DHL Express Shipping Time
Anish
November 17, 2023
Imagine, for a moment, you’re in a situation where you must get a time-sensitive business document halfway around the world, a deal that would significantly impact your venture’s trajectory.
Alternatively, picture yourself as a business owner fulfilling the order of an individual who wants to surprise a loved one with a special gift and wants that shipment to arrive at their doorstep within a few days at a specific time.
You wouldn’t choose any old carrier or mailing option in these scenarios. Instead, you’d pick the most reliable and fastest shipping service available. Fortunately, DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn) may have what you want.
This article provides what you need to know about DHL Express, including delivery times, alternative DHL mailing solutions, and various aspects of international and domestic shipping with DHL.
Are you looking for a mail and package delivery option that can serve as your lifeline? Talk to a U.S. Postal Service representative. Visit FindPostOffice.org to find your area’s nearest post office locations.
What Is DHL Express?
In 1969, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn shook the mail delivery world by significantly reducing shipping time. They accomplished this feat using air travel as part of their shipping process.
Since then, speed has been the primary focus of the three visionaries’ namesake company, DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn). And nothing embodies this commitment to swift shipping more than DHL Express, one of the five divisions of the DHL Group.
The DHL Group consists of other reliable subsidiaries catering to various shipper needs, including DHL Freight, DHL Supply Chain, DHL eCommerce, and DHL Global Forwarding.
With a history spanning over half a century, DHL Express has become the global leader in international courier and express delivery service. It boasts an extensive reach of 220 countries and territories, made possible by its more than 100,000 Certified International Specialists.
Options for Express Deliveries
DHL Express provides several expedited delivery options to cater to your domestic and international shipping requirements.
From same-day delivery with its DHL Sameday Jetline and Sprintline to next-possible-business-day, time-critical offerings like DHL Express 9:00 and 12:00, DHL Express has you covered.
International and Domestic Shipping Services
DHL Express offers a wide array of domestic shipping and international delivery services to ensure your parcels reach their final destination with precision and speed.
International DHL Delivery Times per Service
As mentioned, DHL prioritizes speed. But how fast are DHL Express services? Let’s explore DHL Express’ International product portfolio to determine the possible delivery times you have at your disposal.
DHL Parcel International Direct
DHL Parcel International Direct is excellent for international shipments, especially if you require duty and tax management assistance. It’s the preferred DHL global option for the 37 major eCommerce markets worldwide.
Additionally, it offers 3- to 10-business-day delivery for shipments weighing up to 66lbs going to Canada and up to 44lbs for everywhere else globally.
DHL Parcel International Standard
If you want a service that offers affordable shipping rates and a slightly faster turnaround time for select international addresses than the previous DHL service, consider DHL Parcel International Standard.
It boasts four- to eight-business-day shipping to Europe and Canada and between 8 and 14 days to the rest of the world. With this DHL Express service, you can send mailpieces without worries, as it also comes with end-to-end monitoring using their tracking numbers.
DHL Packet International
DHL Packet International is worth considering if you need a mailing solution for smaller, lightweight packages weighing up to 4.4lbs. It boasts a delivery time of four to eight business days to over 220 countries and territories, including Australia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
Domestic DHL Delivery Times by Service
Although DHL Express excels in providing fast and reliable international services, it doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the domestic shipment department.
Here’s a quick look at your potential mail and package delivery options for items heading to U.S. addresses:
DHL SmartMail Parcel and Parcel Plus
DHL’s SmartMail Parcel and Parcel Plus services provide reliable domestic delivery for 16oz and 25lbs mailers. They also offer several delivery windows depending on how fast you want your DHL shipments to arrive at their intended destinations.
If you choose the “Expedited Max” option, the delivery time is two to three postal days, two to five postal days with the “Expedited” service level, and between three to eight postal days if you choose the “Ground” delivery variant.
If you select the Expedited Max option for DHL SmartMail Parcel and Parcel Plus, you’re actively helping the environment as they offer carbon-neutral shipping.
DHL SmartMail Flats
If you require a mailing solution for lightweight parcels weighing under 1lb and have dimensions less than 15” in length, 12” in width, and 0.75” in height, consider DHL SmartMail Flats.
This DHL Express domestic service has a delivery time of three to eight business days via the DHL SmartMail Parcel Ground network. It’s perfect for promotional materials, newsletters, and reports.
DHL SmartMail Bound Printed Matter
Like DHL SmartMail Flats, DHL SmartMail Bound Printed Matter is a domestic shipping solution worth considering if you’re mailing marketing material.
