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2020 was a record year in holiday sales, totaling $789.4 billion. In 2021 retail e-commerce sales have already totaled more than $222 billion by just the second quarter, and it is only expected to continue. In a new FedEx report, 53% of North American buyers said that the pandemic has changed the way they will shop going forward. What's more, over 95 million consumers stick to online shopping exclusively for their shopping needs. For small businesses, that means huge demand.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an enormous rise in e-commerce, significantly increasing the amount of shipping that businesses do. Suddenly, small businesses are doing far beyond normal shipping levels, and it can be a struggle to keep up.
Big business requires a fast, reliable shipping service, and while we all know the big names, which shipping services are best for small businesses?
Service | Best for | Domestic Delivery Time | International shipping | Freight shipping |
DHL | International shipping | Next-day available | 220+ countries and territories | |
FedEx | Fast deliveries | 1 to 5 business days | 220+ countries and territories | |
Sendle | Eco-friendly shipping | 1 to 4 business days | 220+ countries and territories | |
ShipBob | Fragile items | 2-day delivery | 55 countries | |
UPS | Large items | 1 to 5 business days | 220+ countries and territories | |
USPS | Small shipping volume | 2 to 8 days | 190+ countries and territories |
As the inventor of the air express business in 1969, today, DHL is a powerhouse. It is equipped to successfully work with multiple sectors, including the most sensitive ones, like chemicals, energy, healthcare, and technology. With over 431 million shipments each year to over 220 countries, DHL manages 84,000 DHL service points and over 360 TAPA-certified facilities for cargo safety with over 260 aircraft, 36,300 vehicles, 3,200 aircraft and over 3,200 flights per day. DHL also offers green logistics to reduce emissions, thereby minimizing your footprint through eco-friendly shipping solutions.
DHL works with customers and packages of all sizes. Businesses with less than 250 people are considered a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME), perfect for small businesses in need of domestic and international shipping services. DHL has shipping solutions with available air, ocean, road, and rail services. If you need freight shipping, DHL can accommodate all cargo types, including pallets and containers. There is end-to-end tracking so you can keep tabs on your shipment every step of the way. Businesses can also enjoy popular digital integrations, including Shopify, Adobe Commerce, WooCommerce, and PrestaShop, allowing seamless transition from sales to shipping. For even more support, several exporting resources are available through DHL's joint partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) from the Department of Commerce.
Pros:
Services over 220 countries
Multiple freight shipping options
U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnership for educational resources
Cons:
Several fees and surcharges may apply
Limited U.S. presence
Pricey shipping costs
Pricing for shipping is based on several factors, including shipping destination, export or import rating zone, and weight of your shipment. However, a DHL Express business account can receive up to 30% off regular shipping prices.
There are several plans available for small business shipping needs:
Plan type | Maximum weight | Estimated shipping times |
Domestic | ||
Express | 154 lbs. | Next possible business day |
International mail | 4.4 lbs. | 4-8 days |
International | ||
DHL Packet International | 4.4 lbs. | 4-8 days |
DHL Parcel International Standard | 44 lbs. | Canada & Europe: 4-8 days Worldwide: 8-14 days |
DHL Parcel International Direct | 44 lbs. | 3-10 days |
Established in 1973, FedEx is one of the largest shipping services in the U.S. It ships to more than 220 countries and territories with over 570,000 team members and more than 40,000 convenient drop boxes. In fact, FedEx makes it very easy to ship your packages with several locations that can assist with packing and international shipping. You have your choice of the local FedEx Office, FedEx Ship Center, FedEx Authorized ShipCenter?, Office Depot and OfficeMax. There are also self-service options that include FedEx drop boxes, as well as one-time and recurring pickup services.
For international shipping, you can calculate quotes online, plus benefit from virtual customer support. When you open a new FedEx account, you can receive up to 60% off eligible shipments with flat-rate shipping for smaller packages. FedEx has a simple system for returns with customizable return labels and print or email distribution. You can also use the FedEx International Shipping Assist tool to streamline your shipping logistics with a tool to calculate duties and taxes.
Pros:
Additional member discounts
Multiple chat support options
Easy online account management
Cons:
Pricey for small shipments
Prone to shipping delays
Charges for pickups
FedEx has several shipping options that you can choose from:
Delivery type | Service type | Estimated shipping times |
Domestic | ||
FedEx Home Delivery | Ground deliveries to residences | 1-5 business days, up to 70 lbs. |
FedEx Ground | Commercial deliveries | 1-5 business days, up to 150 lbs. |
FedEx Express Saver | Third-business day delivery | Third-business-day delivery by 4:30 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the area |
FedEx 2Day | Second-business day delivery | Second-business-day delivery by 4:30 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the area |
FedEx Priority Overnight | Early next-business-day delivery | Second-business-day delivery by 10:30 a.m., noon, or 5 p.m., depending on the area |
FedEx Standard Overnight | Afternoon next-business-day delivery | Second-business-day delivery by 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., or 8 p.m., depending on the area |
International | ||
FedEx International Ground | Day-definite delivery to Canada | 2
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