When choosing who to ship with, you have lots of options: DHL Express, UPS, FedEx, and others. But do all of them provide the same level of service as we can? Below is a chart of many key benefits we offer, and how the competition stacks up.
| FedEx | UPS | DHL Express | |
| Market Share | 29% | 22% | 38% |
| Focus | Domestic | Domestic | International |
| Transit Times | 1-5 Days | 1-5 Days | 1-3 Days |
| Shipping System | FedEx Only | UPS Only | Multi-carrier |
| Live Customer Service (no waiting) | No | No | Yes |
| International Experts | No | No | Yes |
| Pickup Fee | Yes | Yes | No |
| International On-Demand Delivery | No | No | Yes |
| Rate Agreement | Yes | Yes | No |
| Volume Commitment | Yes | Yes | No |
| Payment Terms | 7 Days | 7 Days | 7 Days |
| Export Fuel Surcharge (03.30.21) | 7.50% | 7.25% | 7% |
| Import Fuel Surcharge (03.30.21) | 10.25% | 11% | 7% |
1. Massive Global Network
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Extensive coverage: DHL ships to over 220 countries and territories—even reaching remote locations.
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Deep emerging‑market presence: Particularly strong in Europe and Asia, enabling faster and more reliable delivery where others may struggle .
2. Fast & Predictable Transit
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Speed: DHL Express typically delivers international packages in just 1–3 business days—often beating FedEx or UPS on global routes.
- Reliability: Users report fewer transit delays and more consistent performance compared to competitors
3. Competitive Pricing
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Cost-effective: Especially for international shipments
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No hidden pickup fees: DHL typically includes pickup in its pricing, while FedEx and UPS often charge extra
4. International Shipping Experts
- Customs and compliance experts: 95% of shipments clear customs in the air
- Worldwide team: Global logistics team that understands on the ground support
Ready to ship smarter? With DHL’s global network and Preferred Shipping’s concierge-style support—featuring no pickup fees, full customs handling, and live expert help—you get international delivery that’s fast, affordable, and hassle-free.
