Which delivery company should your business use? Logistics is often a pain-point for many companies and it can be difficult to decide which carrier is the right choice for your business.
Logistics is becoming more and more competitive, and each delivery company can offer unique services. This can provide many different benefits, but you need to decide what services both your business needs AND what your customers want. Researching each carrier to make sure you choose the right option for you is essential. Read more to find out how to choose the best delivery company for your business and what you need to consider to make the decision.
This article also includes an overview of the biggest European carriers: DHL Parcel, DHL Express, DPD, UPS, and GLS: Keep reading for more information on each carrier.
How To Choose The Right Delivery Company For Your Business
Before you begin researching individual shipping services, ensure to establish the following:
Determine how many packages you ship monthly
Establish whether you ship domestically, internationally or both
Plan a realistic budget to prevent overspending on shipping
Learn your customers’ expectations
Set realistic achievements
Decide whether to offer more than one delivery option
It’s important to know the volume of your shipments and where you ship to. This can greatly impact your choice, choosing between a delivery company that is more locally focussed (national) to something that’s more widespread, even global (international).
A set budget will also help prevent loss of profits. If the products you ship have small profit margins, you will need to ensure shipping won’t eat into this. However, if you have the profit margins to facilitate flexibility, you could consider offering different premium services with competitive prices. This could include Weekend and Same-Day delivery or even a delivery subscription service. These can impress your customers with more choices for their convenience, and help ensure they purchase from your webstore.
Ensure to balance what your customers want and expect with their delivery with the budget you have available. Having this clear in your mind will help you choose the correct services for your business.
However, avoid putting budget before quality of service. Be realistic with what services can be offered, but prioritise a good delivery service too. Many customers won’t return to your store, even leaving a negative review, if their delivery experience is a bad one.
How To Research Which Delivery Company To Choose
Once you have determined the above, you will have a clear idea of what your business will need from its shipping services. Now you can start the research process. This helps to avoid just choosing the most convenient or cheapest service. Proper research ensures you provide the best for your customers.
Multiple Carriers
You can also consider whether you will have more than one shipping option. Combining carriers can have benefits for both you and your customers.
Customers will have control with their delivery and are empowered to click “Buy”. Give them the choice to decide which carrier they prefer, what they want to pay for their delivery, and how long it will take. Offering Pickup Points also allows them to choose where the delivery goes. This all helps push customers to convert and increase your sales.
Offering several carriers is easy for you to do in the Sendcloud environment. It not only offers your customers several different services, but it can also help alleviate risks for yourself. For example, if any bottlenecks occur – like technical issues, overloading, or strikes from the carriers – easily switch between your choices to ensure your shipping process still runs smoothly.
Beginning The Research
Continue reading for an outline of the major European carriers. This includes their company overview and some of their services. Whether you’re just starting out with shipping, or you’re a seasoned expert wanting to know more, take the time to find out the options available. Then you can make an informed decision about who to entrust delivering to your customers.
Please note, this is a general overview; details and services for each carrier may vary from country to country. Please ensure to research for your own nation in more detail.
Which Delivery Company Is Best For My Business: DHL vs DPD vs GLS vs UPS
DHL Parcel is a division of German logistics company Deutche Post DHL. Deutche Post DHL is actually the world’s largest logistics company. It is active in over 220 countries worldwide with courier, parcel and express mail services. DHL Parcel provide standard domestic and international parcel pick-up, delivery and return solutions for business customers and consumers as well as e-commerce logistics and facilitation services. DHL Express is another division of German logistics company Deutche Post DHL.
DHL Express offers both domestic and international shipping, but specialise in international operations. Their global reach and local teams ensure fast delivery with end-to-end tracking and customs clearance. The plans under this type of service focus on time critical delivery services.
What is the difference between DHL and DHL Express?
Each company provides its own set of services. DHL Express offers only international services while DHL Global Mail offers both international and domestic services.DPD is the 2nd largest parcel deliverer in Europe. It’s the first cross-border road network in Europe to have its own operations in 23 countries. With a network of more than 42,000 Pickup points, DPDgroup delivers 5.2 million parcels each day through the brands DPD, Chronopost, SEUR and BRT. It’s also a consumer favourite in many countries, with a favourable reputation. UPS was initially founded as a messenger company in the United States in 1907. It is now a multi-billion-dollar corporations, with a focus on enabling global commerce. UPS is one of the most recognised and admired brands around the world. It’s the world’s largest package delivery company, and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services. General Logistics Systems B.V. – commonly known as GLS – is a Dutch, British-owned logistics company based in Amsterdam. It is a subsidiary of British postal service Royal Mail.
