Dive Brief:
- DHL is now a pre-integrated partner in Shopify’s shipping platform, giving Shopify sellers easier access to the logistics giant's network and delivery services, according to a May 26 announcement.
- The integration with Shopify Shipping, which offers merchants discounted shipping rates and other services, is live in the U.S. and Germany. By 2026, DHL shipping options on Shopify will also be available in other major markets in the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
- “Sellers on Shopify will no longer need to onboard a logistics provider independently, so that they can streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens,” the announcement said. “Also, the DHL integration helps sellers manage complex customs, legal, and administrative tasks.”
Dive Insight:
DHL is among several logistics providers that have secured shipping partnerships with e-commerce platforms. FedEx rolled out rate discounts in Pitney Bowes’ ShipAccel and Auctane’s product suite last year, while UPS and the U.S. Postal Service have their own arrangements with major platforms.
DHL, UPS and the Postal Service are carriers with U.S. coverage that sellers can access on Shopify Shipping with discounted rates. For DHL Express, Shopify's website touts savings of up to 80% on international shipping.
For carriers, these partnerships can be appealing by giving them the opportunity to serve a larger pool of customers, particularly in the lucrative small- and medium-sized business segment. For sellers, the arrangements often provide lower shipping rates than what they could secure through individual contract negotiations.
DHL and Shopify’s new partnership in particular aims to offer millions of e-commerce merchants a quicker and more efficient way to leverage domestic and cross-border logistics services. One perk for U.S. merchants tapping into the collaboration is Delivered Duty Paid shipping, removing the risk of shoppers facing unplanned fees.
“This service protects consumers from unexpected additional fees such as customs charges or import sales tax, as DDP shipping ensures that the merchant has taken care of all costs and formalities,” the announcement said.
