What Is DHL Express Shipping? (All You Need To Know)

If you’re concerned about your packages arriving as quickly as possible, then you’ve probably spent some time researching the various Express shipping options available on the market. 

Furthermore, weeding through all of the offers, shipping times, and requirements can be a struggle. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you better understand DHL Express shipping, so continue reading! 

What Is DHL Express Shipping In [currentyear]?

DHL Express shipping is a premium service that provides door-to-door deliveries to 220 countries and territories within 1 to 3 business days in [currentyear]. In general, it is faster than FedEx and USPS for international deliveries. Furthermore, domestic options include Express Domestic and Express Domestic 12:00, while Express Worldwide is the international option.  

If you’re still unsure whether DHL Express shipping is the right option for you, then read the rest of this article!

What Is DHL Express Shipping?

Before getting into any questions about DHL Express shipping, it’s important to understand what DHL Express is. 

DHL Express is a leading international courier service specializing in door-to-door logistics. 

Furthermore, its network covers more than 220 countries and territories and has decades of experience in shipping, logistics, and eCommerce. 

How Long Does DHL Express Shipping Take?

DHL Express is a premium shipping service providing door-to-door delivery services to more than 220 countries and territories within 1 to 3 days. 

However, if you want a precise estimate, you can check your shipment’s estimated delivery date and current location by checking DHL’s tracking platform. 

Furthermore, this estimate takes into account any public holidays that might impact the overall transit time. 

Keep in mind, though, that it does not factor in transit over the weekends, as DHL does not deliver on weekends in many locations. 

When Does DHL Express Shipping Deliver?

DHL Express shipping has three delivery time options. Let’s check out what they are. 

  • DHL Express Domestic – Delivers on the next business day within the same country. It comes with additional benefits like time-specific delivery and real-time tracking. 
  • DHL Express 12:00 Domestic – Delivers between 9:00 AM and noon on the next business day within the same country. 
  • DHL Express Worldwide – Delivery by the end of the first possible business day to any of the countries serviced by DHL. 

Is DHL Express Shipping Fast?

DHL Express shipping is currently the fastest global shipping option on the market. 

That said, it tends to be faster for international shipments. 

Therefore, when it comes to domestic shipments, companies like FedEx and UPS are usually faster. 

Is DHL Express Shipping Faster Than DHL?

DHL Express and DHL Parcel are two different brands within the global DHL Group. 

While both offer a range of international shipping services with flexible, reliable delivery options, DHL Express offers a higher level of service than DHL Parcel and faster delivery times. 

As an example, DHL Express delivers by the end of the next business day to countries around the world. 

On the other hand, DHL International Parcel Direct could take 3 to 10 business days to complete the same delivery. 

Is DHL Express Shipping Faster Than FedEx?

Is DHL Express Shipping Faster Than FedEx?

For domestic shipments within the United States, FedEx Overnight is typically faster than DHL Express, with the option of guaranteed delivery by 9:30 AM on the next business day.

However, when it comes to international shipments, DHL beats FedEx, performing worldwide deliveries in 3 business days or less.  

This difference can be explained by the priorities of each company. 

Whereas FedEx has invested heavily in its domestic shipping programs within the United States, DHL has always focused its efforts on fast international shipping. 

Is DHL Express Shipping Faster Than USPS?

When comparing DHL Express shipping to USPS’ fastest service, Priority Mail Express International, DHL is much faster. 

While DHL Express promises next-business-day delivery for international packages, USPS International typically takes 3 to 5 business days for international deliveries.

Furthermore, not only is DHL Express faster than USPS, but it also services more destinations. 

Indeed, DHL delivers to more than 220 countries and territories around the world, and USPS only delivers to 190 destinations. 

How Much Is DHL Express Shipping?

To get an idea of how much DHL Express shipping costs, let’s imagine someone sending a 4-pound package from Los Angeles to Bonn, Germany. 

Sending it via DHL Express worldwide costs $83 and means it gets delivered by the end of the third business day after shipping. 

On the other hand, DHL’s faster option, DHL Express 12:00, would also get the package there in 3 business days but would deliver by 12:00 PM at the latest, and this option costs $94. 

Why Choose DHL Express Shipping?

While most customers choose DHL Express shipping for its unmatched international delivery speeds, there are plenty of other reasons to choose DHL Express shipping. 

For starters, many customers choose this option because it lets them know exactly when to expect their package. 

Furthermore, this is thanks to DHL Express’ time-definite shipping. 

Another benefit of DHL Express shipping is that it comes with detailed real-time tracking information. 

Additionally, this information can be easily accessed online using the shipment’s tracking number. 

Something else DHL customers like about Express shipping is that it comes with all kinds of On-Demand Delivery (ODD) options. 

This includes things like…

  • DHL Express Service Point: Customers can collect their parcels at a DHL Express service point at their convenience. 
  • Signature Release: Items can get delivered without the customer needing to sign. 
  • Schedule A New Delivery Date: Customers can change their delivery date up to 7 days from the original date. 
  • Leave Package With A Neighbor: Customers can choose to have their package left with a neighbor if they’re not home to accept the delivery. 
  • Deliver To Another Address: Customers can change the delivery address to a more convenient location. 
  • 30-Day Vacation Hold: Customers can elect to have their delivery held for up to 30 days while they’re away. 

Lastly, customers choose DHL Express shipping because it comes with a free, dedicated pick-up service from their home or office. 

To know more, you can also read our posts on what DHL means, who owns DHL, and how many planes DHL owns.

Conclusion 

DHL Express shipping is a premium option that promises to deliver packages around the world in 3 business days or less. Additionally, for international deliveries, it’s considered the fastest option on the market and routinely outperforms competitors like FedEx and USPS. 

Furthermore, aside from its speedy delivery options, customers choose DHL Express shipping for its time-definite delivery, real-time tracking updates, and On Demand delivery options. 

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Mackenzie Jerks

Mackenzie is a freelance writer and editor, published author, and music enthusiast who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. When she’s not writing, Mackenzie is either wrapped up in a book, discovering new music, or introducing herself to a new fitness regimen.

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