#ShippingWithDhl

The All-in-One Guide to DHL’s Shipping Tools & Services

Vivien Christel Vella
Vivien Christel Vella
Senior Global Digital Marketing Manager
4 min read
DHL van on a road

If you thought DHL Express was only about fast delivery, think again. From reliable import and export services to a full suite of smart shipping tools and helpful optional extras, DHL’s services make international shipping simple. 

Shipping Tools

Whether you're a growing e-commerce brand or an established SME expanding into global markets, DHL offers a suite of shipping tools designed to simplify, streamline, and scale your logistics operations. Here’s a quick guide.

My DHL+

My DHL+

This all-in-one platform simplifies international shipping by guiding customers through each step. You can create shipments, schedule pickups, track deliveries, and manage customs paperwork – all from a single, intuitive dashboard. It also offers end-to-end visibility of your shipment with real-time updates and proactive alerts – providing transparency and peace of mind. Ideal for businesses of any size, it saves time and reduces errors.

DHL eMailShip

DHL eMailShip

This lets you prepare international shipments straight from your inbox. By using pre-set templates, you can create labels, customs documents, and bookings via email – no software installation required. It’s a simple solution for businesses that prefer a lightweight, email-based workflow.

DHL Express Commerce

DHL Express Commerce

This free, all-in-one e-commerce shipping platform seamlessly integrates with leading online stores and inventory management systems, allowing you to sell, ship, and manage all your orders from one centralized platform. It’s e-commerce shipping made easy, with features like automatic order import, label generation and batch printing, streamlined returns, and more.

MyDHL API

MyDHL API

Seamlessly integrate DHL Express services into your store or app to unlock powerful shipping capabilities right within your own systems. MyDHL API lets you offer customers real-time shipping rates, delivery times, service options, and tracking – while automating complex international tasks like customs documentation and duties/tax calculations. A seamless integration that simplifies the shipping experience for both you and your customers.

DHL Custom Solutions

DHL Custom Solutions

You choose the exact requirements you would like built into your own DHL shipping system and we’ll recommend the right tools. From API connections to customized logistics workflows, this service ensures your shipping process fits seamlessly into your existing systems – perfect for businesses looking to scale efficiently.

DHL Express Tech Partnerships

DHL Express Tech Partnerships

These solutions help businesses connect directly with third-party platforms like marketplaces, ERPs, or order management systems. This allows you to manage DHL shipping within tools you already use, improving efficiency without the need for extra software.

DHL Paperless Clearance

DHL Paperless Clearance

This service allows you to submit customs documents electronically, eliminating the need to print and attach paperwork. It speeds up customs processing and reduces environmental impact – helping you save time while staying sustainable.


DHL Import and Export Services

DHL’s Import Express Services are ideal for urgent deliveries – documents or packages – that need to reach their destination early in the next business day. They come with a money-back guarantee if your shipment doesn’t arrive by the promised time.

  • DHL IMPORT EXPRESS 10:30: Time-sensitive; guaranteed delivery next possible business day by 10:30 am.
  • DHL IMPORT EXPRESS 12:00: Time-sensitive; guaranteed delivery next possible business day by 12:00 noon.
  • DHL IMPORT EXPRESS WORLDWIDE: Delivery by end of next possible business day.

DHL’s Export Express Services provide door-to-door international export delivery of important time-sensitive document and non-document shipments by the next possible business day.

  • DHL EXPRESS 09:00: Time-sensitive; guaranteed delivery next possible business day by 9:00 am.
  • DHL EXPRESS 10:30: Time-sensitive; guaranteed delivery next possible business day by 10:30 am.
  • DHL EXPRESS 12:00: Time-sensitive; guaranteed delivery next possible business day by 12:00 noon.
  • DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE: Guaranteed delivery by end of next possible business day.
  • DHL EXPRESS ENVELOPE: Guaranteed delivery by end of next possible business day for documents weighing up to 10 oz./0.6 lbs.

Enhancing your shipments (optional services)

DHL Express also offers a range of optional services for when you need added flexibility or specialized handling. From delivery on weekends or before a specific time, to insurance, packaging, and return solutions, these extras help tailor your shipment to meet unique business needs. Explore all optional services here.

Surcharges

In order to maintain a consistently high level of service, in specific circumstances DHL Express levies a surcharge for exceptional activities, ensuring that these surcharges are fair for all of our customers. Find out more, here.

Customs Services

Shipping across borders can be complex, with incorrect or incomplete customs paperwork being one of the leading causes of delays for SMEs. That’s why DHL Express offers a range of expert Customs Services to help ensure your shipments clear borders smoothly and compliantly.

To further streamline this process, many DHL Customs Services now integrate with My Global Trade Services (MyGTS) – a free, all-in-one online portal designed to simplify customs transactions and help you navigate international trade regulations. MyGTS supports several key customs-related services by providing:

  • Pre-shipment Planner: a dedicated tool to help your business comply with all import/export regulations and calculate Landed Cost.
  • Accurate Harmonized System Codes: no more guesswork; MyGTS leverages AI to give you the correct classification for your shipment every time, making customs clearance faster. Search for HS codes using keywords or the code directory.
  • Landed Cost for goods in any country: calculate your product cost, duties & taxes, and freight charges to enhance your pricing strategy and give your customers transparency over shipping fees – which builds trust with your business.  
  • Guidance on each country’s import and export requirements before you ship – no more goods held up at borders!
  • All the documents you’ll need for fast and easy customs clearance.
  • A product catalog feature – where you can save past searches, product details and tariff codes for quicker repeat shipping.

You can log in to MyGTS with your existing DHL Express account, or register a new MyGTS account. Click below for your options.
 

Choosing the right DHL tools or services for your needs

When it comes to shipping, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – your ideal setup depends on your business model, shipping volume, and where your customers are located.

If you're an e-commerce business, especially one with international customers, look for shipping tools that offer integration with your online store, easy label generation, and real-time tracking. Features like automated customs documentation and upfront duty/tax calculations can help reduce cart abandonment and build trust with global buyers.

For businesses managing international or cross-border shipments, tools that help you navigate customs regulations, estimate landed costs, and manage required documentation are essential. This not only prevents delays at borders but also ensures compliance and transparency.

If you’re handling large-scale exports or high shipping volumes, choose solutions that support batch processing, multi-user access, and integration with warehouse or inventory management systems. These features can significantly improve efficiency, reduce errors, and scale alongside your business growth.

Ultimately, the right tools and services should streamline your workflow, reduce manual processes, and give you full visibility and control – so you can focus on growing your business, not managing logistics.

Whatever your goal, teaming up with DHL Express means you get the support and solutions you need to ship globally with confidence – and without a hitch.

Open a DHL Express Business Account to enjoy the full benefits.
 

Apply here