DPD vs PostNL, which courier service is right for you to choose? DPD and PostNL are two names that often come up. Both have their unique strengths and are trusted by millions. But which one should you pick for your shipping needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of DPD and PostNL, covering their services, pricing, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of which courier suits you best.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
DPD services offer a comprehensive range of options, designed to help both businesses and individuals. DPD services include:
DPD Classic: This is DPD’s standard parcel delivery service across Europe, known for its tracking and predictable delivery times.
DPD Express: If you need fast, time-critical deliveries, DPD Express offers guaranteed delivery times.
DPD Predict: One of the standout features of DPD is Predict, which allows customers to track their parcels in real time and provides a one-hour delivery window.
PostNL services are equally robust, offering solutions that cater primarily to the Dutch market and expand internationally. PostNL services include:
Domestic Parcel Service: PostNL’s core service is domestic parcel delivery, which is reliable and widely used within the Netherlands.
International Delivery: PostNL offers international shipping options, connecting the Netherlands with the rest of the world.
PostNL MyPackage: This service allows customers to manage and track their deliveries online, providing convenience and transparency.
Pricing is always a crucial factor when choosing between DPD and PostNL. Let’s break down the pricing structures:
DPD generally offers competitive rates for both domestic and European deliveries. Their transparent pricing model helps businesses easily calculate costs, and discounts are available for high-volume shippers.
PostNL pricing is typically more cost-effective for domestic shipments within the Netherlands. They also offer competitive rates for international deliveries, though the cost can vary based on the destination and service selected.
Delivery times you can count on are a major consideration. Here’s how DPD and PostNL compare to each other:
Domestic: DPD typically delivers within 1-2 business days.
Europe: Standard deliveries take 2-5 business days, with express services delivering in 1-2 days.
International: Delivery times vary based on the destination and service level, but DPD is known for its reliability.
Domestic: PostNL delivers most parcels within 1 business day across the Netherlands.
Europe: International delivery times within Europe usually range from 2-5 business days.
International: For destinations outside Europe, delivery times vary, but PostNL offers reliable service based on the chosen option.
Customer satisfaction can make or break your choice. Here's what users say about DPD and PostNL:
DPD generally receives high marks for its reliable and predictable services. The DPD Predict feature is particularly popular. However, some users have experienced issues with customer service and complaint handling. With ParcelParcel, you don't have to worry about this. Our customer service team is ready to help with no waiting lines or chatbots.
PostNL is praised for its efficient domestic service and reliability. However, some customers have noted occasional delays with international shipments. At ParcelParcel, we ensure you get the best prices by allowing you to compare all options. Plus, our real agents check all customs documentation, so you can ship with confidence.
Choosing between DPD and PostNL depends on your specific needs:
For Domestic Deliveries in the Netherlands: PostNL is generally more cost-effective and reliable.
For European Deliveries: DPD offers competitive pricing and reliable service with excellent tracking features.
For Fast International Deliveries: DPD’s express services might be your best bet.
Want to see how DPD and PostNL compare to other major couriers? Check out our Carriers Comparison Page for insights into key players like UPS and FedEx, DPD vs DHL, FedEx vs DPD or DPD vs UPS.
Both DPD and PostNL are solid choices for courier services, each excelling in different areas. DPD is ideal for European deliveries with robust tracking features, while PostNL is perfect for efficient and reliable domestic shipping in the Netherlands.
Ready to ship? For the best rates and top-notch customer service, you choose ParcelParcel’s platform. Our platform lets you compare prices, and our real agents are here to help you every step of the way. Plus, our customs documentation checks ensure a smooth shipping process. Do you need more reasons to choose ParcelParcel? Start now and calculate shipping costs for your parcel.
You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
button to play the video and the 
icon to view the video in fullscreen.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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