate clients as part of its distribution offering.

• Same Day: Collection and delivery on the same calendar day, within local and main centers
• Early Bird 09H00: Delivery by 9:00 AM on the next business day
• Next Day 11H00: Delivery by 11:00 AM on the next business day
• Next Day 17H00: Delivery by end of business on the next business day
• Valuable Cargo: Secure delivery of high-value goods by end of business the day after collection
• Face to Face: Delivery to the named recipient only, with FICA and RICA identity verification required at the point of handover
• Firearm Service: Road-only transport of firearms to pre-approved clients within 3 to 5 business days, with ammunition packaged separately
• Express Road XR: Business-to-business distribution within 24 to 48 hours from collection
• Economy Service ES: Business-to-business distribution within 48 to 72 hours from collection
• International (via DHL Express): Documents and parcels to over 220 countries within 2 to 5 business days

RAM also offers warehousing as a value-added service for distribution clients, operating on a First In, First Out inventory model using the Matflo Warehouse Management System. This service is aimed at companies managing high-value goods across their supply chain and is designed to integrate with RAM's distribution capabilities. For international shipments via DHL Express, customs clearance adds approximately 24 to 48 hours to the stated transit time, and this window is factored into the overall delivery estimate for cross-border parcels.

What are the RAM rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

RAM calculates shipping rates based on the parcel's weight, the service tier selected, and the routing between origin and destination. For domestic shipments, zone pricing within South Africa's hub network determines the applicable rate for a given journey. For international shipments, the DHL Express zone structure governs pricing. RAM does not publish flat rates publicly. Rates are accessed through the company's online quote tool or through a dedicated account executive. The most recent market-related rate increase took effect on February 1, 2026, with clients notified of the change in advance.

• Maximum weight per parcel: 30 kilograms
• Maximum dimensions per parcel: 120 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
• Oversized or overweight shipments: Require direct consultation with the nearest RAM hub before dispatch to assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis
• Pricing model: Based on parcel weight, selected service tier, and origin-destination routing. No flat rates are published publicly
• Complimentary packaging: Flybags available to account clients on request through their account executive
• Packaging requirements: Goods must be cushioned to fill all void space, placed in a suitable container, and sealed with at least three strips of tape applied using the H-method

Shipments exceeding 30 kilograms or with any single dimension above the stated maximum cannot be processed through the standard booking flow and must be assessed directly at the nearest RAM hub before dispatch. There is no stated cap on the number of parcels per consignment, which allows RAM to accommodate large-volume corporate dispatches under a single account relationship. Recipient address information must be clearly legible on the exterior of every parcel submitted for collection.

What are the RAM delivery options?

RAM's delivery model is door-to-door across its entire service range. Collections are made from the sender's address and deliveries are made to the recipient's physical location, with a RAM employee personally handing the parcel over. The company does not operate a parcel locker or collection point network. The Hand-to-Hand philosophy that defines the brand is built specifically on direct physical transfer between the courier and the recipient at both ends of the shipment, without any relay through automated points or third-party facilities.

For standard deliveries, a signature is obtained at the point of handover and recorded as the electronic Proof of Delivery for that consignment. Electronic PODs are made available to credit-approved account holders within 24 to 48 hours of delivery, depending on the delivery area. The Face to Face service applies the strictest reception requirements, with delivery restricted to the exact person named on the waybill and collection of identity documents and proof of residence required at the door. This verification process applies to bank cards, SIM cards, and other items subject to FICA and RICA compliance.

• Standard door-to-door delivery: Collection from the sender's address and delivery to the recipient's address, with personal handover by a RAM courier
• Signature at delivery: Obtained at the point of handover and constitutes the electronic Proof of Delivery
• Face to Face delivery: Delivery to the named recipient only, with identity document and proof of residence verification required at the door
• POD access: Available to credit-approved account holders within 24 to 48 hours of delivery
• POD retention: Electronic records maintained for five years
• Tracking: Available via the RAM website using a waybill number, through the Smart Track mobile application, or by contacting Customer Care directly

If a delivery cannot be completed at the first attempt, customers are directed to contact RAM's Customer Care team for assistance. Advanced Online Tracking, available to credit-approved account holders, provides a full consignment history and supports simultaneous searches across up to 10 waybill numbers at once. Basic Online Tracking returns a shorter status summary and is available to any user who holds a valid waybill number.