However, unlike the former, it offers a higher weight limit of 15lbs, allowing you to mail heavier items, including glued, stapled, stitched, or spiral-bound publications or manuals.
The estimated delivery time for DHL SmartMail Bound Printed Matter varies depending on the specific service level. If you choose the expedited option, expect your packages to arrive within two to five postal days.
Conversely, if you pick the ground option, expect a shipping window between three to eight days.
DHL SmartMail Parcel Return
DHL doesn’t only cater to individuals. It also provides mailing solutions to businesses. DHL SmartMail Parcel Return is one of these business-tailored options.
If you’re a business owner, such as an eCommerce retailer, picking DHL SmartMail Parcel Return allows you to provide a convenient domestic return service to your customers, as it lets them drop off items at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or schedule a free pick up.
Note that the shipping timeframe for these returns depends on the service level. For instance, “light” items or those that weigh under 16oz have a delivery time of two to four postal days.
On the other hand, deliveries for mailpieces weighing up to 70lbs can take one to three postal days with a “Plus” service level and between three to eight postal days via the DHL ground network.
DHL Express Terms and Conditions: Domestic and Worldwide
While DHL Express strives to be fair, you must carefully consider the specific terms and conditions that apply to the shipping service you choose, as violating them may result in surcharges.
Here are the guidelines and requirements for some of DHL Express’ prominent mailing solutions.
DHL Express 9:00/12:00
DHL Express 9:00/12:00 are shipping services that provide guaranteed delivery before 9 AM and noon the next day. These DHL Express options can significantly benefit businesses sending time-critical domestic and international correspondence.
DHL Express Domestic Before 9 AM
To use DHL Express, your mailpieces must be:
| Maximum Weight (per piece) | 30kg 66lbs |
| Maximum Dimensions (per piece) | 120cm (L) x 80cm (W) x 80cm (H) 47.24” (L) x 31.49” (W) x 31.49” (H) |
| Maximum Dimensions (per shipment) | 300kg 661lbs |
| Maximum Number of Pieces (per shipment) | 10 |
Note that you cannot ship pallets via DHL Express 9:00. This service is also known as DHL Express “10:30” in the U.S. For more information on DHL Express domestic mailing options, sign up for a MyDHL account.
If you want to explore other domestic services from other carriers like the U.S. Postal Service, visit your local post office. You can quickly find your area’s most convenient USPS facilities by using FindPostOffice.org’s locator tool.
DHL Express Domestic Before Noon
For a slightly later delivery, DHL Express 12:00 on the next possible business day. Here are the package conditions you must ensure to use the service:
| Maximum Weight (per piece) | 70kg 154lbs |
| Maximum Dimensions (per piece) | 120cm (L) x 80cm (W) x 80cm (H) 47.24” (L) x 31.49” (W) x 31.49” (H) |
| Maximum Dimensions (per shipment) | 300kg 661lbs |
| Maximum Number of Pieces (per shipment) | 10 |
DHL Sameday Jetline/Sprintline
If you need significantly faster solutions, consider DHL Sameday Jetline and Sprintline. As their name implies, these services provide deliveries on the same day via DHL’s fastest route.
Fortunately, DHL Sameday Jetline and Sprintline are lenient for single-piece shipments, as there’s no maximum weight and dimensions. However, there are pallet conditions, including:
| Maximum Pallet Weight | 1,000kg 2,204.62lbs |
| Maximum Pallet Dimensions (Cargo Aircraft) | 300cm (L) x 200cm (W) x 160cm (H) 118.11” (L) x 78.74” (W) x 62.99” (H) |
| Maximum Pallet Dimensions (Vehicle) | 300cm (L) x 200cm (W) x 180cm (H) 118.11” (L) x 78.74” (W) x 70.86” (H) |
However, understand that these terms and conditions can vary, as DHL offers customized solutions for computer peripherals and hardware.
For specific information on DHL SameDay Jetline and Sprintline guidelines and restrictions, contact DHL customer service at 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-2255-345).
Additional Services and Features
DHL Express offers additional services and features to enhance your shipping experience. From customized shipping options to tracking services, DHL ensures your parcels are in safe hands.
Here’s an overview of DHL’s various additional services and features:
| Shipment Preparation | Direct Signature |
| Shipment Value Protection | Dedicated Delivery |
| Extended Liability | Adult Signature |
| Dedicated Pickup | GoGreen Plus |
| Saturday Pickup | Change of Billing |
| Neutral Delivery | Printed Invoice |
| Saturday Delivery | Monthly Service Charge |
| Residential Address Delivery | Non-Standard Pickup |
For additional information on these extra services and how they can improve your shipping experience, contact DHL customer service at 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-2255-345).
