DHL vs. FedEx vs. UPS vs. USPS vs. EMS: Which is the Fastest for International Shipping?
DHL
1. DHL History
DHL International GmbH is an international courier, package delivery and express mail service, which is a division of the German logistics firm Deutsche Post. The company delivers over 1.5 billion parcels per year.
The company was founded in San Francisco, USA, in 1969 and expanded its service throughout the world by the late 1970s. In 1998, Deutsche Post began to acquire shares in DHL.
Today, DHL is the world's leading logistics company. DHL Express shares its DHL brand with business units such as DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Supply Chain. Their 400,000 people in over 220 countries and territories work every day to help you cross borders, reach new markets and grow your business.
2. Services offered by DHL
Type | DHL SmartMail Parcel | DHL SmartMail Parcel Plus | DHL SmartMail Parcel Return | DHL SmartMail Flats | DHL SmartMail Bound Printed Matter |
Cost-effective; for parcels under 1 lb. | Cost-effective; for parcels up to 25 lbs. | Cost-effective returns solution | Cost-effective Flats format mailing solution | Cost-effective shipping solution for Bound Printed Matter parcels | |
Max. Weight | 16 oz. | 25 lbs. | 16 oz. / 70 lbs. | 16 oz. | 15 lbs. |
Max. Dimension (L/W/H) | 27'' / 17'' / 17'' | 27'' / 17'' / 17'' | 27'' x 17'' x 17'' | 15'' / 12'' / 0.75'' ³ | 27'' / 17'' / 17'' |
Transit Days: Expedited Max | 2/3 days | 2/3 days | - | - | - |
Transit Days: Expedited | 2-5 days | 2-5 days | 2-4 days / 1-3 days | 2-5 days | |
Transit Days: Ground | 3-8 days | 3-8 days | 3-8 days | 3-8 days | 3-8 days |
End-to-End-Tracking | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Shipment Value Protection | √ | √ | √ | × | × |
Type | DHL Packet International | DHL Parcel International Standard | DHL Parcel International Direct |
Cost effective, lightweight shipping to all markets of the world | The ideal balance of affordability and visibility to 220+ countries and territories | Best-in-class shipping to 37 key international markets | |
Maximum Weight | 4.4 lbs. | 44 lbs. | 44 lbs. |
Maximum Dimension | Length+Width+Height=36'' / Each side=24'' | Length + Girth ≤ 118'' | Length + Girth ≤ 79'' |
Minimum Dimension | Length = 6”/ Width = 4” | Length = 6”/ Width = 4” | No minimum |
End-to-end Tracking | √ | √ | √ |
Transit Days | 4-8 days | Canada & Europe 4-8 days; Rest of World 8-14 days | 3-10 days |
Duty and Taxes paid by | Receiver | Receiver | Shipper or Receiver |
Shipment Value Protection | × | √ | √ |
3. DHL Features
Pros of DHL
Established global presence in about 220 countries. Normally, it will be delivered to your door in 3 days in Europe and America, and it usually takes 4 working days to go to Europe, except weekends and holidays.
Door-to-door delivery of packages.
Air and sea delivery.
The air freight network is well developed. There are individual bulk prices for more than 21 kilograms, and the prices are very attractive. In some areas, they are lower than EMS.
In remote areas, delivery may not be possible, or additional money may be required.
No pickup fees.
24/7 international support.
Offers refunds for service failures on its part.
Cons of DHL
Less significant presence in the U.S.
Occasional extra charges or surcharges
Money Saving Tip: If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux!(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus!
FedEx
1. FedEx History
FedEx, previously known as Federal Express, is a major player in the package delivery market and a direct competitor to global leader United Parcel Service (UPS). The company was founded by its current chief executive, Fred Smith, in 1971. It's an American multinational conglomerate holding company which focuses on transportation, e-commerce and business services which is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.
However, 50 years later, the company has the world's largest airline in terms of freight tons flown and is the world's fourth-largest in terms of fleet size. The company has almost 300,000 employees and with 60,000 dropoff locations across the country, returns have never been easier. Fedex Express and Fedex Ground are delivered separately. The color of the car will be differentiated -The orange one is Express and the green one is Ground.
