DHL vs FedEx: differences and similarities
Want to send a parcel and wondering how DHL and FedEx differ? Here's how the two carriers compare.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door delivery | ✅ | ✅ |
| Priority express service | ✅ | ❌ |
| Solutions for online shops | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free address changes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Instant online quotes | Depends on the route | ✅ |
| Storage for businesses and individuals | ❌ | ✅ |
| Real-time tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Delivery to sanctioned countries - Countries under international trade sanctions for political or economic reasons. | ✅ | ❌ |
DHL vs FedEx delivery times within the European Union
Below are the delivery times per EU country for DHL Express, FedEx Economy and FedEx Priority.
| | |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | DHL Express | FedEx Economy | FedEx Priority | ParcelParcel |
| Belgium | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Bulgaria | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Czech Republic | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Denmark | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Germany | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Estonia | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Ireland | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Greece | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Spain | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| France | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Croatia | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Italy | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Cyprus | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Latvia | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Lithuania | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Luxembourg | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Hungary | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Malta | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Netherlands | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Austria | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Poland | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Portugal | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Romania | 1-2 days | 4-5 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Slovakia | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Slovenia | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Finland | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
| Sweden | 1-2 days | 3-4 days | 1-2 days | Compare rates |
What do DHL and FedEx have in common?
The biggest similarity is that both are international courier services. Want to send a parcel by express (with a courier) to a destination abroad, such as the US? Then you can choose either DHL or FedEx.
Shipping with FedEx
FedEx is a carrier offering a wide range of shipping, e-commerce and supply chain solutions to businesses and individuals around the world. The company was founded in 1971 by Frederick W. Smith and has its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States.
FedEx has a large fleet of aircraft and trucks to deliver parcels and freight to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Its services include overnight delivery, international express delivery, ground transport, freight, e-commerce solutions and logistics support.
Shipping with DHL
As the name suggests, DHL Express is all about fast delivery. To keep it fast, DHL uses its own network and its own in-house customs department, with its own vans, trucks, aircraft and people. That network gets your parcel delivered quickly: a document to the US within 24 hours, and an import shipment from Hong Kong too.
DHL is one of the largest logistics companies in the world. It was founded in 1969 by Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn, and the name comes from the founders' surnames. Today the company is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, with more than 380,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories.
DHL vs FedEx: which is better for international shipping?
DHL and FedEx both ship worldwide. For international shipping DHL has the edge, because it has the strongest international logistics network. FedEx, on the other hand, has a lot of experience with shipments to and within the US and Canada, especially domestic delivery.
Which is faster? The difference is small. DHL's fastest service is DHL Express, with estimated delivery times of up to 3 working days. With FedEx Priority, your shipment reaches Asia, Canada, Europe or the US in 1-3 working days. There are faster options for an extra charge too, such as FedEx International First. See also our overview of international courier services.
Ship with FedEx or DHL?
As you can see, choosing FedEx or DHL Express comes down to what matters most to you. Read more about shipping a parcel with DHL or shipping a parcel with FedEx.
DHL vs FedEx: which is cheaper?
That depends on your route and parcel. With our comparison tool you see the cost of DHL and FedEx side by side in a few clicks. Enter your shipment details, such as dimensions and destination, at the bottom of this page and pick the best option.
Compare several carriers with our rate calculator
Looking for the best deal for your shipment? With ParcelParcel you can compare carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV, DHL and SkyNet in 30 seconds with our rate calculator, no account needed. The platform is easy to use, so you quickly find the best option. And because we buy in bulk, you get big discounts on shipping rates. Compare and save on your next shipment.
More information?
We're happy to help you send your parcel and give advice where needed. That way we make sending a parcel, a document or a pallet easier for you.
