International RatesCustoms ExpertiseGlobal Coverage

DHL vs UPS for International Shipping: Complete Guide

DHL dominates European and Asian routes while UPS excels in North American cross-border. Choose your carrier based on destination, not brand loyalty.

Compare Rates NowSee Price Examples

Should I use DHL or UPS for international shipping?

DHL Express is typically better for Europe and Asia with faster customs clearance. UPS is often better for Canada, Mexico, and Latin America where their ground network extends.

Compare Shipping Rates

Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail

2 lb package to UK

$65.40DHL Express (2-3 days)

UPS Worldwide Expedited: $72.80 (+11%)

5 lb package to Germany

$88.60DHL Express (2-3 days)

UPS Worldwide Express: $98.40 (+11%)

10 lb package to Canada

$45.80UPS Standard to Canada (4-7 days)

DHL Express: $78.50 (+71%)

* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.

Get Your Shipping Rate

Compare rates from multiple carriers and save up to 54% on shipping costs

Get Rate

Minimum 0.1 lb, Maximum 150 lb

DHL Express: The International Specialist

DHL is the world's largest international express carrier, with the strongest networks in Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.

Pros

  • ✓Strongest network in Europe, Asia, Middle East
  • ✓Own delivery network in 220+ countries
  • ✓Excellent customs clearance expertise
  • ✓Often faster to Europe (2-3 days vs 3-5)

Cons

  • ✗Limited domestic US presence
  • ✗More expensive for North American routes
  • ✗No economy international options

UPS Worldwide: North American Powerhouse

UPS has the largest integrated air and ground network in North America, excellent for US-Canada-Mexico shipments.

Pros

  • ✓Strongest US-Canada-Mexico network
  • ✓Multiple service tiers (Express to Economy)
  • ✓UPS Standard to Canada much cheaper than express

Cons

  • ✗Slower to Europe than DHL
  • ✗Less established network in Asia
  • ✗Uses partners in some countries

Pro Tips to Save More

1

Use UPS Standard for Canada

UPS Standard to Canada costs 50-60% less than express services with 4-7 day delivery.

2

Try DHL for European Speed

DHL delivers to most European destinations in 2-3 days vs 3-5 for UPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

DHL is typically 10-15% cheaper to Europe and Asia. UPS is significantly cheaper to Canada with their Standard ground option.
UPS is usually better for Canada. UPS Standard offers ground delivery at 50-60% less than express rates.

Partnered with Leading Shipping Companies

We work with all major carriers to bring you the best rates and service options.

FedEx
Save Up to 54%

Fast, reliable overnight and ground shipping

Available Services:

FedEx GroundFedEx ExpressFedEx 2DayFedEx Overnight
UPS
Save Up to 48%

Comprehensive shipping solutions worldwide

Available Services:

UPS GroundUPS Next Day AirUPS 2nd Day AirUPS 3 Day Select
USPS
Save Up to 45%

Affordable shipping to every address in the US

Available Services:

Priority MailPriority Mail ExpressGround AdvantageMedia Mail
DHL
Save Up to 42%

Leading international shipping and logistics

Available Services:

DHL ExpressDHL GroundDHL InternationalDHL eCommerce

Real-Time Rates

Live pricing from all carriers updated continuously for accuracy.

Volume Discounts

The more you ship, the more you save with our tiered pricing.

Customer Support

24/7 support to help with all your shipping questions and needs.

Related Shipping Guides

USPS vs DHL for International Shipping: Budget vs Speed

USPS Priority Mail International costs 40-60% less than DHL Express but takes 6-10 days vs 2-4 days.

UPS Ground vs FedEx Ground: Which Carrier Should You Choose?

UPS and FedEx Ground are nearly identical in price and speed. Your choice should depend on pickup convenience, account discounts, and destination coverage.

How to Get the Cheapest UPS Shipping Rates

UPS retail rates are expensive, but negotiated discounts of 30-70% are common. Learn how to access discounted UPS rates.

Popular Shipping Calculators

Ship Tablet

Electronics & Tech

Ship Hats or Caps

Clothing & Apparel

Ship T-shirts

Clothing & Apparel

Helpful Resources & Tools

ShipWave vs ShipStation: Full Comparison (2025)

Comparisons

USPS Priority Mail vs UPS 3 Day Select

Carrier Comparisons

Residential vs business addresses: detection and pricing

Reference

Hear from Our Customers

Join thousands of satisfied customers who are saving money and time with ShipWave.

S

Sarah Johnson

Saved $2,400

Handmade Crafts Co.

"ShipWave has saved us thousands on shipping costs. The interface is so easy to use, and the savings are incredible. Highly recommend!"

M

Mike Chen

Saved $5,600

Tech Gadgets Store

"As an e-commerce business, shipping costs were killing our margins. ShipWave changed everything - we now save 45% on every shipment."

L

Lisa Rodriguez

Saved $1,800

Boutique Fashion

"The rate comparison feature is amazing. I can see all options at once and choose what works best for each customer. Game changer!"

D

David Thompson

Saved $8,200

Home Goods Direct

"Customer service is outstanding and the platform never goes down. We process hundreds of labels weekly without any issues."

50K+
Happy Customers
And growing every day
$2.5M+
Total Savings
Saved by our customers
1M+
Labels Printed
Shipped successfully

Ready to Save on Shipping?

Compare rates from all major carriers and save up to 54% on your next shipment.

Calculate Your Rate

Free to use. No account required.