2. Services offered by FedEx
Type | Transit Days | Services |
SAME-DAY DELIVERY | Have urgent shipments delivered that very day in select areas. | FedEx SameDay® |
OVERNIGHT DELIVERY | Get it there the next business day by morning, noon, or evening. |
|
2 DAY DELIVERY | Have it there in 2 business days, as early as 10:30 to businesses or noon to homes. |
|
3 DAY DELIVERY | Get shipments delivered in 3 business days, by afternoon to businesses or evening to homes. | FedEx Express Saver® |
COMMERCIAL GROUND DELIVERY | Ship affordably to businesses in 1 to 5 business days. | FedEx Ground® |
RESIDENTIAL GROUND DELIVERY | Send shipments to residential addresses with delivery every day of the week. | FedEx Home Delivery® |
SAME-DAY FREIGHT | When it absolutely cannot wait, have your freight delivered in a matter of hours. | FedEx SameDay® Freight |
OVERNIGHT FREIGHT | Send a freight shipment today and have it delivered as early as 9 a.m. the next business day. | FedEx First Overnight® Freight |
1, 2, OR 3 DAY FREIGHT | Get time-definite delivery of palletized freight in as little as 1 business day to most U.S. locations. |
|
Type | Transit Days | Services |
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE | Get your shipment on the next available flight for delivery within 24 hours to most international countries and territories. | FedEx® International Next Flight |
1, 2, OR 3 DAY DELIVERY | Get it there within 1 to 3 business days, with delivery in up to 220 countries and territories. | FedEx International First® FedEx International Priority® |
COST-EFFECTIVE 2 TO 5 DAY DELIVERY | Choose economical shipping with delivery in 2 to 3 business days to select countries, or in 2 to 5 to 215+ countries and territories. | FedEx International Economy® |
GROUND DELIVERY TO CANADA | Have packages delivered to 100% of Canadian businesses and homes in 2 to 7 business days. | FedEx International Ground® |
NEXT AVAILABLE FLIGHT | For critical freight shipments, choose the fastest possible delivery option by putting them on the very next flight. | FedEx® International Next Flight |
1 TO 5 DAY FREIGHT | Send international shipments over 150 lbs. quickly, with delivery in as little as 1 business day. |
|
CONTROLLED ITEMS AND DANGEROUS GOODS | Safely send freight that could pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment. | FedEx International Premium® |
3. FedEx Features
Pros of FedEx
1)Usually delivered within 2-3 working days
2) There are networks in more than 200 countries and regions all over the world, with full coverage. The query website information is updated quickly, and problems can be solved in time.
3) It can be shipped online, and pick-up service is provided in 109 cities across the country.
Highly reliable tracking system.
4)FedEx offers Saturday delivery, too. This makes it a great option for impatient consumers who want to get their items as quickly as possible.
5)When you use FedEx to ship large volumes of packages, you can sometimes negotiate lower shipping rates, too.
Cons of FedEx
1) FedEx typically has higher shipping rates than other shipping options, including UPS.
2) The volume and weight of the product need to be considered.
3) Proactively declare customs.
Sign up at Extrabux, then you can enjoy up to 4% cashback on your order at FedEx!
UPS
1. UPS History
Founded in 1907, United Parcel Service, Inc. is a package delivery company, which provides global package delivery and supply chain management services. It offers logistics services to the global market, which include transportation, distribution, forwarding, ground, ocean and air freight, brokerage and financing. The company operates its business through three segments: U.S. Domestic Package, International Package and Supply Chain & Freight. The U.S. Domestic Package segment provides in time-definite, money-back guaranteed, small package delivery services and also offers spectrum of U.S. domestic guaranteed ground and air package transportation services. The International Package segment offers a wide selection of guaranteed, day and time-definite international shipping services.
The Supply Chain & Freight segment consists of its forwarding and logistics services, UPS Freight business, and its financial offerings through UPS Capital. UPS is the largest courier company in the world by revenue, with annual revenues around US$85 billion in 2020, ahead of competitors DHL and FedEx.
