Understanding DHL eCommerce + DHL Express

Last updated: February 2023

What’s the difference between DHL Express and DHL eCommerce? Not sure? Don’t worry – that’s what we’re here to answer.

DHL is a household name – and it has been ever since it was founded back in 1969. Now, decades later, the DHL is still one of the world’s largest couriers, delivering a staggering number of parcels every year. They also haven’t lost a step with the growth of eCommerce. Now, DHL offers a variety of services specifically aimed at eCommerce businesses.

But things can get complicated when it comes to picking your shipping providers – especially when providers like DHL have multiple options. That’s why we’ve written this article. We’re going to cover what DHL is and exactly what you need to know about DHL Express and DHL eCommerce.

Table of contents

• What is DHL?
• A guide to DHL eCommerce and DHL Express
• What is DHL eCommerce?
• What is DHL Express?
• What’s the best option for you?
• Using a courier management system
• What challenges can a courier management system resolve?
• How does a courier management system work with DHL eCommerce and DHL Express?
• Finding options that work for you

A guide to DHL eCommerce and DHL Express

Finding the right shipping provider is always tricky, especially when one company offers multiple sub-brands and services. Let’s look at the differences between DHL eCommerce and DHL Express, and some of the services they offer.

Which services are available with DHL eCommerce?

• DHL Packet International (Economical, low weight shipping)
• DHL Packet Plus International (Economical, low weight shipping plus milestone tracking events)
• DHL Parcel International Standard (Shipping up to 20 kg)
• DHL Parcel International Direct (Direct shipping up to 20 kg to high demand markets)

Which services are available with DHL Express?

Export

• Urgent, Time-Sensitive (Next Possible Business Day)
• Same Day (Emergency, Quickest Possible)

Import

• Urgent, Time-Sensitive (Next Possible Business Day)
• Less Urgent (1-3 Business Days)
• Same Day (Emergency, Quickest Possible)

Domestic

• Urgent, Time-Sensitive (Next Possible Business Day)
• Same Day (Emergency, Quickest Possible)

Business solutions

• Express Breakbulk (Consolidated Clearance)
• Medical Express (Temperature Sensitive)
• DHL Globalmail (Sorting and Franking)

Using a courier management system

Given that you need to offer different shipping options to your customers, you’re probably thinking through the logistics of managing multiple couriers – especially the manual task of going in and out of different courier systems.

Add the process of providing tracking options, returns and customs documentation and you’ve got a recipe for order delays and stressed staff.

This is where courier management software comes into play. It's helpful to think of this software as a superpowered platform that connects your online store (like Shopify) to the different couriers you’ll need. Oh, and a whole lot of other useful functionality.

Next, we'll learn about some of the main shipping challenges our courier management system (Starshipit) can handle.

How does a courier management system work with DHL eCommerce and DHL Express?

We’ve already explored the benefits of introducing a courier management system into your retail business. But how do these systems work with DHL eCommerce and DHL Express? Quite easily!

With Starshipit, for example, you can simply integrate the shipping platform into your existing workflow:

• Create a Starshipit account (there’s also a 30-day free trial).
• Bring your existing courier account numbers and product codes into Starshipit, using our ready-to-go integrations with DHL eCommerce and DHL Express.
• Using our integrations or dynamic API, integrate your eCommerce store or inventory management system.
• Start processing orders and let Starshipit automate the tedious tasks of shipping.

Note: DHL Express is best suited if you need to ship to any country, domestically or internationally, whereas DHL eCommerce is best for international shipments from Australia.

Finding options that work for you

We’ve talked a lot about DHL in this article, but that’s not to say they’re the only option for your retail business.

In fact, given just how important it is to give your customers choice, you should aim for a solid mix of couriers.In turn, this will allow you to cater for every option and every customer, whether that’s someone who wants a package shipped across the globe in 3 days or someone who’s happy to wait a bit longer.

What’s more, with the right courier management system in place, you’ll be able to easily swap couriers out as your business evolves – not to mention negotiate better rates for your shipping!

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how a powerful shipping platform like Starshipit could revolutionise your shipping and fulfilment.