Difference between UPS and DHL delivery services
Get the shipping price you are looking for and make the best decision regarding which company to choose. Check our guide with a complete comparison between UPS and DHL and see how much would it cost you to ship with Eurosender instead and have the shipment delivered by DHL or another of our vetted partners.
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DHL vs UPS shipping cost comparison. Is DHL cheaper than UPS?
To thoroughly compare the shipping rates offered by DHL and UPS, we have gathered information about their domestic and international delivery services in the UK. To determine whether DHL is cheaper than UPS or the other way around, we need to analyse the same route & parcel size, and also the additional features included in their services.
When arranging domestic and international shipping services with DHL or UPS, it is often possible to determine a specific time-frame for delivery, schedule collection in a parcel shop instead of the door-to-door service, and other features. However, take into consideration that the DHL and UPS shipping prices may vary based on the surcharges applied for personalising your shipment.
To make sure you compare not only these two companies but also other options of couriers, get a quote on our platform.
PRICE COMPARISON
UPS vs DHL domestic shipping in the UK
Check the prices for shipping a 10kg package domestically with DHL or UPS
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time | Included insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express 12:00 | £ 29.62 | 1 working day by 12:00 | DHL Express standard liability |
| DHL Domestic Express | £ 23.62 | 1 working day | DHL Express standard liability |
| UPS Express Plus | £ 42.27 | 1 working day by 9:00 | Up to £ 60 |
| UPS Express | £ 13.79 | 1 working day by 12:00 | Up to £ 60 |
| UPS Standard | £ 6.59 | 1 working day | Up to £ 60 |
UPS vs DHL international shipping from the UK to Germany
Check the prices for shipping a 20kg package internationally with DHL or UPS
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time | Included insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Parcel Connect | £ 11.72 | 2 – 4 working days | £ 50 |
| DHL Road Economy | £ 28.63 | 2 – 3 working days | £ 50 |
| DHL Express Worldwide | £ 116.52 | 1 – 2 working days | DHL Express standard liability |
| UPS Standard | £ 19.79 | 3 working days | Up to £ 60 |
UPS vs DHL international shipping from the UK to the USA
Check the prices for shipping a 2kg package internationally with DHL or UPS
| Shipping service | Price | Delivery time | Included insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Parcel Worldwide Air | £ 36.58 | 2 – 3 working days | £ 50 |
| DHL Express Worldwide | £ 48.75 | 1 working day | DHL Express standard liability |
| UPS Express Plus | £ 54.04 | 1 working day by 8:30 | Up to £ 60 |
| UPS Express | £ 30.79 | 1 working day by 10:30 | Up to £ 60 |
| UPS Express Saver | £ 25.79 | 1 working day | Up to £ 60 |
| UPS Expedited | £ 21.79 | 4 working days | Up to £ 60 |
Are UPS and DHL the same company?
Due to years of collaboration between those two companies in the US, many customers are still confused about whether DHL and UPS are the same or not. During their partnership, that started in 2008 with a 10-year time frame, UPS was responsible for delivering DHL packages in certain conditions in the USA. However, nowadays, DHL and UPS operate separately through a wide range of domestic and international shipping services.
SPEED OF DELIVERY
DHL vs UPS: which one is faster?
The fastest shipping service offered by DHL is the Express, available both locally and internationally with estimated delivery times of up to 3 working days.
UPS Ground service may take from 4-7 working days for international deliveries. However, for urgent or time-sensitive shipments, they also offer expedited solutions at an additional cost.
To determine which one is faster for the service you desire, check the comparison between DHL and UPS estimated delivery times on our tables above.
DHL vs UPS: which one to choose for international shipping?
When it comes to international reach, both DHL and UPS are proud to announce their operations in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. However, on a global scale, DHL may have an edge on UPS for having the strongest international logistics network, offering deliveries even to sanctioned nations such as North Korea.
DHL vs UPS: which one to choose for domestic shipping in the US?
UPS has a stronger presence in the United States, with a vast fleet of vehicles to perform both road and air deliveries. UPS Ground service is more widely used due to its availability and shipping price. When comparing domestic shipping services in the US, DHL falls behind for not being based in the US, which means they are not allowed to make domestic flights between US airports. To overcome this, they outsource this service with third party carriers.
PROS AND CONS
DHL and UPS – Which one is better? Compare the advantages of DHL and UPS
To help you decide if DHL or UPS is better for your business shipping needs, we compared the advantages of both courier companies.
| Feature | DHL | UPS | Eurosender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door Delivery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Priority Priority Express Service | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Solutions for online shops | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free address changes | X | X | ✓ |
| Instant online quotes | Depends on the country | Depends on the country | ✓ |
| Warehousing for businesses and individuals | X | X | ✓ |
| Track & Trace feature | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivery to sanctioned countries | ✓ | X | ✓ |
DHL and UPS services for eCommerce: which courier company is better for your business?
Both DHL and UPS provide logistics services for eCommerce. Depending on which platform your online store is based or the features you would like to integrate to your system, you can decide whether DHL or UPS is better for your business needs.
- DHL offers specialised eCommerce solutions in many countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, UK, USA and Vietnam. DHL eCommerce shipping solutions include an API for integration to your online shop or marketplace store.
- UPS also offers complete eCommerce shipping solutions with the possibility of API integration or installation of plug-ins to streamline deliveries and tracking information. There are several solutions available, which can also be used in marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, etc.
OUR BENEFITS
Not sure which logistics company to choose?
Eurosender chooses the best one for you. Based on your request, our algorithm identifies the best carrier for your needs. Get access to multi-carrier options and expert assistance from our qualified logistics specialists.
Instant quotes for domestic and international shipments
Vast network of couriers, without binding contracts
Have all your shipping details in one single place
Use advanced tools to send multiple packages
FINAL RECAP
DHL vs UPS Comparison Summary – which one
is better after all?
On one side, we have the US-based courier company UPS with a consolidated presence in American soil and the great benefit of having time-definite deliveries. On the other side, the German-based courier company DHL, which has operations worldwide and a vast selection of services serving everything from envelopes to freight.
To determine whether DHL or UPS is better for your business, you should consider what type of deliveries you mostly use and which company has better performance on your main operational area. Businesses based in the USA may opt for UPS due to strong brand recognition and wide availability of parcel shops in that territory for better convenience of their customers. However, DHL is often preferred by businesses based on the UK or with operations worldwide, who benefit from their global reach.
But why choose one single courier company if you have the option of using multiple providers based on the price/quality they offer for each route? At Eurosender, we work with numerous couriers to match you with the best fit for each shipping request. Get a quote online or sign up for additional discounts and benefits.
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