Difference between UPS and DHL delivery services

DHL vs UPS shipping cost comparison. Is DHL cheaper than UPS?

To thoroughly compare the shipping rates offered by DHL and UPS, we have gathered information about their domestic and international delivery services in the UK. To determine whether DHL is cheaper than UPS or the other way around, we need to analyse the same route & parcel size, and also the additional features included in their services.

When arranging domestic and international shipping services with DHL or UPS, it is often possible to determine a specific time-frame for delivery, schedule collection in a parcel shop instead of the door-to-door service, and other features. However, take into consideration that the DHL and UPS shipping prices may vary based on the surcharges applied for personalising your shipment.

To make sure you compare not only these two companies but also other options of couriers, get a quote on our platform.

Are UPS and DHL the same company?

Due to years of collaboration between those two companies in the US, many customers are still confused about whether DHL and UPS are the same or not. During their partnership, that started in 2008 with a 10-year time frame, UPS was responsible for delivering DHL packages in certain conditions in the USA. However, nowadays, DHL and UPS operate separately through a wide range of domestic and international shipping services.

DHL vs UPS: which one to choose for international shipping?

When it comes to international reach, both DHL and UPS are proud to announce their operations in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. However, on a global scale, DHL may have an edge on UPS for having the strongest international logistics network, offering deliveries even to sanctioned nations such as North Korea.

DHL vs UPS: which one to choose for domestic shipping in the US?

UPS has a stronger presence in the United States, with a vast fleet of vehicles to perform both road and air deliveries. UPS Ground service is more widely used due to its availability and shipping price. When comparing domestic shipping services in the US, DHL falls behind for not being based in the US, which means they are not allowed to make domestic flights between US airports. To overcome this, they outsource this service to third-party carriers.

FINAL RECAP

DHL vs UPS Comparison Summary – which one
is better after all?

On one side, we have the US-based courier company UPS with a consolidated presence in American soil and the great benefit of having time-definite deliveries. On the other side, the German-based courier company DHL, which has operations worldwide and a vast selection of services serving everything from envelopes to freight.

To determine whether DHL or UPS is better for your business, you should consider what type of deliveries you mostly use and which company has better performance on your main operational area. Businesses based in the USA may opt for UPS due to strong brand recognition and wide availability of parcel shops in that territory for better convenience of their customers. However, DHL is often preferred by businesses based on the UK or with operations worldwide, who benefit from their global reach.

But why choose one single courier company if you have the option of using multiple providers based on the price/quality they offer for each route? At Eurosender, we work with numerous couriers, including both DHL and UPS, to make sure we are able to match you with the best fit for each shipping request. Get a quote online or sign up for additional discounts and benefits.