[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”auto” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll be equipped with a detailed comparison of ecommerce shipping solutions offered by DHL and USPS. The analysis covers a range of services suitable for ecommerce companies and third-party logistics (3PL) providers, outlining the pros and cons, domestic and international shipment options, and ultimately assisting you in making an informed choice for your business needs.<\/p>\n
Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ecommerce product shipping is a complex operation and choosing the right carrier isn\u2019t simple. The good news is that with so many providers on the market, there is bound to be shipping services that fits your business model.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In fact, many companies, warehouses, and 3PLs work with multiple carriers to fulfill different shipping needs.<\/p>\n Generally speaking, most companies choose a shipping carrier by using an online tool to compare rates from several carriers. Once they have a few options (for instance, USPS shipping versus DHL shipping) they visit the carriers\u2019 websites for more accurate, real-time estimates.<\/p>\n Aside from price, it\u2019s also important to understand the similarities and differences between shipping companies so you select the right operator for your particular products and destinations. To help you out, our first detailed comparison is between the United States Postal Services (USPS)<\/a> and DHL<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In this guide, we\u2019ll explore:<\/p>\n DHL is part of the global logistics company, Deutsche Post DHL. It has a robust international network that allows it to ship to more than 220 countries and territories.<\/p>\n USPS is the official postal service for the United States with an established network and infrastructure for delivering to almost every address in the United States. Many companies, including DHL, rely on USPS for last-mile delivery needs.<\/p>\n DHL offers a range of services, including Parcel, Document, & International Mail Shipping and Freight Shipping.<\/p>\n The Parcel, Document, & International Mail Shipping service is the most relevant line of business for ecommerce companies and 3PLs. It includes three service levels:<\/p>\n The DHL Express service level ships parcels under 154 pounds to international destinations by the next possible business day. This service level does not provide service to domestic destinations. Regular shipments, single shipments, shipments for business customers, and shipments for business customers are handled in this service level.<\/p>\n The DHL Parcel service level offers:<\/p>\n The Parcel service level handles regular shipments and shipments for business customers. It does not manage single shipments or shipments for private customers.<\/p>\n The DHL International Mail service line offers international deliveries within 4 to 8 days. It does not cover domestic shipments. This service line only manages regular shipments and shipments for business customers with a maximum weight of 4.4 pounds.<\/p>\n The service line most applicable to warehouses and 3PLs shipping within the United States is the Parcel service line.<\/p>\n That said, DHL only offers domestic shipping for business customers sending a large quantity of ecommerce or B2C materials within the United States. These individuals or companies must have a Business account with DHL eCommerce<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is inconvenient for people who wish to assess DHL\u2019s domestic rates before creating an account. Unlike other shippers, you cannot access an online rate calculator for DHL\u2019s domestic U.S. deliveries.<\/p>\n Notably, DHL\u2019s domestic service for businesses is conducted through a partnership with USPS, which handles DHL\u2019s last-mile delivery and returns.<\/p>\n Table: Comparison of DHL domestic shipping options (Source)<\/p>\n For U.S. ecommerce and 3PL companies shipping goods internationally, the most relevant service line is International Mail.<\/p>\n Canada & Europe 4-8 days<\/p>\n Rest of World 8-14 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Both DHL and USPS Offer Services Suitable for Ecommerce Companies and 3PLs<\/span><\/h2>\n
DHL Shipping Services<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n\n
\n <\/td>\n DHL SmartMail Parcel<\/strong><\/td>\n DHL SmartMail Parcel Plus<\/strong><\/td>\n DHL SmartMail Parcel Return<\/strong><\/td>\n DHL SmartMail Bound Printed Matter<\/strong><\/td>\n DHL SmartMail Flats<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Max. Weight<\/strong><\/td>\n 16 oz.<\/td>\n 25 lbs.<\/td>\n 16 oz. \/ 25 lbs.<\/td>\n 15 lbs.<\/td>\n 16 oz.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Max. Dimension (L\/W\/H)<\/strong><\/td>\n 27” \/ 17” \/ 17”<\/td>\n 27” \/ 17” \/ 17”<\/td>\n 27” x 17” x 17”<\/td>\n 27” \/ 17” \/ 17”<\/td>\n 15” \/ 12” \/ 0.75′<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit Days: Expedited Max<\/strong><\/td>\n 2\/3 days<\/td>\n 2\/3 days<\/td>\n N\/A<\/td>\n N\/A<\/td>\n N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit Days: Expedited<\/strong><\/td>\n 2-5 days<\/td>\n 2-5 days<\/td>\n 2-4 days \/ 1-3 days<\/td>\n 2-5 days<\/td>\n N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit Days: Ground<\/strong><\/td>\n 3-8 days<\/td>\n 3-8 days<\/td>\n 3-8 days<\/td>\n 3-8 days<\/td>\n 3-8 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n End-to-End-Tracking<\/strong><\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shipment Value Protection<\/strong><\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\n
\n <\/td>\n DHL Packet International<\/td>\n DHL Parcel International Standard<\/td>\n DHL Parcel International Direct<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Maximum Weight<\/td>\n 4.4 lbs.<\/td>\n 44 lbs.<\/td>\n 44 lbs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Maximum Dimension<\/td>\n L+W+H \u2264 35.4”<\/td>\n Length + Girth \u2264 118”<\/td>\n Length + Girth \u2264 79”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n End-to-end Tracking<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit Days<\/td>\n 4-8 days<\/td>\n \n 3-10 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Duty and Taxes paid by<\/td>\n Receiver<\/td>\n Receiver<\/td>\n Shipper or Receiver<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shipment Value Protection<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n