Cross-border export logistics: detailed explanation of international commercial express delivery giants

As an efficient logistics model, international commercial express delivery has become the first choice of many cross-border e-commerce companies with its global network and service quality. This type of service can usually complete delivery within 48 hours and has a low loss rate. However, due to the high cost, it is generally only suitable for situations that have extremely high requirements on timeliness. Currently, the world’s four major commercial express delivery companies include DHL, TNT, FedEx and UPS.

DHL International Express

DHL International Express is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group and is one of the world’s leading postal and logistics companies. DHL’s services cover 220 countries and regions around the world, with a transportation network of more than 120,000 destinations, especially in the United States and Western Europe, with strong customs clearance capabilities. DHL is not only fast but also highly secure and is widely regarded as one of the largest delivery networks in the world.

TNT Group

TNT Group, headquartered in the Netherlands, focuses on providing companies and individuals with on-time delivery services for parcels, documents and freight items worldwide. The company operates an extensive air and road transport network in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas, and continues to expand its global operations to optimize its logistics network.

FedEx

FedEx Express is part of the U.S. FedEx Group and provides a variety of services including overnight express delivery, ground express delivery, heavy cargo transportation, document copying and logistics. As an international express delivery group, FedEx is known for its efficient time management and extensive business coverage.

UPS (United Parcel Service)

Since its founding in 1907, United Parcel Service has become one of the world’s largest express carriers and package delivery companies. UPS operates in more than 200 countries and regions around the world, and has a variety of express service types to meet the needs of different customers.

Characteristics and applicable scenarios of commercial express delivery

Commercial express delivery such as UPS, DHL, etc. not only have a global network, but also have the ability to act as customs clearance agents. For cross-border online shopping, this type of express delivery service is efficient and safe, and can provide full tracking and inquiry. Shipping time from the United States to China is approximately between 3 and 7 days. Despite this, commercial express delivery has relatively complicated customs declaration procedures and stricter inspections, so the probability of being levied tariffs is also higher.

For packages or heavy goods of higher value and weighing more than 2 kilograms, commercial express delivery is an ideal choice. Among them, DHL has more competitive prices when shipping to Europe, Japan and South Korea, while FedEx and UPS perform well in the direction of the United States, especially for Southeast Asian countries, enabling next-day delivery. However, the four major express delivery companies have many restrictions on products, such as not allowing delivery of imitation brands, batteries or other special items, which makes their market share relatively small.

It is worth noting that the cost of commercial express delivery has always been a major obstacle. Even if companies can get discounts, the costs are still high. In addition, there are many additional charges such as remote area surcharges, customs clearance fees, fuel surcharges, etc., which will further increase the cost. Therefore, only a small number of high-value goods that are not price-sensitive will frequently use this channel.

In order to adapt to market demand, DHL has launched a German small parcel logistics service for small parcels of less than 2 kilograms – this is a registered small parcel line.

The role of Chinese express delivery companies in cross-border logistics

Due to the lack of overseas network support, China’s local express delivery companies have long been unable to complete the entire delivery task alone. About 80% of the international express delivery business is controlled by international giants. To enter this field, companies need to obtain an international express business license and relevant customs declaration qualifications.

In recent years, some express delivery companies in China, such as SF Express, have begun to expand international routes, while the “three links and one express” have made up for their shortcomings in domestic collection scope through cooperation with other postal systems. However, these private companies have There is still a certain gap between express delivery companies and large international companies in terms of service quality and coverage.