Looking for a flexible way to send business shipments or have returns dropped off? The DHL drop-off and pick-up point network gives SMEs and e-commerce retailers a reliable way to handle parcels within the Netherlands and abroad, without depending on fixed courier windows.
With thousands of locations — from staffed DHL ServicePoints to parcel lockers accessible 24/7 — you can optimise your logistics chain for both domestic deliveries and international export.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
The DHL network has two main types of drop-off and collection location. For businesses it is essential to know which option suits the type of shipment and the dimensions of the goods.
| Property | DHL ServicePoint (staffed) | DHL parcel locker |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Limited to shop opening hours | Usually open 24/7 |
| Maximum dimensions | 120 x 60 x 50 cm | 64 x 42 x 35 cm |
| Maximum weight | Up to 20 kg | Up to 20 kg |
| Suitable for returns | Yes (on-site printing often possible) | Yes (with a pre-printed or digital label) |
| Suitable for pallets/XL | No | No |
Please note: are you sending fragile, heavy or irregularly shaped goods? Always check the official DHL packaging guidelines beforehand to avoid transit damage and surcharges.
When a business shipment or return parcel is delivered to a ServicePoint or locker, the system generates a unique DHL collection code. This verification method ensures that only the authorised recipient can access the shipment.
As a sender you create your shipping label through our platform. Stick the label on the box and hand the parcel in at the nearest point. The member of staff scans the barcode and you immediately receive a digital proof of drop-off with a tracking number. Want to know what a shipment to a specific destination costs? Take a look at our overview of international shipping with DHL.
For businesses trading internationally, the network reaches well beyond the Dutch border. Through the DHL Parcel Connect network, DHL works with leading national postal and parcel services across Europe. According to European Commission guidelines for postal and parcel services, cross-border networks must meet strict standards for traceability and interoperability.
Thanks to this European partner network you hand in parcels in the Netherlands, after which they are delivered seamlessly in countries such as Germany, France or Spain at local ServicePoints or parcel lockers operated by network partners. This lowers the barrier for international customers and significantly reduces the number of failed delivery attempts.
Managing contracts directly with several carriers often means administrative hassle and minimum volume requirements. By sending business parcels through ParcelParcel, you benefit from maximum flexibility and buying power:
A shipment stays available at a DHL ServicePoint or parcel locker for 7 calendar days as standard. If the recipient does not collect the parcel within that period, it is automatically returned to the sender’s return address.
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First check the delivery confirmation email and your spam folder. Still cannot find the code? Contact the sending party or our customer service team so that the tracking status can be verified.
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No. DHL Parcel and DHL Express operate separate logistics networks. An Express shipment (recognisable by its 10-digit AWB number) can only be handed in at official DHL Express ServicePoints or collected by an Express courier.
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Yes, that is possible. The authorised person must show the original collection code (QR code or PIN) along with their own valid photo ID at the pick-up point.
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You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
button to play the video and the 
icon to view the video in fullscreen.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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