GLS covers 41 European countries and eight U.S. states. They provide reliable parcel dispatch services to companies of all sizes from all sectors. This includes both business-to-business and business-to-consumer, whether national or international.
The Key Services for each Delivery Company
The Key Benefits for each Delivery Company
Shipping with DHL Parcel
With DHL Parcel Connect, DHL eCommerce Solutions (DHL Parcel) offers a shipping solution with consistent standards for senders and recipients throughout Europe. Go one step further and send shipments to over 220 countries and territories with DHL Parcel International.
DHL Parcel Connect – For delivery within Europe
DHL Parcel Connect supplies shipping all across their European network. They offers fast transit times with high quality end-to-end transparency and a wide range of services for recipients. The strength of their network and selected partners helps them to provide this.
Requirements for DHL Parcel Connect:
Weight: Up to 31.5kg
Dimension: Maximum 120 x 60 x 60cm
Fast transit times: typically ranging between 1-3 days
For customers in all DHL Parcel Europe countries
Delivery in all DHL Parcel Europe and partner countries
End-to-End transparency through track & trace including pre-delivery notification
Saturday and delivery on preferred day possible
Direct delivery to Parcelshop or Parcelstation
Standard insurance up to €500 included
Additional services available (e.g. cash on delivery, pick-up services, bulky goods)
DHL Parcel International – For shipments worldwide
DHL Parcel International Standard provides parcel shipping to +220 countries. Benefit from simplified postal customs clearance, reliable transit times and end-to-end tracking.
Requirements for DHL Parcel International:
Weight: Up to 31,5kg (varies per destination, 20kg possible)
Dimension:
Europe: maximum 120 x 60 x 60cm, maximum girth 300cm
Americas, Aspac: maximum length 42 inches, maximum length & width 79 inches
220 worldwide destinations available
Range-definite transit times (typically between 5-10 days)
End-to-end tracking
Delivery through local postal providers
Simplified postal customs clearance
Standard insurance up to €500 included
When To Use The Delivery Company DHL Parcel?
If you’re looking for an economical, flexible cross-border shipping solutions with a broad geographic coverage to more than 220 countries
If you ship both domestically and internationally
DHL is an extremely reliable choice for any business. As the biggest logistics provider globally, it is well recognised and respected by consumers and businesses alike.
DHL Parcel has a strong network throughout Europe, and hosts extra benefits for both consumer and business shipments.
DHL Parcel Connect is available with Sendcloud in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Integrate carriers directly to your webstore and start shipping with DHL with Sendcloud today.
Shipping with DHL Express
DHL Express has been a global expert in international trade for over 4 decades. They process several million customs entries every day and use local expertise to understand diverse customs regulations. They focus on international courier delivery with time critical results.
DHL can help small businesses with global custom requirements and trade terminology. They’re also able to support with local imports and exports and resources. This means they’re able to help you as a business navigate the complexities of customs. Their support can help you begin shipping internationally without facing difficulties.
Export Services: International Express Delivery
DHL’s Express service to another country includes; emergency same-day delivery, time-critical next-day delivery, to less urgent options.
Same Day:
Service
Delivery Commitment
DHL SAMEDAY JETLINE
Emergency next flight out: delivery within the shortest possible time
DHL SAMEDAY SPRINTLINE
Emergency dedicated vehicle: delivery within the shortest possible time
Time Definite:
Service
Delivery Commitment
DHL EXPRESS 9:00
Time-critical: delivery on the next possible day by 9:00 a.m.
DHL EXPRESS 10:30
Time-critical: delivery on the next possible day by 10:30 a.m.