What’s the Maximum Weight for DHL Express?
The maximum weight allowed for a DHL Express shipment varies depending on the specific mailing solution. Here’s a quick look at the weight limits for the various DHL Express options:
| DHL Express Service | Maximum Weight (per piece) | Maximum Weight (per shipment) |
| DHL Express Worldwide | 70kg | 3,000kg |
| DHL Express 9:00 | 30kg | 300kg |
| DHL Express 12:00 | 70kg | 300kg |
| DHL Express Easy | 25kg | 25kg |
| DHL Express Envelope | 0.3kg | 0.3kg |
| DHL Express Economy Select | 70kg | 1,000kg |
| DHL Express Global Mail | 2kg | 20kg |
| DHL Sameday Jetline | No Limit | No Limit |
| DHL Sameday Sprintline | No Limit | No Limit |
| DHL Sameday Solutions | 30kg | 300kg |
What Is the Volume Weight?
Volume or volumetric weight is a crucial factor in mailing, as it can impact whether you can utilize a specific DHL Express service and the shipping cost.
You must understand that DHL compares a mailpiece’s actual weight against its volume weight. The greater of the two values will be the package’s DHL weight.
Multiply your parcel’s length, width, and height, then divide that figure by 4,000 for its volumetric weight. Alternatively, you can use the DHL volume calculator tool on your MyDHL account.
How Long Does DHL Shipping Take?
Timely deliveries are ingrained in DHL’s DNA. Let’s look at the shipping timeframes you can expect with the various mail and package delivery options DHL offers to help you determine which is most suited for you.
DHL Delivery Times by Service Within the USA
Earlier, we discussed the domestic mailing solutions offered by DHL. However, your chosen service level is the critical component influencing those options’ deliveries.
DHL has three service-level choices for its domestic shipments. Here’s how long you can expect a package to arrive, depending on the specific service level:
| Expedited Max | Two to three business days |
| Expedited | Two to five business days |
| Ground | Three to eight business days |
DHL Delivery Times for International Service
Here are the estimated delivery times for DHL’s international mailing solutions:
| DHL Sameday | By the end of the same business day |
| DHL Express 9:00 | By 9 AM on the next possible business day |
| DHL Express 12:00 | By noon on the next possible business day |
| DHL Express International | By the end of the next possible business day |
| DHL Express Envelope | By the end of the next possible business day |
| DHL Parcel Direct | 3-10 business days |
| DHL Parcel International | 4-8 business days |
| DHL Parcel Standard | 4-8 business days for Europe8-14 business days for the rest of the world |
DHL Delivery Hours
Like the shipping times, delivery hours vary depending on the specific DHL mailing service and service level you choose. That said, expect your domestic mailpieces to arrive between Mondays and Fridays from 8 AM to 6 PM.
On the other hand, international shipping service points are generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with deliveries occurring from 8 AM to 6 PM, Mondays through Fridays.
How Long Does DHL eCommerce Take to Ship?
DHL eCommerce is another division of the DHL Group. It’s also the leading domestic and international shipping services provider for eCommerce businesses worldwide.
Unfortunately, like DHL Express, DHL eCommerce estimated deliveries can vary. For instance, a shipment may take two to three days in a neighboring country like Canada or Mexico. However, shipping may take 20 days for countries further away.
For more information, it’s best to consult the online retailer you ordered from. Conversely, you can contact DHL’s customer service hotline at 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-2255-345).
How Does DHL Deliver So Fast?
DHL Express’s efficiency in delivering parcels is due to its extensive network, spanning over 220 countries and territories. It also utilizes advanced logistics technology and fast customs clearance solutions.
It’s also worth mentioning that since its establishment, DHL has had over half a century of trial and error in developing and perfecting its secure and lightning-quick delivery services.
DHL Paperless Trade for All Your DHL Express Shipments
When you ship a mailpiece to an international address, you must fill out customs forms. Unfortunately, doing so can take some time and resources, specifically paper. Although speed is DHL’s top priority, the carrier also considers green solutions.
Enter DHL Paperless Trade. Instead of wasting valuable paper on customs forms, which can translate to roughly 4.1 million hectares of forest yearly, DHL Paperless Trade allows you to send customs information digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is DHL’s Latest Delivery Time?
DHL aims to complete its daily deliveries by 6 PM local time. However, this estimated window can vary due to factors like inclement weather, mail volume, and operational issues like vehicle malfunctions.
How to schedule or change DHL delivery time?
DHL lets you specify delivery times that suit your convenience. To do this task, create a MyDHL account and download the mobile app to amend incoming shipments.
