Capitalize on Ecommerce Growth: EasyPost and DHL eCommerce Reduce International Shipping Rates
by EasyPost
Shipping across the seas can be daunting. But with global ecommerce sales projected to reach $6.3 trillion worldwide in 2024, it’s more critical than ever to make the leap now.
Luckily, a simpler way to ship internationally is just around the corner. In response to the ever-growing ecommerce market, EasyPost is proud to announce a strategic partnership with DHL eCommerce to offer two new low-cost international shipping solutions (DHL Parcel Int’l. Direct - SMB and DHL Parcel Int’l. Standard - SMB) designed for small and midsize e-commerce businesses (SMBs). These new solutions, now live on the EasyPost platform, aim to address the growing demand for cost-effective and reliable international shipping solutions. Best of all, both DDP and DDU services are available, so you can choose to have the duties and taxes included in the label cost or pass those on to your recipient.
Whether you’re a cost-conscious shipper looking to ship abroad for the first time or you rarely ship internationally, DHL eCommerce will connect you to over 220+ countries with ease*. These special rates are available to all EasyPost users at no additional cost.
*These services do not deliver to U.S. states and territories.
What is DHL eCommerce?
Supporting the global shipping industry for over 50 years, DHL eCommerce is a division of DHL Group dedicated to offering services that balance speed and affordability. Their goal is to reduce the complexity of international shipping and offer a seamless experience. By shipping with DHL eCommerce through EasyPost you can:
- Easily access reliable and consistent shipping services.
- Leverage our exclusive discounted rates at no extra cost.
- Reach international customers in 220+ countries from the U.S.
- Streamline your international shipping with door-to-door service. Simply hand-off your shipment to USPS via dropoff or pickup and they will transfer the package to DHL eCommerce on your behalf.
- Protect packages automatically for select service levels with $100 of Shipment Value Protection.
- Pre-pay for duties and taxes with your label cost to ensure a seamless delivery experience for you and your customers. Or select a DDU option to leave duties and taxes for the recipient.
- Estimate accurate shipping costs with the built-in DHL Duty & Tax Calculator. The label cost you see from EasyPost is the final price* with duties and taxes included. For example, if you ship a package with DHL Parcel International Direct SMB, the rate for your label at checkout will be inclusive of any duties and taxes you have to pay.
*Please use caution around peak season as seasonal surcharges may not be included. Also note DDP services like DHL Parcel International Direct SMB will include duties and taxes in the label cost, while DDU services push them to the recipient.
What service levels are supported by EasyPost?
EasyPost will support the following service levels for U.S. export shipments only. Your shipment will start its journey with USPS and must originate in the U.S. with a destination of one of the 220+ available countries. For package weight and size limits, see DHL eCommerce’s website.
Most shipments will arrive within one or two weeks, but transit time will vary based on your destination country and DDU or DDP selection. EasyPost customers can enjoy DHL eCommerce's reliable and timely shipping at an affordable cost. If you have more time-sensitive needs, EasyPost also offers discounted shipping rates for DHL Express.
Service Level | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
DHL Parcel International Direct SMB (DDP) | 7-15 business days |
DHL Parcel International Standard SMB (DDU) | 7-17 business days |
DHL Parcel International Direct SMB Transit Times
Destination | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|
Australia | 12 business days |
Canada | 7 business days |
France | 8 business days |
Germany | 9 business days |
Hong Kong | 13 business days |
Ireland | 11 business days |
Italy | 10 business days |
New Zealand | 11 business days |
Netherlands | 9 business days |
Rest of EU | 10-13 business days |
DHL Parcel International Standard SMB Transit Window
Destination | Estimated Transit Window |
|---|---|
Canada | 7-11 business days |
Rest of World | 10-17 business days |
As a first-time international shipper, what else should I know?
Excited to start reaching your customers abroad? Before we show you how to save on these amazing DHL eCommerce services, we’ll share some shipping tips for the first-time international shipper.
DDP and DDU service levels
When the shipping destination is outside the origin country, duties and taxes must be accounted for. DDP and DDU represent the two options shippers have: pay ahead of time along with the shipping cost or pass the responsibility for duties and taxes on to your customer.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
- The seller assumes responsibility for risk through the shipping process (shipping fees, taxes, duties, and insurance).
- Significantly improved customer experience and reduced chance of return by minimizing logistic complications and making costs predictable for all parties.
- Financial and legal clarity, so your business is never at risk of unexpected expenses or legal concerns with customs.
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
- The buyer assumes responsibility for risk through the shipping process (shipping fees, taxes, duties, and insurance).
- Reduced shipping cost for your business and increased opportunities to ship to countries with high duties and taxes.
To learn more about DDP and DDU, see our blog post here.
Hazardous goods and unacceptable shipments
Hazardous and Dangerous goods cannot be shipped with our discounted DHL eCommerce shipping account or DHL eCommerce SMB. See DHL eCommerce’s guide on prohibited items and unacceptable shipments for full details on what can ship, what can’t, and what needs a little extra care.
Returns
While you’re likely well acquainted with your return options for domestic shipments, international is a different ball game. It’s important to remember that there are fewer options for international return services, and there are more potential causes for returns than domestic shipments, such as packages being deemed undeliverable by customs or sticker shock from import duties. You can prepare for duties by using the DHL Duty & Tax Calculator to forecast potential costs. Please take extra care to review DHL eCommerce’s guide on prohibited items and unacceptable shipments, and other regulations for the countries you are shipping to.
For more information about hazardous goods and international returns, see our DHL eCommerce support article here.
How to access the discounted rates today
- Sign up for a free EasyPost account and navigate to the Carriers tab.
- Locate DHL eCommerce under "EasyPost Carrier Accounts" and click the “Create Account” button to the right to activate your shipping account.
- Your DHL eCommerce account and credentials will automatically be created and linked. Your discounted rates come preloaded, and you are ready to ship right away.
See our support article for more details.