DHL vs. USPS: Which is Better Carrier for Your Business?

The DHL Express vs. USPS debate has raged for years among eCommerce merchants. Both couriers offer their own set of unique service options and pros and cons to weigh very carefully when choosing which option works better for your online business.

Here’s a closer look at both couriers, including their differences, which one is cheaper, their service options, and unique advantages and disadvantages!

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Is DHL Express the Same as USPS?

No, both couriers differ greatly. DHL, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a large courier that specializes in cross-border shipments around the world. USPS, on the other hand, is the primary postal service of the United States and focuses on delivering mail and small packages less than 70 lbs. both domestically and internationally.

The main differences, essentially, are that DHL is a private courier with a maximum parcel weight limit of approximately 150 pounds. It’s a global brand built on efficient cross-border deliveries while USPS, an entity of the U.S. Federal government, has a much stricter weight limit of only 70 pounds. Specializes mainly in the delivery of postal mail and smaller parcels in a cost-effective way.

Is DHL Express Cheaper than USPS?

Generally speaking, USPS typically offers more affordable domestic shipping rates when compared to DHL Express.

Variable factors such as item value, parcel dimensions, parcel weight, and shipping distance all have major impacts on shipping costs that ultimately determine them more than anything.

Let’s take a closer look at the table below. With Easyship’s Free Shipping Calculator, we can easily access over 550+ courier services. Here is a table comparing DHL and USPS rates for a 2-pound package from New York City to Toronto.

Category: Accessory (no battery)

Weight: 2 lbs

Origin: New York City

Destination: Toronto

As we can see, when looking at international shipping services, DHL is the cheapest shipping option as compared to USPS. However, as mentioned above, you can expect to find USPS to have cheaper shipping rates for packages shipped domestically.

Is DHL Express Faster than USPS?

Both DHL Express and USPS offer multiple options for domestic and international shipping, but speed and cost vary significantly.

• For low-value, budget-conscious shipments within the US, USPS is generally the more affordable choice.
• For international deliveries, DHL Express is faster and more reliable, especially when you need guaranteed delivery dates.
• Keep in mind: express services from both carriers often come with higher costs if you need strict delivery timelines.

DHL Express Services

DHL Express is best known for its international express shipping and specializes in cross-border deliveries. Key services include:

• DHL Express Worldwide – Fast international delivery in 1–3 business days with 70kg weight limit
• DHL Express 12:00 / 9:00 / 10:30 – Time-definite delivery options for critical shipments with 70kg weight limit for 12:00 and 30kg for 9:00/10:30
• DHL Same Day – Premium option for urgent deliveries, often used in eCommerce and medical logistics.

DHL Express remains a top choice for merchants shipping overseas, offering customs support and end-to-end tracking.

USPS Services

USPS continues to be a cost-effective solution for domestic and lighter international shipments. Current services include:

• Priority Mail Express – Fastest USPS option, offering overnight delivery to most US locations with money-back guarantee with weight limit 70 pounds (≈ 31.8 kg)
• Priority Mail – 1–3 business days within the US, widely used for eCommerce with weight limit 70 pounds (≈ 31.8 kg)
• USPS Ground Advantage – Affordable option for packages up to 70 lbs, typically 2–5 business days.
• Media Mail – Lowest-cost service for books and media, delivery in 2–8 business days.
• Priority Mail International & Priority Mail Express International – Cost-effective but slower than DHL for overseas shipping.

Which has a Greater Global Footprint? USPS or DHL Express?

When it comes to international reach, DHL Express has a significantly larger global footprint compared to USPS.

• DHL Express operates in over 220 countries and territories, making it one of the most comprehensive international courier networks in the world. As a global logistics leader, DHL Express has established hubs in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, offering specialized expertise in customs clearance and time-definite deliveries. This makes DHL the go-to option for eCommerce businesses looking to expand their customer base overseas with reliable, fast shipping.
• USPS, while strong domestically, has a more limited international presence. It primarily handles international deliveries through partnerships with foreign postal services and networks like the Universal Postal Union (UPU). While this allows USPS to reach more than 180 countries, delivery times and reliability can vary because USPS does not directly control the final mile in most international destinations.

✅ Takeaway: If your business is focused on domestic shipping within the US, USPS provides excellent coverage at lower costs. But if you’re aiming for consistent, trackable, and faster global deliveries, DHL Express has the advantage thanks to its direct presence and operational control across the world.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DHL Express

DHL Express, like just about any courier, has its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at just a few of them!

Advantages and Disadvantages of USPS

Using either USPS domestic shipping or USPS international shipping has its own advantages and disadvantages to take into account. A few of these include:

DHL vs. USPS: Choose Which Courier Suits Your Needs

Both DHL and USPS offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider closely for your eCommerce business. If you do a lot of cross-border shipping, especially of larger parcels, DHL is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you typically send out smaller packages domestically within the U.S., USPS is likely the way to go.

Fortunately, Easyship partners with DHL and USPS, offering discounted rates and a wide array of domestic and international shipping solutions. Sign up for a free account today and see which courier works best for your eCommerce company personally!#

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DHL vs. USPS FAQ

Does DHL transfer packages to USPS?

Yes, DHL will transfer your package to the local postal service. In the US, that’s the USPS. However, local postal delivery varies by country.

Is DHL or USPS cheaper for international shipping?

If you are shipping internationally, DHL is usually cheaper. You can use our Free Shipping Rates Calculator to compare rates from various couriers.

Which is faster for international shipping?

DHL Express is faster than USPS for nearly all international routes. DHL Express Worldwide can deliver in 1–3 business days, even to remote destinations. USPS Priority Mail International usually takes 6–10 business days, while First-Class International may take several weeks depending on the destination.

Which is better for eCommerce businesses?

Both have their distinct advantages. DHL Express is better for sellers with a global customer base who need fast, reliable, and trackable international shipping. USPS is better for budget-conscious sellers shipping within the US or sending lightweight parcels internationally where delivery speed is less critical.

Does DHL deliver on weekends?

Yes, in many regions DHL offers Saturday delivery for Express shipments, though availability and surcharges vary by country. USPS also provides limited weekend delivery, mainly through Priority Mail Express on Sundays in select areas.

Can I track USPS and DHL shipments the same way?

Yes. Both USPS and DHL provide end-to-end tracking numbers that can be monitored online. DHL’s tracking tends to be more detailed for international shipments, while USPS tracking may show limited updates once a package leaves the US.

If you found this article informative, you might enjoy the following:

• FedEx vs. UPS: Which Is Better?
• UPS vs. USPS Shipping Comparison
• DHL vs. UPS: Which Is Best for eCommerce?