Jules
3 min read
Jan 14, 2023

Key Points:

  • DHL, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a large courier that specializes in cross-border shipments around the world
  • USPS, on the other hand, is the primary postal service of the United States and focuses on delivering mail and small packages less than 70 lbs
  • Both USPS and DHL offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider closely for your eCommerce business

The DHL vs. USPS debate has raged for years among eCommerce merchants. Both couriers offer their own set of unique service options and pros and cons to weigh very carefully when choosing which option works better for your online business.

Here’s a closer look at both couriers, including their differences, which one is cheaper, their service options, and unique advantages and disadvantages!

Is DHL the Same as USPS?

No, both couriers differ greatly. DHL, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a large courier that specializes in cross-border shipments around the world. USPS, on the other hand, is the primary postal service of the United States and focuses on delivering mail and small packages less than 70 lbs. both domestically and internationally.

DHL VS. USPS COMPARISON

The main differences, essentially, are that DHL is a private courier with a maximum parcel weight limit of approximately 150 pounds. That’s built a global brand on efficient cross-border deliveries while USPS, an entity of the U.S. Federal government, has a much stricter weight limit of only 70 pounds. Specializes mainly in the delivery of postal mail and smaller parcels in a cost-effective way.

Is DHL Cheaper than USPS?

Variable factors such as item value, parcel dimensions, parcel weight, and shipping distance all have major impacts on shipping costs that ultimately determine them more than anything. Generally speaking, however, USPS typically offers more affordable domestic shipping rates when compared to DHL.

Let’s take a closer look at the table below. With Easyship’s Free Shipping Calculator, we can easily access over 250+ shipping options. Here is a table comparing DHL and USPS rates for a 5-pound package from New York to the United Kingdom.

Courier Service Delivery Time Cost
DHL Express Worldwide 1-2 business days $68.23
DHL eCommerce Parcel Direct 9-11 business days $46.34
USPS Priority Mail Express International 5-12 business days $89.48

As we can see, when looking at international shipping services, DHL is the cheapest shipping option as compared to USPS. However, as mentioned above, you can expect to find USPS to have cheaper shipping rates for packages shipped domestically.

Is DHL Faster than USPS?

Both DHL and USPS offer a variety of shipping options for both domestic and international shipments. However, if you are shipping small packages with low value and low budget, using USPS is your best option. On the other hand, if you are shipping overseas, DHL is the better option. It is important to note that if you need your package to arrive at its destination by a strict date, it will incur an additional cost.

DHL Services

Both DHL international shipping and DHL domestic shipping services are currently offered by the German courier. A few of their current service options include:

DHL Same Day is another popular service option offered by DHL, thanks in large part to the rise of same-day delivery in the world of eCommerce.

USPS Services

USPS also offers an array of fast, affordable service options for both domestic and international delivery. A few of these include:

Most delivery times take between one and three business days, though Priority Mail Express is the main USPS same-day. Plus USPS next-day delivery option due to its rapid overnight delivery to most locations in the US, while USPS Media usually takes between two and eight business days for delivery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DHL

DHL, like just about any courier, has its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at just a few of them!

Advantages of DHL:

  • Significant international presence in about 220 nations
  • Express delivery at service points
  • Efficient air and sea delivery services
  • Ability to transport larger parcels cost-effectively
  • No pickup fees

Disadvantages of DHL:

  • Limited US presence
  • Generally higher shipping costs
  • Typically more surcharges compared to USPS

Advantages and Disadvantages of USPS

Using either USPS domestic shipping or USPS international shipping has its own advantages and disadvantages to take into account. A few of these include:

Advantages of USPS:

  • Shipping rates are generally more affordable compared to DHL
  • Wide variety of service options
  • Many nationwide locations across the United States
  • Required by law to deliver to all United States postal addresses in all jurisdictions
  • Free package tracking
  • No surcharges on parcels

Disadvantages of USPS:

  • Maximum shipping weight of only 70 lbs.
  • Limited package tracking services
  • Expensive insurance costs

DHL vs. USPS: Choose Which Courier Suits Your Needs

Both DHL and USPS offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider closely for your eCommerce business. If you do a lot of cross-border shipping, especially of larger parcels, DHL is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you typically send out smaller packages domestically within the U.S., USPS is likely the way to go.

Fortunately, Easyship partners with DHL and USPS, offering discounted rates and a wide array of domestic and international shipping solutions. Sign up for a free account today and see which courier works best for your eCommerce company personally!

DHL vs. USPS FAQ

Does DHL transfer packages to USPS?

Yes, DHL will transfer your package to the local postal service. In the US, that’s the USPS. However, local postal delivery varies by country.

Is DHL or USPS cheaper for international shipping?

If you are shipping internationally, DHL is usually cheaper. You can use our Free Shipping Rates Calculator to compare rates from various couriers.

If you found this article informative, you might enjoy the following:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Points:

  • DHL, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a large courier that specializes in cross-border shipments around the world
  • USPS, on the other hand, is the primary postal service of the United States and focuses on delivering mail and small packages less than 70 lbs
  • Both USPS and DHL offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider closely for your eCommerce business
Get Your Ship Together.

By submitting the form, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship.

Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Effortlessly compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Instant discounts. Start in minutes.

Shipping Internationally? Unsure What Tariffs or Duties Apply?
Try our FREE Tax & Duty Calculator

Trying to stay up to date on the latest cross-border shipping and import requirements? Get an instant estimate of all applicable taxes and duties for every country across 220+ global destinations or sign up and take advantage of our in-built HS Code lookup tool.

