Pitney Bowes vs DHL eCommerce

May 8, 2023
by Anthony Robinson
Pitney Bowes vs DHL eCommerce

Pitney Bowes vs DHL eCommerce

When it comes to shipping and logistics, businesses have many options to choose from. Two of the most popular providers are Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce. While both companies offer shipping and delivery services, there are important differences between them that businesses should consider before selecting a provider that meets their requirements. This article will compare and contrast Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce using various criteria.

Introduction to Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Pitney Bowes is an American technology company that provides commerce solutions such as shipping, mailing, and financial services to small and large businesses around the world. The company was founded in 1920 and has a strong reputation for its reliable and comprehensive logistics services. DHL eCommerce, on the other hand, is an international courier and logistics company that focuses on e-commerce shipping services. DHL eCommerce offers reliable and efficient shipping options for businesses of all sizes.

Both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce have been expanding their services to meet the growing demand for e-commerce shipping solutions. With the rise of online shopping, businesses need reliable and efficient shipping options to ensure customer satisfaction. Pitney Bowes has been investing in technology to improve its shipping and mailing services, while DHL eCommerce has been expanding its global network to provide faster and more affordable shipping options. As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of businesses around the world.

Comparison of Shipping Rates Between Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Cost is an essential factor to consider when selecting a shipping provider. Pitney Bowes prices their shipping based on weight, dimension, and distance, while DHL eCommerce's shipping charges are based on the destination and package size. According to research, Pitney Bowes' rates are generally lower than DHL eCommerce's rates for small and medium-sized package shipments. However, for larger and heavier shipments, DHL eCommerce is known to offer lower rates than Pitney Bowes.

In addition to cost, delivery time is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a shipping provider. Pitney Bowes offers a range of delivery options, including standard, expedited, and express shipping. Their standard shipping typically takes 2-5 business days, while expedited and express shipping options are available for faster delivery. DHL eCommerce also offers a range of delivery options, including standard and expedited shipping. Their standard shipping typically takes 3-8 business days, while expedited shipping options are available for faster delivery.

Another important consideration when selecting a shipping provider is the level of tracking and visibility provided. Pitney Bowes offers real-time tracking and visibility for all shipments, allowing customers to track their packages from the moment they are shipped until they are delivered. DHL eCommerce also provides tracking and visibility for all shipments, with updates available through their website or mobile app. Both companies offer reliable and efficient shipping services, but the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the customer.

Delivery Timeframes Offered by Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Fast delivery of packages is crucial in the eCommerce industry. Pitney Bowes offers several delivery options to its clients, including standard, next-day, and same-day delivery services. DHL eCommerce also offers a range of delivery options, such as standard, express, and same-day delivery. For both companies, the specific delivery timeframe will depend on the destination, size, and weight of the package.

In addition to delivery timeframes, both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce also offer package tracking services. This allows customers to track their packages in real-time and receive updates on the delivery status. Pitney Bowes provides tracking information through their online portal, while DHL eCommerce offers tracking through their mobile app and website. This added convenience helps customers stay informed and plan accordingly for the arrival of their packages.

Quality of Service Provided by Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Apart from pricing and delivery speed, the level of service provided by a shipping company is equally important. Pitney Bowes prides itself on its fast, reliable, and affordable shipping services. The company offers advanced tracking features, including email and SMS notifications, to keep shippers updated on their package delivery. DHL eCommerce also offers excellent service, and the company’s website provides users with online tracking and delivery estimations to help businesses know when to expect their shipments. Both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce have a reputation for providing reliable and professional support to customers.

In addition to their standard shipping services, Pitney Bowes also offers customized solutions for businesses with unique shipping needs. The company’s global shipping platform allows businesses to easily manage their international shipments, including customs clearance and compliance. Pitney Bowes also offers fulfillment services, which can help businesses streamline their order processing and shipping operations.

DHL eCommerce also offers a range of additional services to help businesses optimize their shipping processes. The company’s parcel pickup service allows businesses to schedule pickups at their convenience, while DHL’s return solutions make it easy for businesses to manage returns and exchanges. DHL eCommerce also offers warehousing and fulfillment services, which can help businesses reduce their shipping costs and improve their order processing times.

Coverage Areas for Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Pitney Bowes operates in over 200 countries worldwide and is well known for providing comprehensive coverage areas for its shipping services. DHL eCommerce also has a strong global presence, with its services available in numerous countries. Both companies provide varied delivery options, including door-to-door, express, and economy delivery to ensure that packages reach their intended destinations as early as possible.

In addition to their extensive coverage areas, Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce also offer advanced tracking and monitoring systems for their shipments. Customers can easily track their packages in real-time and receive notifications on their delivery status. This feature provides added convenience and peace of mind for both the sender and the recipient.

