If you own a store, especially online, you should be familiar with shipping packages. Shipping is the backbone of online stores. It makes online sales reality and increases their coverage, making international sales a reality. Even if you don’t own a store, you still use shipping services to send and receive packages. Now, I want to examine two shipping services— DHL versus FedEx.
FedEx was founded in 1971 and is an American company, but DHL is owned by a German corporation. FedEx is known for providing cheaper and faster delivery services within the USA, while DHL is considered ideal for deliveries worldwide because it offers a low-cost and swift service.
Speed
Finding which service is faster depends on the route. FedEx takes the lead in speed for deliveries within the USA. Its fastest service, FedEx Overnight, will get your package to its destination the next business day. Depending on which overnight service you pay for, delivery can be at 8 am, 10 am, or 3 pm on the next business day.
However, DHL is a better option when you are shipping worldwide. DHL’s Same Day Services are the fastest, but people prefer DHL Express because it’s cheaper. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, DHL Express can get your package delivered on the next possible business day by 9 am or 12 pm.
Pricing
When it comes to international shipping, DHL offers better rates than FedEx. But FedEx takes the lead on better pricing for delivery within the USA. We can compare their prices on the delivery of a 5kg package within a day. For domestic shipping within the USA, FedEx Overnight costs $79.83, and DHL Domestic Express costs $146.79.
Now, we’ll compare international shipping rates. The shipping of a 2kg package from the UK to the USA costs differently. If you use FedEx International Priority, the package will arrive in 2 working days for $100.13. DHL Express Worldwide will deliver in 2 working days for $46.5.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of DHL And FedEx
Knowing where they excel and lack is a reasonable method to compare their services.
Advantages of DHL
- It offers door-to-door deliveries
- It operates in over 220 countries
- Delivers through the air and ocean
- Offers deliveries to sanctioned countries
Disadvantages
- Extra charges are applicable sometimes
- It has a restricted presence in the USA
Advantages of FedEx
- Has an effective and efficient tracking system
- Offers discounts to registered users
- Makes deliveries on the weekends
Disadvantages
- It has restricted free packaging options
- It doesn’t offer door-to-door deliveries
- Its shipping rates are more expensive
Factors That Influence The Shipping Rates Of DHL And FedEx.
- Weight and dimensions of a package: A package’s dimensional weight (weight × width × height) sometimes determines the costs of shipping. If the weight of a package is higher than its dimensional weight, you’ll be charged based on weight.
- Destination: The destination also influences costs. The farther the point of origin to the destination, the higher than shipping costs. For instance, Fedex’s deliveries worldwide cost more than domestic shopping.
- Delivery Timing: FedEx and DHL provide different delivery timings for customers. Getting your package delivered faster costs more money. An example is the DHL Same Day Jetline.
- Shipping Insurance: If you’re shipping expensive goods like jewelry, you might want to apply for insurance. This additional service is expensive and it’s considered when calculating shipping costs.
Do They Offer International Shipping Insurance?
Both FedEx and DHL offer insurance of up to $100 to their customers. For packages with values ranging from $100 to $300, they have an insurance alternative at a fixed rate.
Do DHL and FedEx Have A Member Program?
Yes, they do. FedEx has the FedEx Advantage Program that helps customers save on different shipping options. For instance, they can save up to 20% on FedEx Ground services. DHL has a bonus program. Using the DHL Bonus Program, customers can collect points and use them for free package shipments.
Conclusion
DHL and FedEx have their edges and weaknesses. Whichever you decide to use at any time should depend on your needs. FedEx delivers faster, cheaper, and better within the USA, while DHL is the best for worldwide shipping. If you want to send a package, comparing delivery quotes for each service will help you decide which is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the meaning of DHL?
DHL stands for Dalsey Hillblom Lynn. It was coined from the name of its founders. their names were Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn.
- Is DHL an American Company?
No, it’s not. DHL was founded in San Francisco, US, but it was bought by Deutsche Post in July 2002. Now, it is a German corporation.
- Which courier company makes the highest revenue?
United Parcel Service (UPS) makes the highest revenue. In 2022, UPS made $97.29 billion, DHL made $90.1 billion, and FedEx made $84 billion.