2. Services offered by UPS
Services | Transit Days | Features |
UPS Express Critical® – Domestic | Same-day delivery |
|
UPS Ground Shipping | Within one to five business days |
|
UPS Standard Delivery | Day definite, by end of day |
|
UPS Next Day Air Early | Most major cities in the United States will deliver early the next morning. |
|
UPS Next Day Air Shipping | Guarantee next day delivery |
|
UPS Next Day Air Saver | The most affordable second day delivery service |
|
UPS 2nd Day Air A.M.® | Guaranteed to be delivered the next morning or noon |
|
UPS 2nd Day Air | For packages that do not need to be delivered overnight, delivery is guaranteed the next day |
|
UPS 3 Day Select® | Guaranteed delivery within three working days |
|
Services | Transit Days | Features |
UPS EXPRESS CRITICAL® | Time provided when order is placed |
|
UPS WORLDWIDE EXPRESS PLUS® | 1-3 business days, typically by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. |
|
UPS WORLDWIDE EXPRESS® | 1-3 business days, typically by 10:30 a.m. or noon |
|
UPS WORLDWIDE SAVER® | 1-3 business days, by end of day |
|
UPS WORLDWIDE EXPEDITED® | 2-5 business days, by end of day |
|
3. UPS Features
Pros of UPS
1) Fast, usually 2-3 working days can be delivered, about 48 hours to reach the United States.
2) Many cost-effective shipping options. Also has lots of expedited shipping options, including next-day delivery and same-day delivery in some cases.
3) UPS pricing is much more affordable than FedEx, especially when you’re sending out light shipments. They offer volume discounts, too, and let you negotiate lower rates when you’re shipping large.
4) It can be shipped online, and pick-up service is provided in 109 cities across the country.
5) Negotiable rates.
6) Total control of the entire shipping network.
7)Simple shipping processes.
Cons of UPS
1) While UPS is much more affordable when you’re shipping light packages, heavier shipments can be quite a bit more expensive.
2) Disadvantages of UPS.
3) UPS adds a lot of fees and surcharges onto heavier packages, especially when you're shipping internationally. Before you decide to work with them, be sure to consider the average weight of the packages you ship out.
4) Like FedEx, UPS also does not offer free package pickup. You’ll have to pay a flat rate before you can have items picked up.
5) Perhaps the biggest downside to using UPS is the fact that they do not offer free Saturday delivery.
USPS
1. USPS History
The United States Postal Service (USPS; also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service) is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States, including its insular areas and associated states.The USPS traces its roots to 1775 during the Second Continental Congress, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first postmaster general. It's one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution. The USPS, as of 2020, has 495,941 career employees and 148,092 non-career employees.
The USPS has a monopoly on "letter" delivery within the United States and operates under an universal service obligation (USO), both of which are defined across a broad set of legal mandates, which obligate it to provide uniform price and quality across the entirety of its service area.
2. Services offered by USPS
Services | Transit Days | Features |
Priority Mail Express® | Next-day to 2-day guarantee by 6 PM |
|
Priority Mail® | 1-3 days |
|
First-Class Mail® | 1-5 days |
|
First-Class Mail | 1-5 days |
|
First-Class Package Service® | 1-3 days |
|
USPS Retail Ground | 2-8 days |
|
Services | Transit Days | Features |
Global Express Guaranteed | 1-3 business days (1 business day to many destinations in Canada) |
|
Priority Mail Express International | 3-5 business days |
|
Priority Mail International | 6–10 business days |
|
First-Class Mail International | Varies by destination |
|
First-Class Package International Service | Varies by destination |
|
First-Class Package International Service | Varies by destination |
|
Airmail M-Bags® | Varies by destination |
|
3. USPS Features
Pros of USPS:
1) Compared with UPS, FEDEX, DHL, these commercial express delivery prices are cheaper.
2) Cheapest option for smaller packages. The USPS is very useful when your package weighs less than 13 ounces, and it is cost-effective even if it is mailed via First Class Mail.
3) Many people choose USPS when sending parcels to China, because it doesn't take the initiative to declare customs like UPS or FedEx, so there are fewer cases of paying additional tariffs. However, electronic products are taxable when entering China Customs, and they will also be taxed if they go to the USPS.
4) Free pick-up.
5) Saturday delivery option.
6) Delivers to mailboxes and PO boxes.
Cons of USPS:
1) Limited tracking availability.
2) Poor customer support.
3)The speed of USPS is much slower than other express.
4) When shipping items weighing less than 2 pounds, USPS is cheaper than UPS. If the weight of the item is very close to 2 pounds, USPS will lose its price advantage because it can get a large discount when negotiating with UPS.
