DHL vs. USPS
DHL vs. USPS
Both DHL and USPS are international shipping companies that offer great services for transporting your packages. However, when it comes to choosing which company is right for you, you should consider a few factors. This blog post will compare the two companies and help you decide which is the best option for your needs.
It is said that competition spurs an increase in productivity, and when it comes to shipping your packages, there are definitely many options.
DHL and USPS’s delivery services provide an efficient way to ship items from one location to another. Both companies have different ways of doing things, but let’s look at how they stack up.
What is DHL?
DHL is a worldwide company that specializes in Delivery services. They provide international and domestic delivery to over 220 countries and territories, and it’s one of the biggest industry players worldwide. Their headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany, but they have offices worldwide.
A part of their success lies with their network and its key features:
- A modern fleet (about 300 airplanes and more than 20,000 vehicles)
- More than 1 million customers who book online per day
What is USPS?
The United States Postal Service is a branch in the United States that provides mail, packages, and even express mail. They have several services for sent items, all with different options and prices.
- The “parcel select” method is generally used for larger deliveries or shipments. The sender can see prices before deciding on a service, and it can be delivered to a PO Box or a street address.
- Priority Mail has three different options: Retail, Commercial Base, and Commercial Plus. These have standard options that every user can see before deciding on a package.
- First Class Mail has limited tracking abilities and no guarantee of the delivery date. There is a standard envelope and box.
How do they work?
DHL and USPS use different business models to get the job done. DHL deliveries originate from a company location, whereas USPS delivers come directly from individual businesses or residential locations. This means that with USPS, you will pick up your package from the Post Office, but with DHL, it is delivered right to your door.
Both companies are known for their excellent service times — DHL claims its average delivery time is five days while USPS averages three days. Expedited shipping options are available for both services if you need your product relatively quickly. Both offer international services, though DHL has incredibly fast international shipping times — 1–2 days to most places across the world.
USPS is known for its affordability and widespread service, whereas DHL charges higher rates but offers more convenience and speed. Both services require special flat-rate boxes and envelopes to make shipping your items as affordable as possible.
Packaging:
When it comes to packaging your products for the mail, both companies offer pre-paid shipping labels, though you will typically use USPS boxes or padded envelopes with DHL (and if you’re trying to ship anything of value, might want to use a box). Both also offer insurance on any shipping costs over $100 in value.
Costs:
The upfront cost varies based on weight and where you are sending your package — we’ve found that, generally speaking, DHL is around twice the price. DHL has an average delivery time of 5–7 days, slightly faster than USPS.
Application:
Both companies are known for their excellent service, but let’s dive a little deeper into the specifics.
USPS has over 36,000 locations located across the country. That makes it easy to find one near you no matter where you reside — pop into your local Post Office and pick up your package. You can check for hours or get directions to any location on its official website. Over half of these locations are open at least six days a week. The USPS even offers free boxes if you’re shipping something small enough to fit inside — although we recommend using one of those flat-rate boxes you can purchase from its official website.
DHL has a much smaller presence in the US, offering roughly 2.1% of total delivery points as of this writing. However, the company does have an excellent track record for delivering packages quickly, with over 128,000 service locations across 220 countries worldwide. On top of its regular ground shipping options, DHL also offers air, which is about twice as fast as your average delivery time (keep in mind that time starts ticking after it leaves your door or Post Office). These services are available to virtually every country globally, and international rates are similar to what you would pay domestically — except they’re often cheaper than USPS.
Conclusion:
Both companies offer excellent services that will deliver your products without a hiccup. The big decision comes down to the location you’re shipping to, how quickly you need it there, and if international service is important. That being said, USPS offers its services at half the cost of DHL’s — so if money is tight, the Post Office is probably your best bet.
