Overview
DHL is one of the world's largest logistics companies and, for many e-commerce brands, the carrier that moves their parcels across borders. Under the DHL and Deutsche Post brands, DHL Group offers international express shipping, freight, contract logistics and fulfilment, e-commerce parcel delivery, and post and parcel services in Germany. For a brand selling online in several countries, DHL can cover everything from shipping goods in from the factory to delivering the final parcel to the customer.
Who is behind DHL
DHL Group is a listed German company headquartered in Bonn, with Deutsche Post AG as the parent company. In 2025 group revenue was EUR 82.9 billion, slightly down on 2024 partly because of currency effects, and operating profit (EBIT) was EUR 6.1 billion, up 3.7%. DHL operates in more than 220 countries and territories.
What DHL offers brands
DHL Group is organised into five divisions, and four of them matter for an e-commerce brand:
- DHL Express handles time-critical international courier and parcel shipments. Its 2025 revenue was EUR 24.4 billion.
- DHL eCommerce provides domestic parcel delivery in selected countries in Europe, Asia and the United States. In 2025 its shipment volumes were above the year before in almost all markets.
- DHL Supply Chain provides contract logistics, including warehousing and fulfilment for online brands and retailers. It grew in 2025 as more companies outsourced their logistics.
- DHL Global Forwarding, Freight moves goods by air, sea and road, for example from manufacturers to warehouses.
- Post & Parcel Germany runs Deutsche Post and DHL Paket in Germany.
Things brands should know
- Cross-border rules are changing. In 2025, higher tariffs and the end of the US de minimis exemption reduced DHL Express shipment volumes to the United States. Brands shipping small parcels into the US now need to plan for duties on every shipment.
- Marketplace and webshop integrations. DHL services connect to common e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, so shipping labels and tracking can be automated.
- Returns. DHL offers returns services, which matter in categories where customers expect free or simple returns.
- Contracted rates. Prices depend on volume, destination and service level, so brands with steady volumes can negotiate rates.
Why DHL matters for brands
Shipping cost and delivery speed directly affect conversion and margin, especially across borders. Because DHL covers express, parcel, freight and fulfilment in one group, a growing brand can use it for several steps of its supply chain instead of managing many separate providers.
How eBrands looks at DHL
eBrands works with brands on marketplaces, webshops and retail channels across Europe and North America, and logistics is a big part of that work. If you want to see how a logistics setup with partners like DHL could support your channels, we are happy to talk it through.
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