Calculate Tax & Duties Instantly (Free Tool)
Ready to Stop Overpaying for Shipping?
Try our FREE Shipping Rate Calculator

Looking for the cheapest way to ship a package? Get an instant shipping quote and compare rates from 550+ courier services across the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Simply add your package size and delivery location, and you'll find the best deal in seconds.

Calculate Rates Instantly (Free Tool)
Planning Your Campaign?

Get in touch with us now and our shipping consultants can give you a detailed quote and additional info to help with your campaign.

Get in touch
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get in touch with our fulfillment experts!

We believe simple pricing is the best pricing. Get a quote with a simplified pricing structure and no hidden fees.

Contact us
Need help fulfilling your crowdfunding campaign?

We provide the necessary tools needed to keep you on budget for shipping and to safely deliver your product to backers around the world.

Learn more
Try our duty & tax calculator!

Need to estimate your shipping duties & taxes? Our calculator can give you an idea of what to expect.

TRY IT NOW
Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Start in minutes.

GET STARTED FOR FREE
Get a Free Quote for Your Campaign

Receive a personal cost estimate for your crowdfunding campaign from our trusted global fulfillment partners. Easyship is a certified Indiegogo partner.

GET FREE QUOTE
Looking for great rates from a top courier?

Save up to 74% on UPS shipping rates by shipping with Easyship. You can run a quote and generate your first shipments in literally minutes!

SHIP WITH UPS TODAY
The cheapest way to ship for eCommerce

Get instant access with volume-discounted shipping rates. Save up to 89% off on USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Easyship is free for 50 shipments each month.

SIGN UP FREE TO SAVE
Find your perfect fulfillment partner with expert help

Let Easyship connect you to the largest shipping and fulfillment network on Earth. You’ll find trusted partners for all things logistics. Guidance is free from our global shipping experts.

ASK AN EXPERT
Don’t miss our money and time-saving features!

Explore the powerful features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE ALL FEATURES
Start saving on shipping in seconds

Create your free Easyship account to streamline shipping and save with discounted rates. No hidden fees. No minimums. Just savings.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Create Your Shipping Policy Free

Use our guided walk-through to build the perfect shipping policy for your eCommerce business.

CREATE YOUR POLICY FREE
Looking to intergrate your Shopify store?

With 550+ pre-negotiated shipping services available with discounts of up to 91%, you can save time & money today when you integrate your Shopify store with Easyship

REGISTER FOR FREE
Use Easyship Free Every Month

Easyship is free to use for 50 shipments every month. You’ll save big on our discounted shipping rates up to 91% off, and save time with smart automation. Signup is fast and free.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Don’t miss the key steps to fulfillment success

Follow the easy path to fulfillment success. Easyship’s free fulfillment checklist provides a proven step-by-step so you can ship at scale without the guesswork.

VIEW THE CHECKLIST
Ship for less with any courier, guaranteed

Save up to 89% off all shipping rates. Easyship offers the guaranteed cheapest volume-discounted rates on the market from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers.

SIGN UP TO SAVE
Don’t miss all our money and time-saving features!

Explore the innovative features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE FEATURES
Want the cheapest rates?

Register for an Easyship account today and you will gain access to the cheapest rates, instantly.

REGISTER FOR FREE
Watch out for international duty and tax!

What exactly does it cost to ship cross-border? Use the free duty and tax calculator from Easyship to view accurate import costs for any shipment to anywhere.

USE FREE
Protect Your Crowdfunding Budget from Cost Creep

Prices are rising, deliveries are slowing. Get up to speed on the state of crowdfunding shipping with expert Easyship analysis and keep your campaign on budget.

LEARN MORE
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 550+ courier services at a glance.

GET A FREE QUOTE
Discover Your Cheapest Way to Ship

Find the guaranteed cheapest shipping in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers at a glance.

COMPARE RATES FREE
Compare the best rates in seconds

Get an instant estimate of the cheapest shipping rates with our free calculator tool.

GET FREE RATE QUOTES
Save money on every shipment

Save up to 91% off shipping with Easyship’s discount courier rates. Create your free account to save instantly on 550+ courier services, including USPS.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Ready to ship internationally?

Get help from our global shipping experts on warehousing, global shipping and to connect with our network of trusted 3PLs.

GET FREE SHIPPING TIPS
How’s Your Covid Shipping Policy?

Use our free shipping policy generator to formulate your safest, most customer-friendly shipping policy in seconds.

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Try Pre-generated Return Labels For Free

Register for an Easyship account today and get 30-days access to a Premier plan with access to Pre-generated Return Labels.

Generate Return Labels Today
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS® & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get Up to Speed On Covid Shipping

Explore our Covid shipping resources to make sure your shipment arrives on time and in good condition.

LEARN MORE
Free Shipping for the Holidays 101

Learn how the leading brands offer free shipping, calculate costs, and ship on a budget for the holidays in our free shipping guidebook.

LEARN MORE
Your Perfect Shipping Policy, Ready in Minutes

Use Easyship’s free shipping policy generator to formulate your perfect holiday shipping policy for returns, tracking, and more. Just follow the prompts and you’re done!

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Scale Your Growth Internationally With Pro Tips

Learn how to ship internationally without missing a step. Our case studies show you proven tactics for shipping worldwide from Easyship users who did it right.

READ CASE STUDIES
No items found.
Share on:

Related Articles

No items found.