Finding the right courier to deliver your parcels can be tricky - there are a number of companies on the market who offer this service, and all of whom claim to offer the fastest, safest, and most affordable option.
The best way to find out which company is the best for you is to do some research into their services and prices before making any purchase - and this is where we have stepped in to help.
We have taken a look at two of the most popular courier services in Germany, Hermes, and DHL, to ensure that you have the advice you need to make an informed decision when choosing your next parcel delivery service.
Hermes has been delivering parcels across Europe since 1972, ever since its inception in West Germany, and they have grown from strength to strength over the years.
They currently operate in countries all across Europe, with more than 1 million customers using their services every day.
They offer a wide range of products and services, including international express deliveries, standard mail services, and even a mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices.
Furthermore, they also offer a variety of different shipping options, such as priority overnight, guaranteed next day, and tracked services, allowing customers plenty of choices when it comes to getting their parcels from A to B.
Their customer service team is available via email, phone, or live chat, and they will work hard to resolve any issues you may encounter during your order.
DHL is one of the world’s largest logistics providers, operating in over 220 countries around the globe.
They were founded in 1969 by Dieter Zetsche, and they now employ over 400,000 people worldwide.
In addition to offering a huge selection of products and services, they also provide a reliable domestic delivery service, meaning that if you want to send something from A to B within Germany, then DHL should be your first choice - and they remain popular amongst thousands of residents.
They offer a large network of local depots throughout Germany, so no matter what part of the country you are located in, you should be able to get your package delivered quickly and efficiently.
If you are looking for a fast and efficient courier service, then DHL should definitely be your
first port of call. Their prices are competitive, and they offer a great level of customer support.
When it comes to sending packages internationally, there really isn’t much difference between the two companies.
Both offer a good range of services, and both are well-known brands in their respective markets.
We put Hermes and DHL head to head on a number of key factors, in order to determine which courier service deserves to reign supreme.
The first category to compare DHL and Hermes in is speed. When it comes to domestic deliveries, DHL wins hands down.
They can deliver anywhere in Germany within 24 hours, whereas Hermes only offers a maximum of 48 hours.
However, when it comes to international deliveries, DHL loses out to Hermes.
They cannot guarantee a time frame for international shipments, but they can usually deliver within 3
days.
Winner: DHL for shipping within Germany
Both companies charge similar rates for their services, although DHL tends to be slightly cheaper when it comes to international shipments.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are better value for money.
When determining the cost of sending your letters or parcels via a courier, you will need to consider a number of factors, including the size of the parcel - larger items will attract higher charges - as well as the speed that you wish to choose, and whether you require a tracking option.
DHL’s prices vary depending on where you live in Germany, so we’ve included some information below about how much you could expect to pay for each type of shipment.
Hermes' prices are within a similar range, with a guide to these below:
It should be noted that these can change depending on parcel size and other factors.
Winner: Draw - both companies offer similar prices for their services across Germany.
Another consideration when choosing the right courier for your package is the range of tracking options that are offered, as well as the frequency at which you receive updates regarding its progress.
Tracking your parcel allows you to see exactly where it is at any given moment, and also gives you peace of mind knowing that your item is safe and sound during transit.
Both courier companies offer tracking services, and they do so in a similar way.
You simply enter your tracking code into the website provided by either company, and you’ll receive an email once your parcel has been delivered.
Winner: Draw - both companies offer a range of good tracking services to put customers in charge of their packages.
This final factor to take into account when comparing the two companies is the level of customer service that they provide.
This includes things like opening hours, phone lines, and even the languages that they speak.
DHL has a wide network of offices throughout Germany, meaning that you can contact them from most major cities.
Their staff are fluent in a number of languages for ease and convenience.
However, Hermes does not have such a large presence in Germany, meaning that you may find yourself having to go through several different branches before speaking to someone who speaks English.
If this is a major issue for you, then DHL is the clear winner here.
Winner: DHL - They tend to be easier to contact, and have a much better reputation in the world of customer service.
Now that we have taken a chance to take a closer look at the pros and cons of both Hermes and DHL in Germany, our ultimate verdict places DHL in first place, particularly when it comes to speed and international deliveries.
The fact that they offer excellent tracking services means that you can rest assured that your package is being transported safely and securely, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t use them if you’re looking for a reliable courier service.
They also have a strong reputation for great customer service across the world, and this offers extra peace of mind and reassurance when you are sending your letters and parcels both within Germany and to addresses located abroad.
Overall, we think that DHL is the best option for anyone looking for a reliable courier in Germany, and this is our top recommendation for safe, fast, and reliable delivery.
Hi, my name is Andy Demar and I have been working in the postal industry for almost 15 years. I have seen and heard about it all - big packages, small parcels, suspicious boxes, difficulties with getting them from A to B.
