A guide to Time Definite International shipping for B2B businesses

B2B fulfillment can bring with it unique challenges – be it a medical device that needs to be urgently delivered to a remote hospital, an essential chemical to be shipped to a research lab, or a critical spare part required for a factory operation. The slightest hiccup in the supply chain can lead to delays, lost sales, and compromised service quality.

To mitigate this, DHL Express offers a range of flexible B2B shipping services. As the global market leader in Time Definite International (TDI) shipping and courier delivery – and the most international company in the world – DHL Express has become a trusted logistics partner for B2B businesses shipping overseas.

DHL Express Time Definite International Services

Our core services are Time Definite International and offer you secure door-to-door delivery of goods and documents to and from virtually every country and territory. At its core, time-definite delivery means that your imports and exports reach their destination within a specified time frame. 

Whether you need your shipments delivered at the start, middle or end of a business day, our range of services mean you can find the right fit for you needs – with full track-and-trace visibility so you always know where your shipments are.

DHL Express Worldwide

Our most popular product, DHL Express Worldwide, offers an end of next possible business day delivery service around the world for pieces up to 70kg and shipments on pallets up to 3,000kg. We deliver reliably and quickly to more global destinations across a single integrated network than any other express delivery company.

DHL Express 9:00 (10:30 to the USA and Singapore)

Our premium time-definite service offers a delivery before 9:00 (10:30 to the USA and Singapore) on lanes that guarantee either a next or second business day delivery. DHL Express 9:00 is offered to the majority of business centers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Check with your Sales Representative or DHL.com for local capabilities.

DHL Express 12:00

With DHL Express 12:00 you will receive your shipments before 12 noon on the next possible business day. DHL Express 12:00 offers a money-back guarantee and allows for pieces up to 70kg and shipments up to 300kg. Check with your Sales Representative or DHL.com for local capabilities.

DHL Economy Select

This is the ideal choice for less urgent shipments, with door-to-door delivery throughout Europe within a defined number of business days.

How to ship with DHL Express: preparing your B2B shipment

1. Weigh and measure your shipment.

If you are sending a large but lightweight shipment, where its volumetric (dimensional) weight exceeds its actual weight, the cost of the shipment is calculated on the space your consignment takes up on the aircraft. This is a standard International Air Transport Association (IATA) method. To calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment, simply multiply the length by height by width in centimeters, then divide the total sum by 5,000 for each piece in the shipment.

Any piece in the shipment may be re-weighed and/or re-measured by DHL to confirm this calculation.

2. Prepare the waybill

All shipments sent with DHL Express need to have a fully completed DHL waybill or label securely attached to each piece. This will enable the successful movement of your shipment through the DHL network. Each waybill or label is individually numbered to allow you to track your shipment from collection through to delivery.

Your shipment may also need to be accompanied by customs documentation, such as a commercial or proforma invoice, as well as additional paperwork depending on the contents and value of the shipment and the country you are sending to.

3. Prepare the invoice 

A commercial or proforma invoice is required when sending non-document shipments to countries and territories outside your origin country or customs union. This is essentially a declaration containing all the details of a transaction and is used by customs authorities to assess if duties or taxes are payable.

A commercial invoice is used when goods are part of a commercial transaction or intended for resale.

A proforma invoice is used when sending goods of no commercial value (for example, when sending samples).

Why choose DHL Express for B2B international shipping

• Worldwide shipping with leading delivery times.
• Reliable door-to-door delivery, with full tracking and electronic proof of delivery, (including signature).
• Customs expertise from DHL’s Certified International Specialists to help you avoid delays and penalties.
• Access to DHL Express Commerce, a free platform to manage all orders from your e-commerce store or marketplace. Automate all the back-office activities of your e-commerce, including order management and shipping, through one single web interface.
• With DHL Express’ On Demand Delivery service, your customers can choose exactly when and where their orders are delivered, with full tracking too. No more failed delivery attempts!
• Sustainability: DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus service is a dedicated solution to help businesses reduce the carbon emissions associated with their shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This biofuel is specifically designed to be used as a substitute for traditional jet fuel and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. 

For B2B businesses shipping internationally, timing remains a constant factor to ensure competitiveness and customer satisfaction. With DHL Express’ flexible solutions, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of cross-border shipping and achieve global growth.