What happens if you miss DHL delivery times?
If you’re unavailable at the delivery address to receive a package, the DHL delivery personnel will leave a notification card. This yellow card will indicate the steps you can take for re-delivery. Otherwise, you can wait for DHL’s return the following business day.
Does DHL give a time slot for delivery?
The DHL Express 9:00 and 12:00 services let you receive mailpieces before a specific time. However, DHL also allows you to set a time for your mail to be delivered via the MyDHL app.
Does DHL deliver door-to-door?
DHL Express is known for its door-to-door expedited delivery services, ensuring you or your customers don’t have to visit a local post office to receive DHL shipments.
That said, there are benefits to heading to the post office. For one, it lets you get up-to-date information on the mailing solutions that better suit your needs. Visit FindPostOffice.org to find your area’s most convenient USPS facilities.
What does DHL mean by the end of the day?
DHL’s “end of the day” refers to 6 PM local time. As mentioned, however, this day-end doesn’t necessarily mean no more deliveries will occur during that day.
Does DHL deliver on Saturdays?
DHL Express provides Saturday delivery services, offering flexibility for weekend shipments. Unfortunately, this weekend mailing option doesn’t apply to domestic parcels unless you opt for non-standard pricing.
Is DHL’s estimated delivery date accurate?
DHL’s estimated delivery date is typically accurate. It usually will if it says a package will arrive at a certain date. Do understand, however, that there can be outliers due to unforeseen circumstances.
Is DHL Express faster than UPS?
Comparing DHL Express to other courier services, such as UPS (United Parcel Service), can help you determine the suitable carrier. Factors like the destination, the specific service, and the mailpiece’s size and weight all play a role in the equation.
Why is DHL Express so slow?
DHL is generally known for its fast delivery times. However, occasionally, it may hit a snag, like overwhelming mail volume, heavy traffic, or bad weather conditions, resulting in delays.
Is DHL Express faster than FedEx?
Like the comparison between DHL Express and UPS, the question “Is DHL Express faster than FedEx?” doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Both courier services have their pros and cons.
Contact the respective customer service representatives to help you determine which is better for your unique mailing needs. Visiting your local post office can also help you decide how USPS stacks up against these other carriers.
Find your area’s nearest post office locations with FindPostOffice.org’s USPS facility finder tool.
Can I protect my package against loss or damage?
DHL Express offers additional services to help you protect your mailpieces from loss or damage. You can purchase up to $500,000 in shipment value protection. However, coverage past this amount will require DHL’s approval.
References
- OUR STORY
https://www.dhlexpress.be/en/our-story/ - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR EXPRESS DELIVERY SERVICES
https://www.dhlexpress.be/en/news/sustainability/everything-you-need - DHL Group – at a glance
https://www.dpdhl.com/en/about-us/at-a-glance.html - DHL Express
https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/express.html - International Shipping Services
https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/ecommerce/shipping-services/ - What is Carbon Neutral Shipping and How to Implement it?
https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/what-is-carbon-neutral - Domestic Shipping Services
https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/ecommerce/shipping-services/ - A Beginner’s Guide to DHL SmartMail
https://sifted.com/resources/a-beginners-guide-to-dhl-smartmail/ - DHL EXPRESS 9:00
https://www.dhlexpress.nl/en/business/services/products/dhl-express-9 - DHL Express: Super-fast (inter)national shipping for online stores
http://web.archive.org/web/20220913073243/ - DHL EXPRESS 12:00
https://www.dhlexpress.nl/en/business/services/products/dhl-express-12 - SAMEDAY: SPECIAL SERVICES
https://www.dhlexpress.nl/en/business/sameday - DHL EXPRESS WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS
https://www.dhlexpress.nl/sites/default/files/content - DHL SAME DAY SPRINTLINE: SOLUTIONS THAT OFFER RAPID TRANSPORTATION BY ROAD
https://www.dhlsameday.com/Pages/Products/Sprintline.aspx - Help and Support
https://mydhl.express.dhl/us/en/help-and-support.html - Optional Services
https://mydhl.express.dhl/us/en/ship/optional-services.html - VOLUME CALCULATOR
https://send.dhlparcel.co.uk/volume-calculator - DHL Delivery Times and Hours
https://www.easyship.com/blog/dhl-delivery-times-and-hours - DHL eCommerce
https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/our-divisions/ecommerce.html - How Long Does DHL Shipping Take? Simple Explanation
https://trackingadvice.com/how-long-does-dhl-shipping-take/ - What is the environmental impact of deforestation for paper production?
https://paperontherocks.com/2018/11/28/environmental-impact-of-deforestation/