DHL vs. FedEx: Which Works Best for Your eCommerce Store Shipping?

The shipping industry is quite competitive when it comes to offering its services. Here we are comparing two popular shipping services – DHL and FedEx.

DHL Vs FedEx

DHL and FedEx and major shipping carriers who have definite shipping solutions that make them better in different situations. It is hard to determine which is best for your business. Here we take a look at the basic differences of both these shipping carriers to help you decide which is the ideal shipping carrier for your business. 

When it comes to choosing between the two prominent shipping carriers, it is important to weigh in certain factors like the shipping rates, services, their overall value and other minor but critical values. To choose wisely, it is better to get a clear understanding of both DHL and FedEx shipping services.

Here in this article, we take a look at both DHL and FedEx shipping services and get a better picture of both, to choose which is the ideal shipping carrier for you

Is DHL better than FedEx?

FedEx is popular for its time-sensitive deliveries domestically. Whereas  DHL is popular for its cheaper options for international shipping. It is better to get a thorough understanding of both the shipping carriers in detail to choose which is best suited for your business.

Comparing DHL and FedEx

Here is a short comparison on DHL and FedEx.

Overnight Delivery: FedEx does the best overnight delivery of your shipments especially when it comes to domestic delivery.

Shipping charges: Both DHL and FedEx do charge higher for the same day delivery options. But again the DHL rates are cheaper when it comes to domestic shipping as well as international shipping.

Customer special member programs: FedEx and DHL do offer certain member programs for their customers. The FedEx Advantage Program offers flat discounted rates on various shipping options. And the DHL shipping services offer a Bonus program, wherein coupons are provided for free package shipping. 

International Support Services: Luckily both these shipping carriers offer excellent international support and are ideal for cross-border shipping.

International Shipping Insurance: Both the shipping carriers offer appreciable insurance up to $100 of the declared value of the shipment.

Difference between DHL and FedEx

Both these shipping carriers have their unique history and differences when it comes to services, and much more. Let’s take a quick look at the major differences between them here:

FedEx

• Founded in 1971.
• Headquartered at Memphis, Tennessee, United States.
• Provide varied services at their office locations like printing, document scanning, computer rentals and even passport photo services.
• An average of 3.4 million packages is shipped daily.
• Their aircraft fleets include almost 654 planes.
• Can ship more than 7 million pounds of cargo daily.
• 140,000 employees and more.
• Has efficient pickup and dropoff service outlets.

FedEx Shipping Services include:

• FedEx International Next Flight: It ships packages with the fastest possible delivery option using the next flight out.
• FedEx International First: It offers next morning delivery to confined areas.
• FedEx International Priority: It offers delivery of packages within 1-3 business days.
• FedEx International Economy: It offers delivery of parcels within 5 business days
• FedEx Same-Day: It offers same-day delivery of non-freight shipments within the U.S.
• FedEx 2-Day: This is ideal for delivery of non-freight shipments within the U.S. in two days
• FedEx 3-Day: This is ideal for delivery of non-freight shipments within the U.S. in three days
• Other popular shipping services include FedEx Priority, FedEx Ground Delivery, FedEx Overnight, FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx SmartPost and FedEx Express Saver.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FedEx Shipping services

Let us take a look at the advantages and the disadvantages of FedEx shipping.

Advantages

• It offers insurance coverage for all shipments.
• Effective tracking systems with the FedEx tracking numbers.
• Offer 6 to 20% discounts
• Offer in-person services.
• Allows shipping packages weighing up to 150 lbs.
• Also allows weekend deliveries.

Disadvantages of FedEx

• Fewer pickups and drop-off locations.
• For one-time shipments, the customers are charged pick-up fees.
• They have limited free packaging assortments.
• Offer service-based pick-ups.
• Have higher shipping rates.

DHL

• Founded in 1969.
• Headquartered in Bonn Germany.
• Express Delivery possible at DHL Service points.
• Owns five different airline subsidiaries.
• Offer a wide range of Support Services.
• Most of the operations are carried out using 96 aircraft and an additional 21 aircraft on orders.
• Lets delivery in sanctioned countries like North Korea.
• It leads in the sea as well as airmail shipments.
• Delivers over 1.3 billion packages daily.

 DHL Services include:

• DHL Same Day Jetline: It offers the fastest possible delivery of packages using the next flight out delivery option.
• DHL Same Day Sprintline: It offers the fastest delivery of packages using dedicated vehicles for the delivery.
• DHL Express 9:00, 10:30 or 12:00: These all offer next day delivery at the specified time.
• DHL Express Worldwide: It offers prompt next-day delivery by the end of the day to any international location.
• Other shipping options offered by DHL are DHL Express Easy, DHL Global Mail Business and DHL Express Envelope.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DHL shipping

Here are some of the advantages of DHL shipping services:

• Air and Sea delivery services available.
• International presence over 220 countries.
• Door to door delivery available.
• International helpdesk services to assist customers and dedicated DHL eCommerce service especially for online merchants.
• No pickup charges.

Here are some of the disadvantages of DHL Shipping services:

• Limited presence in the US.
• Occasionally charge extra or surcharges.

DHL Vs FedEx Shipping services in the US Region

The below table projects the estimated delivery date for DHL and FedEx shipping services in the US.

DHL Vs FedEx Shipping services in Europe Region

Here is a table of data which shows the estimated delivery date for deliveries in the Europe region using both the services.

DHL uses the same international services to ship across every location. FedEx for Europe uses the Europe first services to ensure that the shipments are delivered promptly. Again the timeliness for FedEx services does increase the prices.

DHL Vs FedEx Shipping services for International Regions

Here is a table that shows the estimated delivery time for international shipments for both FedEx and DHL.

DHL Vs FedEx: Which is better for your eCommerce business?

As we discussed above, both DHL and FedEx have their share of advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the one that suits your business needs is important. As you can see, that DHL is ideal for your cross-border shipping needs and FedEx has better and faster deliveries within the US.

Further Reading:

• DHL Locations & Services: How to find DHL locations near you?
• FedEx vs UPS: Which Shipping Carrier is Better for Online Stores?
• UPS SurePost vs FedEx SmartPost – Pros and Cons