Comparing DHL and FedEx – which one is better?
Comparing DHL and FedEx is important for businesses and individuals who want to know which company is best for shipping goods domestically and internationally.
FedEx is an American company based in Memphis (Tennessee), founded in 1971 as Federal Express Corporation in Arkansas. Depending on the type of service, FedEx serves in up to 215 countries and territories all over the world.
DHL is an American-German courier company, a division of the logistics company Deutsche Post DHL. Founded in San Francisco, its headquarters is located in Germany. DHL delivers shipments to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
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DHL vs FedEx: types of delivery services
Before deciding which courier is better for your shipping needs, the first step is to compare types of delivery services DHL and FedEx provide. Both companies offer a wide range of domestic and international services for individuals and business clients. Both DHL and FedEx offer express, same day and next day delivery services. DHL has strong shipping options for express deliveries, while FedEx is famous for its overnight shipping options.
DHL domestic shipping services
DHL international shipping services
DHL freight services
FedEx domestic shipping services
FedEx international shipping services
FedEx freight services
DHL and FedEx for eCommerce. Which one is better for your business?
DHL and FedEx have well-structured services and offer plenty of additional options for business owners. Both DHL and FedEx provide domestic and international parcel pick-up, delivery and returns solutions for eCommerce and businesses.
DHL offers express delivery at DHL Service Points. These are authorised stores where DHL customers can choose to receive the goods. This service allows the customer to pick up the package from the service points, at the appropriate time for them. Moreover, some industries like fashion and food have their uniquely designed services, such as DHL Express for Fashion, DHL Medical Express, DHL Express Food & Beverage and others. Additionally, DHL fulfilment options are available in selected markets within the Americas, the Asia Pacific and the Middle East/Africa.
There is a wide range of services provided by FedEx for eCommerce and business clients. The company has a deposit service at authorised outlets, called Pickup and Drop-off. Through this service, FedEx customers can receive and send packages from selected stores, manage withdrawals and purchase supplies to be received at the designated point of sale.
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DHL vs FedEx shipping rates comparison. Which one is cheaper?
To compare DHL and FedEx shipping rates, we recommend you to check the calculators on their official websites as prices and services vary. Still, both couriers have cost-effective shipping options if there are no delivery times constraints. If comparing DHL international shipping rates or FedEx international shipping rates, we can assume that DHL prices are more affordable. However, you can get up to 20% discounts for your shipments with the FedEx Advantage Program.
Some of the special services FedEx offers include fixed surcharges for shipping certain items, as gathered in the table below:
| International Priority | International Priority Freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible Dangerous Goods | $77/shipment | $1,3/kg |
| Inaccessible Dangerous Goods (classes 6.1, 6.2, 7 and 9) | $51/shipment | $0,7/kg |
| Dry Ice | $12/shipment | $0,2/kg |
| Oversize Charge | $59/shipment | |
| Saturday delivery (when available) | $24/shipment | |
| Lithium Batteries Section II (UN 3481 - Packing Instructions 966 & 967, UN 3091 - Packing Instruction 969 & 970) | Free of charge |
DHL vs FedEx shipping insurance
DHL and FedEx reliability is at a high level. Therefore, millions of people all over the world trust their services. Both logistics companies offer insurance of up to $100 for the declared value of the shipment. DHL and FedEx also offer flat rate insurance options for packages valued from $100 to $300.
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DHL vs FedEx – which one is better?
To help you consider the differences between DHL and FedEx, we have prepared some of the most significant benefits of both companies.
While DHL is a great option for international shipping, FedEx covers deliveries within the United States better. Since DHL is a non-American company, it is not permitted to make domestic flights between the US airports. FedEx operates around 2, 500 FedEx office locations across the US, which makes it easy for you to find a company to ship your mail.
FedEx offers a small selection of free packaging to be used with the express services. Alternatively, you have to supply your boxes.
You can visit any of the FedEx locations or mailing centres if you need in-person assistance. DHL company does not offer walk-in service centres, but picks parcels and mail up from customers.
DHL advantages over FedEx
DHL ADVANTAGES
- DHL is leading in most countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and 134 other countries
- Air, sea, rail and ground delivery services
- Door-to-door delivery
- No pick-up fees
- Dedicated DHL eCommerce service for online merchants
FEDEX ADVANTAGES
- FedEx is leading in the United States, Canada, India, Mexico and 12 other countries
- Offers discounts between 6- 20%
- In-person service
- Overnight shipping services
- Offers weekend deliveries
DHL vs FedEx – which one to choose? Comparing summary
After comparing the advantages and exploring the difference between DHL and FedEx, you can make a choice and decide which courier is better for your needs. FedEx reigns supreme in the air and across the US deliveries. But DHL specialises in the international shipping and even delivers to sanctioned countries and territories.
While FedEx is well-known for its overnight shipping as well as 2-day and 3-day services, with DHL, you benefit from a wide range of express shipping options.
Take a look at the basic information and stats comparing DHL and FedEx:
| DHL | FedEx | |
|---|---|---|
| Market share | 19,60% | 13,40% |
| The yearly volume of packages | 1,5 billion | 5,4 billion |
| Shipping locations | More than 220 countries and territories | More than 220 countries and territories |
| Number of employees | 380 000 (2019) | 425 000 (2018) |
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