Customer Support Services Offered by Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce offer various customer support channels that businesses can use to resolve any issues that may arise. Pitney Bowes has a customer support team that can be reached via phone, email, and live chat. The company also has an extensive knowledge base on its website that provides answers to common shipping questions. DHL eCommerce offers excellent customer service, and customers can get in touch with the company via phone or email. The company also has a dedicated e-commerce support team that assists online businesses in optimizing their shipping processes.

In addition to their customer support services, both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce offer tracking tools that allow businesses to monitor their shipments in real-time. Pitney Bowes has a tracking portal that provides detailed information on the status of a shipment, including its location and estimated delivery date. DHL eCommerce also has a tracking tool that allows businesses to track their shipments from the moment they are picked up until they are delivered. This feature provides businesses with peace of mind and helps them keep their customers informed about the status of their orders.

Ease of Use for Shipping Platforms Provided by Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce

Both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce have intuitive online shipping platforms that make it easy for businesses to manage their shipments. Pitney Bowes’ SendPro Online platform provides users with a simple and user-friendly interface that makes shipping and tracking packages simple and easy. DHL eCommerce’s website also has a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for businesses to create shipping labels and track shipments.

In addition to their user-friendly platforms, both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce offer a range of shipping options to suit different business needs. Pitney Bowes offers a variety of shipping options, including USPS, FedEx, and UPS, while DHL eCommerce provides international shipping services to over 220 countries and territories.

Furthermore, both companies offer additional features to enhance the shipping experience for businesses. Pitney Bowes’ SendPro Online platform allows users to compare shipping rates and choose the most cost-effective option, while DHL eCommerce offers real-time tracking and delivery notifications to keep businesses informed about the status of their shipments.

Pros and Cons of Using Pitney Bowes Versus DHL eCommerce as a Shipping Provider

Pros of Using Pitney Bowes

  • Low shipping rates for small and medium-sized packages
  • Excellent customer service
  • Comprehensive shipping coverage

Cons of Using Pitney Bowes

  • More expensive shipping rates for larger and heavier shipments

Pros of Using DHL eCommerce

  • Lower shipping rates for larger shipments
  • Strong global presence
  • Excellent customer service

Cons of Using DHL eCommerce

  • Higher shipping rates for small and medium-sized packages

It is important to note that both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce offer additional services such as tracking, insurance, and delivery confirmation. Pitney Bowes also offers a variety of shipping options, including ground, air, and international shipping. DHL eCommerce, on the other hand, specializes in international shipping and offers a range of customs clearance services. Ultimately, the choice between these two shipping providers will depend on the specific needs of your business and the type of shipments you typically make.

Case Studies of Businesses Who Have Used Both Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce as Their Shipping Provider

A US-based eCommerce business used Pitney Bowes for their domestic shipments and found that the company provided excellent service with fast and reliable deliveries. However, when the company started expanding to other countries, they found that Pitney Bowes's extensive shipping coverage could not match DHL eCommerce's global network, so they switched to DHL eCommerce for their international shipments. A European business used DHL eCommerce for their international shipments but switched to Pitney Bowes after realizing that the company provided better rates and identical service quality.

Recommendations for Choosing the Best Shipping Provider Based on Business Needs

Choosing the right shipping provider depends mainly on a business's unique factors, such as budget, shipping volumes, where they are shipping to, and shipping schedules. Businesses that need to ship small and medium-sized packages domestically may benefit more from Pitney Bowes, while those that frequently ship large and heavy packages worldwide may find DHL eCommerce's services more cost-effective. Therefore, it's crucial to consider several factors before selecting a provider that's right for your business.

Conclusion: Which Is the Better Choice - Pitney Bowes or DHL eCommerce?

Choosing the better shipping provider between Pitney Bowes and DHL eCommerce is subjective and depends on a business's specific needs. Both companies offer reliable, efficient, and high-quality shipping services. Pitney Bowes has competitive rates for small and medium-sized packages and comprehensive domestic shipping coverage, while DHL eCommerce offers lower shipping rates for larger shipments, backed up by its strong global presence. Businesses must evaluate their shipping needs, compare costs, and analyze multiple factors before selecting a shipping provider that best aligns with their objectives and goals.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over two decades of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

In 2003, Anthony founded Relectric.com, the first online marketplace for aftermarket industrial electrical parts. Managing logistics for Relectric.com as it scaled to over seven figures in UPS spend provided him with firsthand experience in overcoming complex shipping challenges. This invaluable experience ignited his passion for solving logistics problems and seamlessly transitioned into the creation of ShipScience in 2018.

Since founding ShipScience, Anthony has empowered numerous e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of parcel shipping through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. His leadership extends beyond ShipScience, having co-founded and exited Robly.com and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.  In 2023, Robinson authored the book Ship Smarter to help scaling businesses manage their logistics challenges.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline supply chains and improve customer experiences in the last mile. When he’s not strategizing shipping solutions, he enjoys connecting with industry leaders, exploring the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics, and spending quality time with his family.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on optimizing shipping for e-commerce businesses.

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