UPS vs DHL: differences and similarities
Want to send a parcel and wondering how DHL and UPS differ? Below you can read more about both carriers.
What do DHL and UPS 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 UPS. They are separate companies: UPS is American, and DHL Express is owned by Deutsche Post.
Shipping with ParcelParcel? You can compare and book both UPS and DHL, side by side with FedEx and DPD.
Shipping with UPS
United Parcel Service (UPS) is the oldest courier service in the world. It was founded in 1907 in Seattle (US) by 19-year-old James E. Casey. UPS has been active in Europe since 1976. The company operates worldwide and delivers parcels in 219 countries. In 2017 it had 454,000 employees, 374,000 of them in the US. It has its own airline, UPS Airlines.
Shipping with DHL
As the name suggests, DHL Express focuses on express shipments: fast delivery by courier. To keep it fast, DHL uses its own network and its own customs department, with its own vans, trucks, aircraft and people. DHL has a strong network in Africa and can deliver almost everywhere there.
That network gets your parcel delivered quickly: a document to the US within 24 hours, and an import shipment from Hong Kong too. So if you are sending a business parcel, DHL Express is the better choice.
A nice story: how did the DHL Express network start?
The company was founded by three men: Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn. The first letters of their surnames form the name DHL. They found a way to get shipping documents for sea freight to customs faster. They flew the documents from San Francisco to Honolulu in a small plane, so the paperwork was done before the ship arrived. That saved time, and it saved the shipping line costs such as waiting fees. Parcels, pallets and documents cleared customs with less delay. That was the start of international air express. In the years after this success, DHL expanded its network, and it has kept a good relationship with customs in almost every country in the world. DHL Express has been owned by Deutsche Post since 2002.
UPS vs DHL: which is better for international shipping?
DHL and UPS both deliver in more than 220 countries and territories. For international shipping DHL has the edge over UPS, because it has the strongest international logistics network. Which is faster? DHL's fastest service is DHL Express, with estimated delivery times of up to 3 working days. An international delivery with UPS takes about 4 to 7 working days, although faster options are available for an extra charge.
Ship with UPS or DHL?
As you can see, choosing UPS or DHL Express comes down to what matters most to you. Read more about shipping a parcel with DHL or shipping a parcel with UPS.
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.