EMS
1. EMS History
EMS is an international postal express network that delivers to over 180 countries, including Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
The EMS service in the United States of America is Priority Mail Express International, part of the United States Postal Service which is the United States of America's designated universal postal service provider, supporting customers, businesses and communities worldwide.
The United States Postal Service was founded in 1776 and joined the EMS Cooperative in 1999. Priority Mail Express International delivers EMS seven days of the week reaching 350 million consumers across the United States of America. Customers can easily access EMS at 32,000 retail outlets and post offices across the country.
Services | Transit Days | Features |
Priority Mail Express International | 3–5 Business Days |
|
2. EMS Features
Pros of EMS:
1) Rates from EMS tend to be slightly cheaper than DHL, FedEx vs. UPS's. This is because EMS operates as a door-to-door delivery service alongside local post offices.
2) EMS delivers 8 million packages every week to over 180 designated countries.
3) EMS is a popular choice, particularly for small packages and low-value items.
4) Insurance for merchandise loss, damage, or missing contents with limited exceptions.
Cons of EMS:
1) Like shipping with USPS, these cheaper rates may result in slightly slower deliveries or less reliable delivery lead times.
2) For International e-EMS, the general time of shipping the parcels to it’s destination country is minimum 3 days to maximum 7 days. While an addition of 2 days takes place when the destination country is a remote area.
3) Unlike DHL, EMS only delivers and operates on business days.
Conclusion
DHL vs. FedEx vs. UPS vs. USPS vs. EMS: which is the fastest for international shipping?
1) USPS is cheaper than DHL, FedEx, and UPS. The disadvantage is that the service is not as good as the latter, which is a compromise solution.
2) DHL, FedEx, UPS are characterized by fast, reliable, and good service; the disadvantage is that they are expensive. According to the commercial parcel declaration, almost 100% is taxed and the tax rate is high. It is more suitable to send important documents.
3) For international parcels, it is recommended not to send USPS First Class. Because there are too many people handling this kind of parcel, there is no place to ask even if this kind of parcel is lost.
USPS Priority Mail International is basically the most cost-effective, 6-10 working days is less than half a month, and the waiting time is not too long.
If you need to be faster and more reliable, you can choose Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail Express International also has a money-back guarantee.
For important documents, choosing UPS or FedEx express delivery service with on-time delivery guarantee will give you more peace of mind.
4) EMS international express can send the most types of things and has strong customs clearance capabilities. Low prices and good service. Most of the goods are calculated by weight, suitable for large and small goods; suitable for people who have low timeliness requirements and need to mail food, cosmetics, medicines and other sensitive goods at low prices.
I'm sure you have found your answers! Sign up at Extrabux, then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your order!
Read More:
Michael Kors vs. Fossil vs. Emporio Armani Watches: Which is Best for Style?
Goyard St Louis vs. Louis Vuitton Neverfull vs. Longchamp Tote: Which Will Stand the Test of Time?
Coach vs Tory Burch vs MCM Bag: Which Brand Is The Best? (History, Quality, Price & Design)
CHANEL vs. Louis Vuitton vs. Gucci Bags: Which Brand Is The Best? (History, Design, Quality & Price)
Gucci vs. Louis Vuitton vs. YSL Wallet: Which is the Best to Invest in 2025?
Nike Factory vs. Nike Outlet vs. Nike Retail Store: Differences, Quality & Price 2025
Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!
Squarespace, SkinStore, MATCHESFASHION, The Wall Street Journal, NordVPN, Visible, Armani Exchange, Sam's Club, PUMA, AliExpress, Card Cash, NET-A-PORTER, Udacity, Udemy, Selfridges, LOOKFANTASTIC, Vimeo, Coach Outlet, lululemon, PrettyLittleThing, Booking.com, Ripley's Aquarium, iHerb, Groupon, etc.
Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)
Recommendation
-
Is Turkish Airlines Good for International Flights?
-
10 Best & Stylish Winter Coats for Women on NET-A-PORTER in 2025
-
Top & Best 12 Sneaker Apps/Websites for Raffles, Releases & Restocks in 2025
-
7 Best Gift Card Exchange Sites - Buy, Sell and Trade Discount Gift Card Safely and Instanly!
-
Top 9 Professional Skincare Brands for Licensed Estheticians 2025