DHL Express Guide

DHL Express is the international shipping division of Deutsche Post DHL, a global leader in express logistics. DHL Express facilitates cross-border shipping across numerous countries and territories worldwide, making it an ideal choice for businesses needing reliable international logistics solutions.

Domestic Shipments: DHL Express provides support for domestic shipments in many countries around the world. This service enables businesses to efficiently manage their regional logistics needs. However, it’s important to note that DHL Express does not offer domestic shipping services within the U.S. and Canada, where its operations are focused exclusively on international shipments.

DHL Express uniquely assigns users an import or export account based on their specific shipping needs. All DHL Express customers are provided with an export account by default. Import accounts are established only if a customer requires a dedicated returns service through DHL Express.

This guide includes detailed information on utilizing EasyPost for shipping with DHL Express, focusing on account setup, rate retrieval, and label generation.

Sign up for an EasyPost account to obtain a Test and Production API key. See Authentication and Key Management for more information.

Upon sign-up with EasyPost, users gain immediate access to Default Carrier Accounts, which can be enabled directly from the Dashboard. For additional carriers, EasyPost supports a Bring Your Own Account (BYOA) option. This requires users to register directly with the respective carrier.

1. Log in to EasyPost and navigate to Account Settings.

2. Select the Carriers tab.

3. Select the EasyPost Carrier Accounts tab.

4. Find DHL Express in the list of carriers and select Create Account to complete the account creation process.

   

1. Contact DHL Express to request a shipper account. A representative will be in touch for additional details regarding the account.
2. Inform DHL Express about using EasyPost’s API for label purchases.
3. Acquire rates and align any additional shipping needs.
4. Obtain the following production account credentials:
   1. DHL Express Account Number
   2. Account Country Code (2 Letters)
   3. Reseller Account? Check this box if the account supports reseller rates.
   4. Password (Optional)
   5. Site ID (Optional)
5. Input carrier-specific credentials within the EasyPost Carrier Account Dashboard for comprehensive rate access.

The API structure specified by EasyPost can also be used to add the DHL Express carrier shipper account.

curl -X POST https://api.easypost.com/v2/carrier_accounts \
  -u "$EASYPOST_API_KEY": \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{
  "type": "DhlExpressAccount",
  "description": "DhlExpressAccount",
  "carrier_account": {
    "credentials": {
      "account_number": "VALUE",
      "country": "VALUE",
      "is_reseller": "VALUE",
      "password": "VALUE",
      "site_id": "VALUE"
    }
  }
}'

Download an EasyPost Client Library or utilize the REST API with cURL.

Examine the EasyPost Objects section to understand the API's structure, which is critical for constructing requests and interpreting responses.

DHL Express offers real-time rates for shipments created via EasyPost.

• All DHL Express rating calls must be made with parcel dimensions, otherwise the call will result in an error.
• For reseller accounts, users must upload their rate table to receive negotiated rates. Contact support@easypost.com for assistance.

DHL Express (BYOA) is a Live Rating integration, enabling real-time rate retrieval for shipments created via EasyPost. Rates are guaranteed valid for a minimum of five minutes.

• When creating a shipment, EasyPost requests DHL Express for shipment rates specific to the user's DHL Express account.
• The rates provided are directly from DHL Express and tailored to the user's specific account details.
• In cases of discrepancies or incorrect rates, users are advised to contact their DHL Express account representative.
• The representative can then update the rates to ensure user account accuracy.

DHL Express provides several service levels with specific transit times, dimensions, and weight limits.

DHL Express has several predefined packages supported by EasyPost. Predefined packages are an easy way to classify and price a package.

With EasyPost, the process for generating shipping labels for DHL Express is the same as generating them for any other carrier.

Review the Getting Started Guide for help generating a shipping label.

Voiding DHL Express labels through EasyPost is supported.

Native DHL Express labels are available in PDF, PNG, and ZPL formats.

Manifesting is not supported or required.

When shipping hazardous materials or dangerous goods via DHL Express, it is crucial to adhere to specific regulations and guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.

To learn more please visit the DHL Express resource: Shipping Dangerous Goods.

Hazardous shipping is specified using the shipment.options object. Supported values include:

• “LITHIUM”
• “PI965-II”
• “PI966-II”
• “PI967-II”
• “PI969-II”

{
  "shipment": {
    "to_address": {
      "name": "Dr. Steve Brule",
      "street1": "179 N Harbor Dr",
      "city": "Redondo Beach",
      "state": "CA",
      "zip": "90277",
      "country": "US",
      "phone": "8573875756",
      "email": "dr_steve_brule@gmail.com"
    },
    "from_address": {
      "name": "EasyPost",
      "street1": "417 Montgomery Street",
      "street2": "5th Floor",
      "city": "San Francisco",
      "state": "CA",
      "zip": "94104",
      "country": "US",
      "phone": "4153334445",
      "email": "support@easypost.com"
    },
    "parcel": {
      "weight": "23"
    },
    "options": {
      "hazmat": "LITHIUM"
    }
  }
}

DHL Express pickup requests can be made via the EasyPost API. Review the Pickups documentation for details.

EasyPost simplifies package tracking by offering two methods:

• Tracking with an existing number and carrier.
• Using a Tracker included with an EasyPost-purchased shipping label.

The service integrates webhooks for timely shipment updates. For detailed information on tracking methods, visit the Tracking Guide.

The Carrier Metadata endpoint can programmatically return information about service levels, predefined packages, supported features, and shipment options.

Use this information to quickly integrate and make educated decisions about the mix of carriers for shipping needs. Additionally, the Carrier Metadata endpoint is available to retrieve comprehensive information about all carriers on the EasyPost platform, enhancing decision-making for carrier services.

In addition to the guidance provided in our Carrier Guides, EasyPost offers support to assist with FAQs, troubleshooting issues, and inquiries related to the EasyPost platform.

Please visit the Help Center for more information.

For questions about getting started with the EasyPost API please talk to a Shipping Expert or contact our Support team.