🚫📦 Is DHL Becoming Unaffordable for Smaller Shipments?
- GorillaShip Support Team
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Why FedEx International and UPS Are Taking Over the Middle Ground
Over the years, DHL Express International has earned a reputation for speed, reliability, and premium global coverage. It’s the courier many collectors and small businesses have relied on for high-value shipments — the go-to option when time was more important than cost.
But recently, the balance has shifted. DHL’s pricing has climbed to the point where smaller shipments are often priced out of reach, forcing many customers to explore alternative carriers like FedEx International and UPS Express.
Let’s break down why this is happening, what it means for smaller shippers and collectors, and how GorillaShip USA is adapting to keep costs fair.
💸 The Price Creep: DHL’s Rising Costs
DHL has always marketed itself as a premium express service, but in 2025 that premium has widened. DHL announced rate increases averaging 5.9% in the United States and up to 6.9% in other regions, citing global labor costs, air-freight capacity, and customs handling as driving factors.
For large-volume commercial clients, those increases may not sting as much — negotiated contracts soften the blow. But for smaller shipments, individual senders, and collector boxes, the impact is direct.
What used to cost $45–$65 for a parcel to the UK can now push $85–$100, depending on package dimensions and declared contents. That’s simply not sustainable for hobbyists shipping trading cards, sneakers, comics, or memorabilia overseas.
🚚 The Middle Ground: FedEx and UPS Step In
Where DHL once dominated, FedEx International and UPS Express have stepped in to fill the gap — offering similar transit times at noticeably lower cost for packages under 4 kg.
FedEx Express International Economy delivers solid tracking, customs transparency, and competitive rates for mid-speed shipments.
UPS Express International hits the sweet spot — faster than economy options but far cheaper than DHL’s top-tier express pricing.
At GorillaShip, we’ve observed that UPS Express International averages around $75–$80 to the UK, compared to DHL’s $90+ for the same box. That’s a major difference, especially for regular shippers or collectors sending multiple consignments each month.
📦 Why This Matters for Collectors
If you’re sending collectibles — trading cards, graded slabs, figures, or comics — your shipment weight may be light, but your declared value often isn’t. Paying premium courier rates for a one-kilogram parcel doesn’t make sense when the alternatives can deliver nearly the same speed and protection for less.
By diversifying courier choices, GorillaShip ensures that every customer gets a fair rate based on the balance of speed, reliability, and total cost — not just one expensive “default” option.
We’ve re-aligned our shipping structure so customers can choose between:
FedEx Express International Economy for affordability and reliability.
UPS Express International for premium-speed deliveries at a mid-tier price.
DHL Express International for when absolute fastest delivery is required.
🦍 The GorillaShip Approach
Our mission has always been to make international shipping simple, fair, and collector friendly. DHL remains a powerful global partner — but we believe customers deserve choice.
That’s why GorillaShip USA now uses all major couriers to provide flexible pricing and performance tiers. We constantly monitor rate changes, fuel surcharges, and handling fees so our customers don’t get caught off-guard.
At the end of the day, our priority is protecting your collectibles — not inflating your shipping bill.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Yes — DHL is becoming unaffordable for smaller shipments, and the trend looks likely to continue. Fortunately, FedEx and UPS are closing the gap, offering efficient and reliable alternatives that keep global shipping accessible to everyday collectors.
At GorillaShip, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done — using every available courier to make sure your box travels safely, quickly, and at a fair price.
Because in the collectibles world, trust and value go hand in hand. 🦍🌎