What should I do if my RAM parcel is lost or damaged?

RAM's claims and liability framework is structured around formal risk and financial categories referenced in the company's documentation. The waybill issued at the time of dispatch functions as a binding contract specifying the service type, delivery addresses, and the obligations of both parties. Customers should retain their waybill number as the primary reference when raising a claim for a lost, damaged, or undelivered parcel, as this document forms the basis of any formal dispute process with the carrier.

For support on a lost or damaged parcel, RAM's Customer Care team is accessible by phone at 0861 726 726 and through the company's verified WhatsApp Business account. Live chat is also available through the RAM website. Customers without portal access can request the last tracked status of a waybill by contacting the support team directly. RAM maintains a five-year electronic archive of proof of delivery records, Goods Received Vouchers, and identity documents collected during Face to Face deliveries, providing detailed documentation for dispute resolution.

• First step: Locate the waybill number issued at dispatch, which serves as both the tracking reference and the binding delivery contract
• Customer Care (phone): 0861 726 726
• Customer Care (WhatsApp): 082 372 6726, via the verified RAM WhatsApp Business account
• Live chat: Available through the RAM website for real-time support
• POD evidence: Electronic proof of delivery including the recipient's name, available to account holders within 24 to 48 hours of delivery
• Document archive: PODs, Goods Received Vouchers, and identity documents retained electronically for five years
• Phishing warning: RAM states it will never request login credentials or payment through unsolicited messages. Any suspicious communication should be verified through the official Customer Care number

Does RAM handle international shipments and customs formalities?

RAM's international shipping capability is delivered through its integration with DHL Express, a partnership established in 2013. Through this arrangement, customers can send documents and parcels to over 220 countries and territories, with DHL's global infrastructure handling the international leg of the journey while the booking is processed through RAM. The two companies' systems are integrated, making tracking data available continuously across both the domestic and international stages of a shipment. Document deliveries clear customs more quickly because no commercial value is attached and import duties do not apply at destination.

For parcel shipments with a declared commercial value, formal customs clearance at both origin and destination adds approximately 24 to 48 hours to the overall transit window. Senders are required to supply a commercial invoice that includes a complete description of the goods and their declared value. This documentation is mandatory for customs processing at all international destinations. Customers who conduct regular cross-border import or export operations are advised by RAM to work with a sales executive to align their procedures with South African Revenue Service Customs and Excise requirements.

• International partner: DHL Express, integrated since 2013, covering over 220 countries and territories
• Document shipments: No commercial value attached, no import duties, and faster customs processing at destination
• Parcel shipments: Commercial invoice with full goods description and declared value required. Customs clearance adds approximately 24 to 48 hours to the stated transit time
• Transit times: Most major destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America within 2 to 5 business days, excluding the customs clearance window
• Own international network: 53 RAM offices across 20 countries supporting African and international deliveries outside the DHL Express arrangement
• Regulatory compliance: International shipments must meet South African Revenue Service Customs and Excise requirements. High-volume importers and exporters are advised to engage a RAM sales executive for procedural guidance

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a RAM parcel online, different statuses appear at each stage of the shipment's journey, from initial registration through to final delivery. RAM offers two tracking tiers. Basic Online Tracking is available to any user with a valid waybill number and returns a brief status summary. Advanced Online Tracking is reserved for credit-approved account holders and provides a full consignment history, with support for tracking up to 10 shipments simultaneously. The Smart Track mobile application extends tracking access for customers managing shipments away from a desktop.

Tracking requires a valid waybill number, which also serves as the binding delivery contract specifying the service type and delivery addresses. RAM uses two primary identifier formats. The Waybill Number is assigned at the point of dispatch and follows structures such as RL001097064 or a domestic formatted pattern of AAAA99-9999 9999. A shorter alphanumeric reference such as K2689941 may also be provided to the recipient by the sender or retailer at the time of purchase. If the service field on the waybill is left blank, the shipment defaults automatically to Economy Service.