DHL EXPRESS 12:00
Time-critical: delivery on the next possible day by 12:00 noon
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE
Time-sensitive: delivery by end of next possible day
DHL EXPRESS ENVELOPE
Time-sensitive: documents by end of next possible day
DHL EXPRESS EASY
Time-sensitive: available at DHL Service Points
Day Definite:
Service
Delivery Commitment
DHL GLOBALMAIL BUSINESS
International non-sorted, non-franked business correspondence
Domestic Services: Local Express Delivery
DHL’s Domestic express delivery within your country including; emergency same-day and time-critical next-day delivery, as well as less urgent guaranteed options.
Same Day:
Service
Delivery Commitment
DHL SAMEDAY SPRINTLINE
Emergency dedicated vehicle: delivery within the shortest possible time
Time Definite:
Service
Delivery Commitment
DHL EXPRESS 9:00 DOMESTIC
Time-critical: delivery on the next possible day by 9:00 a.m.
DHL EXPRESS 10:30 DOMESTIC
Time-critical: delivery on the next possible day by 10:30 a.m.
DHL EXPRESS 12:00 DOMESTIC
Time-critical: delivery on the next possible day by 12:00 noon
DHL EXPRESS 18:00 DOMESTIC
Time-sensitive: delivery by end of next possible day
DHL EXPRESS EASY
Time-sensitive: available at DHL Service Points
When To Use The Delivery Company DHL Express?
Using DHL Express is great for making sure that your products get to your customers on-time and in good condition too. Generally, DHL Express is best for companies who:
Need regular international shipping services
Intend on venturing into new cross-border markets
Need timely delivery of products, especially perishable goods
Need to track shipments very closely and carefully
DHL Express is available in all countries with Sendcloud. You can even use DHL’s Paperless Trade with Sendcloud to digitally forward your customs forms. This is an automatic process that will save time and cut the need to print and attach the forms yourself.
DPD offers services split into Domestic and International choices.
Domestic:
Classic Service – the most economical option for your parcel shipping
Express Service – DPD 10:00, DPD 12:00 or DPD 18:00 and the parcel will arrive before this allotted time
Ecommerce Services – offer your customers the choice of either Pickup, Predict, or DPD Home
International:
DPD Classic – one of the fastest, most reliable delivery services in Europe. Packages usually reach their European destination in one to four days
Air Classic – international service for non-time sensitive shipments with full tracking
DPD Express – a global express network with service to more than 200 countries worldwide
DPD Guarantee – non-urgent international parcels that still must reach the client within a certain time
DPD Services
Pickup:
Customers can receive and send packages at the Pickup point of their choice. DPD has over 42,000 parcel shops and self-service lockers across the globe, with 95% of Europeans located less than 15 minutes away from a Pickup Point.
Predict:
Predict helps consumers know the exact hour their parcel will arrive. The service sends delivery information via SMS or email, getting rid of the need to wait in the house the whole day. It’s also easy for consumers to change the time, day, or place of delivery if their plans change.
Precise:
Consumers can select their own date and one hour delivery slot from the available list. Consumers are also offered to choose the “green slot”. This is the time the driver will be in the area, minimising traffic and CO2 gas emissions.
When To Use The Delivery Company DPD?
If you want to offer your customers control with Pickup, Precise, and Predict
If you are conscious about ensuring your delivery has a minimal impact on the environment
You want a cost effective service
DPD is a great choice if you want to offer your consumers control with their delivery. They have the capability to choose the day, time, and place at their own convenience with Precise, Predict and Pick Up.
DPD is also currently #1 on the voluntary carbon offset market in the CEP sector. If this aligns with your company’s ethics, then DPD is a good choice for you.
Shipping with DPD is currently available in all countries with Sendcloud.
Choose between the following services:
DPD Home
DPD Pickup Point
DPD Classic
Learn more about shipping with DPD here. Find out which services are available with Sendcloud and how to integrate DPD into your webstore.
Shipping With GLS
GLS splits its services into 3 sections. Choose either National shipment, or European or Global International shipment.
National Shipment – BusinessParcel
The basic product for national parcel delivery
Ship up to 32kg with standard delivery time of 24 hours
Liability of up to 500 euro per parcel
Real time Track and Trace, with second delivery attempt included
ExpressParcel
A National ExpressParcel will arrive before 17:00 the next working day. Earlier times (before 09:00 or 12:00) and Saturday delivery are also possible.
