Key points:
- DHL Express Worldwide offers guaranteed delivery in 1-3 business days
- Alternatively, DHL Paket International can take up to 14 business days
- Instantly compare international shipping rates and delivery estimates from over 250+ couriers with Easyship in just a few clicks
Looking to ship DHL Germany to USA? This article breaks down the services DHL offers, key factors influencing shipping timelines and tips for faster delivery. Plus, explore how to find the best shipping rates and fastest delivery times with Easyship.
Why DHL?
DHL Group is the world’s leading mail and logistics company, delivering over 1.6 billion parcels each year, with a footprint in over 220 countries and territories. Based out of Bonn, Germany, DHL Group offers a wide range of services including:
- DHL Express for time-definite international shipping
- DHL Global Forwarding and Freight transporting
- DHL Supply Chain warehouse management and distribution solutions
- DHL eCommerce non-time definite services
- Post and Parcel (Germany only)
- Sustainable Services
If you are looking at delivering to customers across the Atlantic, shipping DHL to USA is a natural top choice. Many online stores and individuals trust the carrier due to its efficient and reliable reputation, plus the fast DHL
Factors Impacting Shipping Time
How long does DHL take from Germany to the US? To answer this question, we need to break down several key factors that impact delivery timelines. These include the type of service selected, the dimensions and weight of the package, customs, plus the destination and time of year.
Type of Service
DHL offers a wide range of shipping services for international orders, such as DHL Express Worldwide, DHL Paket International and DHL Global Mail. The type of service selected will directly impact the delivery time, with express services typically the fastest option. For example:
- DHL Express Worldwide offers guaranteed delivery in 1-3 business days
- DHL Paket International can take up to 14 business days
Weight and Size of Shipment
The weight and size of your shipment can also impact delivery time, as larger and heavier packages may require additional handling and processing time. This can then cause additional delays, resulting in late delivery. If your package is oversized or irregularly shaped, be aware this can be especially difficult.
Destination in the US
The end customer's destination in the US can be a crucial determinant in the eventual delivery time of your package. Shipping to a major city can be much faster than shipping to a remote location, or outside the 48 states that make up the contiguous US. Some locations may also require additional processing time due to customs regulations, which can significantly delay delivery.
Related post: Essential Guide to DHL Tracking
Customs
Incorrect paperwork, unpaid duties, or prohibited items can considerably slow down international shipments arriving in the US. However, even with everything in order, clearing customs can take between 12–48 hours and even longer during high-traffic periods. If your package is held up for more than 3 business days, then the tracking tool status may change to, “Held by Customs”. In this case, you may need to contact DHL and customs to identify the problem.
Avoid any hold-ups and get your orders delivered ASAP with Easyship's cutting-edge shipping tools. Generate all your shipping labels, packing slips and customs paperwork automatically in just a few clicks and simply print out what's needed.
Time of the Year
Finally, the time of year can also significantly impact the delivery timeline. Starting in mid-August and stretching until Thanksgiving, the high volume of shipments during peak shipping season can quickly cause delivery delays. Additionally, Christmas and weather-related issues like snowstorms can severely impact and slow down shipping time from Germany.
Tips for Faster Delivery
If you are looking to speed up the delivery time of your store’s order, there are a few tactics to help streamline the shipping process:
- Pick an express shipping service like DHL Express Worldwide for shipments that require a quick turnaround
- Ensure your shipment is properly packaged to avoid processing delays
- Double-check your end customer's delivery details with an address validation service
- Avoid shipping during peak holiday seasons
- Consider using an automatic label generator to save time and reduce errors that can cause shipping delays
- Research the specific customs requirements of your customer's destination
Find the Fastest Option with Easyship
Based on the factors broken down above, giving a precise delivery time for shipments from Germany to the US can be hard. However, based on DHL’s typical delivery timelines and quoted offers, we can make some informed estimates.
If you pick DHL Express Worldwide, you can expect your order to arrive with your US-based end customer within 1-3 business days. This service offers online tracking, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery, making it a popular choice for shipments that need to arrive ASAP. Alternatively, DHL Paket International can take up to 14 business days. This service is designed for smaller, low-value items that don’t require express shipping.
Ultimately, these are just estimates and the actual delivery time may vary based on the factors broken down above. Get an up-to-date delivery estimate for your store’s specific shipment with Easyship’s FREE shipping rates calculator. Plus, instantly compare exclusive pre-negotiated prices from over 250 couriers worldwide, in just a few clicks.
Tax and duties calculator: Avoid customs hold-ups and get your shipment delivered ASAP. Let Easyship do the boring bits for you and start confidently shipping knowing there are no surprises
Shipping from Germany to the US? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account today and find the fastest shipping option that fits your exact needs. From tracking to prices and insurance to reviews, compare the essentials and create a delivery experience your customers love today
