Compare the shipping rates of DHL and USPS and choose the best courier for your e-commerce business based on their delivery times, reliability and customer satisfaction. Check our guide on the differences between DHL and USPS. Before deciding which courier service to use, get a quote for your shipment with Eurosender and instantly compare the shipping rates of even more logistics providers.
In order to compare the shipping rates between DHL and USPS, we have gathered the price estimation for their domestic and international shipping services. It is important to note that the final price depends on the size and weight of your package, the shipping distance, as well as additional insurance or other features you select at the booking stage.
To find out which option is cheaper, DHL or USPS, have a look at the cost estimates for their domestic and international shipping services in the tables below. To make sure you compare not only DHL and USPS but also other courier options, get a quote on our platform.
PRICE COMPARISON
Compare the rates for shipping a 10kg (22lbs) package from NY to LA with DHL or USPS:
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Domestic Express | US $171.21 | 1 working day |
| USPS Priority Mail 1-Day | US $174.80 | 1 working day |
| USPS Priority Mail 2-Day | US $86.85 | 3 working days |
| USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate | US $21.50 | 3 working days |
| USPS Retail Ground | US $70.75 | 5 working days |
Compare the rates for shipping an envelope internationally with USPS or DHL:
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express Worldwide | US $75.97 | 1 working day |
| USPS GXG Envelopes | US $130.20 | 1-3 working days |
| USPS Priority Mail Express International | US $88.30 | 3-5 working days |
| USPS Priority Mail International | US $75.00 | 6-10 working days |
| Eurosender Express Envelope | US $58.78 | 1-2 working days |
Compare the rates for shipping a 10kg (22lbs) package internationally with USPS or DHL:
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express Worldwide | US $325.14 | 2 working days |
| Global Express Guaranteed | US $249.60 | 1-3 working days |
| USPS Priority Mail Express International | US $159.05 | 3-5 working days |
| USPS Priority Mail International | US $153.80 | 6-10 working days |
| Eurosender Express Package | US $109.58 | 1-2 working days |
Although they do collaborate, they are not the same company, and there are quite some differences between DHL and USPS. DHL is a large private courier specialising in global cross-border shipping, with headquarters in Bonn, Germany. USPS, which is an entity of the US government, is the main postal service of the United States for domestic and international mail.
One of the main differences between DHL and USPS shipping services is the allowed package weight, which for USPS is 70 lb while for DHL it is 150 lb.
Yes, it is possible in some cases to drop off DHL packages at USPS post offices. For example, this is the case for DHL eCommerce packages. Since their partnership began in 2003, USPS has provided last mile delivery services for DHL in the US through its Priority Mail and Parcel Select services.
DHL does not operate in some locations, so they contract USPS when it is not financially beneficial for them to serve a specific area. You should make sure that the DHL package you want to drop off at a USPS facility is correctly labelled, otherwise, the postal workers will not be able to process it properly.
SPEED OF DELIVERY
Both DHL and USPS can offer you fast delivery services on domestic and international routes depending on your budget and specific requirements. Since Express or Priority services use air transport, these will always cost more than standard services.
The fastest shipping service offered by DHL is DHL Express, which is available for domestic and international shipments. Items shipped with DHL Express are delivered in 1 to 3 business days, depending on the distance from the collection to the delivery address.
The fastest international shipping option offered by USPS is Global Express Guaranteed, which also provides an estimated delivery time of 1 to 3 business days.
To determine which one is faster for the service you require, check the comparison between DHL and USPS estimated delivery times in the tables above.
USPS is cheaper than DHL for overnight shipments if you do not need it to be delivered by the next morning. If you need your parcel to be delivered at the beginning of the next day, DHL may be a bit more expensive, but it pays off since they offer guaranteed delivery within that timeframe. Therefore, when choosing which one is better for overnight shipping, DHL or USPS, you need to compare not only the shipping rates but also the delivery times.
USPS is a specialist in small package delivery and mailing services. For this reason, e-commerce and small businesses that need to ship small packages within the US may opt for USPS, while stores that regularly send large or heavy packages usually prefer DHL.
DHL offers a wide range of services for large packages at a global level, and it is the best choice for large parcel deliveries in general. When comparing DHL and USPS international shipping options, bear in mind that DHL uses volumetric weight formulas for cost calculation, which have a direct influence on the final price.
PROS AND CONS
Both companies have their advantages, so before deciding which courier is better, let’s compare DHL and USPS main features:
| Feature | DHL | USPS | Eurosender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door delivery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Same-day pick-up | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Discounts for registered users | X | X | ✓ |
| Support via live chat | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instant online quotes | Depends on the route | Depends on the route | ✓ |
| Freight solutions for individuals | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Real-time tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivery to sanctioned countries | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Both DHL and USPS provide logistics services dedicated to companies and e-commerce stores. Check some of the advantages of each to help you decide whether DHL or USPS is better for your e-commerce needs:
OUR BENEFITS
Instant quotes for international shipments
Vast network of couriers, without binding contracts
Have all your shipping details in one single place
Use advanced tools to send multiple packages
FINAL RECAP
Comparing DHL and USPS to decide which one is better for your e-commerce may take some time as it depends on a number of factors. Remember that the companies you choose to collaborate with have a direct effect on your reputation as a business. When analysing the differences between DHL and USPS shipping services, make sure to check which one is cheaper, faster and has better overall performance In your main operation area.
DHL is usually the preferred option for urgent shipments, same-day collections and transporting large parcels. Their global reach is appealing to shippers who regularly need to send goods overseas and to small businesses who plan to take their operations to a global level. On the other hand, USPS is the most used courier for domestic transport within the US, especially when sending envelopes or small packages. Their Flat-Rate deals are usually the cheapest option among all American logistics providers, which is one of the biggest reasons for their popularity among small and online businesses.
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 DHL, to match you with the best fit for each shipping request. Get a quote online or sign up for additional discounts and benefits.