International Shipment – EuroBusinessParcel
Send your packages to a European nation in an average of 24-48 hours. Distant regions usually take up to 72 to 120 hours.
Liability of up to 500 euro per parcel
Online Track and Trace, with second delivery attempt included (depending)
International Shipment – GlobalBusinessParcel
Dispatch parcels globally to major business centres such as the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong or Singapore in just a few days.
Easy and fast processing
Real time online Track and Trace
Second delivery attempt included
Liability up to the value max 500 euro per parcel
When To Use The Delivery Company GLS?
If you need fast international shipping
If you want to choose options that will help offset your delivery
GLS is a strong solution for intra-Europe delivery. Ship your products to consumers in as little as 24 hours with EuroBusinessParcel.
GLS also offers its ThinkGreenService with GLS investing in externally certified reforestation projects. This service is bookable for; BusinessParcel, BusinessSmallParcel, EuroBusinessParcel, and EuroBusinessSmallParcel.
Find out more about shipping with GLS and Sendcloud, and how to integrate GLS into your webstore.
Choose to send packages via our pre-negotiated terms (DE), or even connect your own shipping contract (DE, FR) and use the Sendcloud platform to make your shipping process more efficient.
Shipping With UPS
UPS offers guaranteed time-definite and day-definite worldwide delivery based on your shipment’s destination. Choose between either Domestic or International Services.
Domestic Shipping Services
Times and services may vary depending on country
SERVICE
DELIVERY COMMITMENT
SERVICE
UPS Express Plus
1 Business Day
Next day delivery typically by 08.30 – 09.30 a.m.
UPS Express
1 Business Day
Next day delivery typically by 10.30 – 12:00 noon
UPS Express Saver
1 Business Day
Next day delivery by the end of the day
UPS Standard
Day-Definite by Date Scheduled
Fast, reliable service for less urgent shipments
UPS Access Point Economy
Day-Definite by Date Scheduled
Ship to and from UPS Access Point locations
Internationl Shipping Services
Times and services may vary depending on country
SERVICE
DELIVERY COMMITMENT
SERVICE
UPS Express Plus
1 – 2 Business Days
International delivery by 9.00 a.m.
UPS Express NA1
1 – 3 Business Days
Fast international delivery to the U.S. or Canada typically by 10.30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
UPS Express
1 – 3 Business Days
Express international shipping to destinations worldwide typically by 10.30.30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
UPS Express Freight
1 – 3 Business Days
Door-to-door service for palletized freight shipments with delivery by the end of the day
UPS Express Saver
1 – 5 Business Days
Fast and economical worldwide delivery during the day
UPS Expedited
2 – 5 Business Days
Fast delivery for less urgent international small packages with delivery during the day
UPS Standard
Day Definite by Date Scheduled
Fast, reliable service for less urgent shipments
Value-Added Services
UPS offers value-added services such as collection and delivery options, delivery notifications, and special handling to meet your shipping needs. Find some of the commonly used services below.
*may vary per country
Collection and Delivery
Direct Delivery – ensure high priority or time sensitive shipments don’t get redirected to another location
On-Call Collection – convenient scheduling for your package at any time, using any UPS service
Saturday Delivery
Notifications
Delivery Confirmation – verify the shipment was delivered with a choice of signature or adult signature options
Notification Services – track the status of critical shipments with email notifications
Proof of Delivery – comprehensive proof of delivery information by Web, fax, or mail
Collect on Delivery
Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.) – collect payment for your shipment at the time of delivery
When To Use The Delivery Company UPS
You want a premium, express service that is fast and reliable
You ship internationally and want fast results, especially to the U.S. thanks to UPS’s extensive network in their home nation
UPS is a well recognised brand that provides a premium service to its customers. It’s delivery options are fast, and can have your packages where they need to be in no time. If this is your main goal, then choose UPS as a delivery option.
Our software enables you to automate your UPS shipping process behind your desk. Connect your store to Sendcloud and seamlessly integrate UPS shipping with the following options:
We hope from this guide you’re now able to decide what delivery services you want to offer your customers, and which carriers you think are best for your company. Using Sendcloud, automate your shipping process to maximise efficiency, and save both time and money.
What carriers do you currently use? Or did this article help you choose the carrier you are going to start shipping with? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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