Shipping a parcel or package within Germany can incur very different costs. The costs vary not only in terms of the size or weight of the package. There are also sometimes significant differences among the various shipping companies. A comparison can definitely be worthwhile here.

DHL – the most well-known shipping service provider in Germany

When someone wants to send a package, they first think of DHL. With a large global transport network and a delivery time of an average of one to two days, DHL offers the best conditions for fast delivery. Additionally, the convenience for the sender is particularly high. Even in areas with lower population density, branches or packing stations are available. For an additional fee, DHL also picks up packages at home. The recipient is delivered directly to their home. If they are not there, they can request a second delivery or pick up the package at the nearest branch. Delivery to a packing station is also possible.

Parcels can be sent within Germany starting at a price of 3.95 euros. Packages with insured shipping are offered within Germany starting at a price of 6.99 euros. Those who choose online franking can also send packages starting at 4.99 euros. Packages are insured up to a value of 500 euros.

Hermes – the fast parcel courier

Hermes also operates through its own transport network and additionally works with various subcontractors. Up to 30 countries can be supplied through its own transport network. Those who are often online can create the parcel label directly on their mobile phone and do not even have to print it out. If the recipient is not at home during delivery, the package is left at a Hermes ParcelShop and can be picked up there. However, Hermes offers up to four delivery attempts.

All packages with Hermes are insured up to a value of 500 euros. The cheapest package costs 3.89 euros. International shipping with Hermes is also relatively inexpensive. For example, an S-package to Austria costs 13.79 euros.

DPD – underestimated competitor of DHL

DPD vehicles and deliverers are increasingly seen on the road. The provider has its own transport network and offers delivery to a total of 40 countries. All other countries are supplied via partner parcel services. The delivery time is usually only one to two days, just like with DHL. DPD works with parcel notifications, allowing the recipient to be at home when the package arrives. Shop2Shop and pickup at one of the 5,000 partner shops are also possible. DPD uses three delivery attempts before the packages are given to the shop.

Shipping with DPD is possible from a price of 3.90 euros. Liability is provided up to an amount of 520 euros. Complaints must be made directly to the deliverer.

GLS – Europe-wide shipping at affordable prices

GLS is also part of the range of shipping companies. The provider works with its own transport network and various subcontractors and delivers to 40 countries in Europe. Parcel labels can be created online, and packages cost from 3.79 euros upwards. With GLS, delivery is only made from Monday to Friday. If you are not reachable, you have the chance for a second delivery attempt. Afterwards, the delivery can be picked up at one of the parcel shops. There are 6,000 of these throughout Germany.

GLS offers by far the highest liability. Up to 750 can be replaced if the complaint is made directly to the deliverer.

UPS – worldwide shipping with short delivery times

UPS is relatively far down the list in the shipping cost comparison. The reason for this is that packages cost from 7 euros upwards. The provider has average delivery times of only one day within Germany. Shipping is possible worldwide to 200 countries. The package is picked up by the driver themselves, and there are very few shops available. Delivery is only made from Monday to Friday. UPS only makes neighborhood deliveries if there is a power of attorney from the customer.

Saving on shipping costs – it depends on weight and size

Especially with DHL, significant amounts can be saved if attention is paid to the weight and size of the boxes. With Hermes, on the other hand, weight plays a subordinate role. Here, it is also not a problem if the S-parcel weighs more. It only depends on the size.

In general, it can be a good idea to look at the online prices. Most shipping companies offer the option to print the shipping label online and sometimes also pay here. This reduces the cost of a package by a few cents. Especially if many packages are frequently sent, the effort is definitely worth it. It also shortens the waiting times at the acceptance point. However, it is still possible to fill out parcel labels by hand and stick them on the packages or store them in delivery note pockets. At DHL, as well as at Hermes, there are pre-made stickers for the packages.

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