International Shipping

[Wes256]

Hello folks,
Does anybody have an idea for timeframes to expect packages from Europe to USA when shipped with DHL?
Seems like DHL Germany does not want to return my emails. Their website stated earlier this year that any international express packages will be shipped surface freight. Ok, I can understand but 3 months is even too long for ocean transport. Ocean freight haulers usually only take 1 or 2 weeks from Europe to USA.
Just wondering if anyone across the pond knows what DHL might be doing to make the transit time even slower ? Like waiting until the carrier freight semi containers are full before loading them on a transport ? Segregating packages according to weight, value, time on dock?
DHL tracking shows "The shipment will be transported to the destination country/destination area and, from there, handed over to the delivery organization" which is akin to 'it hasn't moved in 3 months since we checked your package in'.
I've ordered from Europe during the pandemic back in April with DHL express and packages have arrived late but never 3 months late.
Any inside input appreciated, what is going on with DHL Europe international shipping ?
Thanks,
W

 

[miggymad]

If you have a package in the process of being shipped then I would suggest you contact the seller and ask them to deal with DHL and if necessary initiate a lost item insurance claim, especially if the item is taking substantially longer than the stated time frame of 30 days .

For security concerns they usually won't deal with the end customer (you) when it comes to enquiries concerning packages, only with the original shipper.

https://www.dhl.de/en/privatkunden/kampagnenseiten/coronavirus.html

 

[RetroPassion]

If you have a package in the process of being shipped then I would suggest you contact the seller and ask them to deal with DHL and if necessary initiate a lost item insurance claim, especially if the item is taking substantially longer than the stated time frame of 30 days .

For security concerns they usually won't deal with the end customer (you) when it comes to enquiries concerning packages, only with the original shipper.

https://www.dhl.de/en/privatkunden/kampagnenseiten/coronavirus.html

Exactly right, let the seller deal with it and manage it, it then less stressful for you and for the seller, however there are delays worldwide as mentioned above so it will take time unfortunately.

 

[SmoothRunnings]

I just bought something from Individual Computers website. On it they made the point that DHL is super slow because of COVD-19 that going the normal route might be quicker. Though I suspect the issue is over in Europe as DHL, UPS, and Fedex in Canada (for instance) are morning at their normal speed rate. Also DHL China seems to move a lot quicker, my wife's friends sent over boxes of mask to donate to the front line workers which took about a month to get here during the pandemic. I guess there is a lot of hand washing happening in the EU in between packages.

 

[StrongARM]

I guess there is a lot of hand washing happening in the EU in between packages.

I think that's wrong even it's guessing.
My last package from the US took 5 days. IC just want to warn you about some complications (also due to the pandemic situation) only the shipping companies are responsible for...

 

[Wes256]

Thanks for your input folks.
From what I can glean - here is the deal with shipping using DHL Germany to USA. Everything goes ground/ocean unless you use their most expensive service. Last time it was scanned was November 9th in Frankfurt. From their German website - as of Sept 15th2020 all packages and letters go ocean transport to the USA unless you use their most expensive 'premium service' and even then they can bump it down to ocean transport if they want. DHL must have a record of all the ocean transport containers they have 'in transport' so why can't they at least update it every 30 days or so ?
You know they are getting rich from this, all the extra income they STEAL from those that sent items via air service that DHL then bumps down to surface. They should at least compensate the person that ships for these bad business practices. They get rich and blame it on Covid. Wonderful company. I smell a class action lawsuit brewing.

 

[miggymad]

Their terms and conditions will no doubt state something about their right to do as they are doing due to factors and circumstances beyond their control

 

[Wes256]

Yeah, suppose so - but that doesn't make it a good or fair business practice by any means. We have shipping slowdowns here in the States also but nothing as blatantly wrong as what DHL is doing to you folks shipping internationally.

 

[jurassicman]

My personal experience:
DHL didn't deliver a parcel I bought on September saying that there was a problem with the address (however I could read the correct delivery address on their website) and, after that, they said that the parcel was going to be returned to the seller. Apparently, the seller never received it... I lost 100 euros (plus shipping!!!)... try to contact the seller, he has to open a claim on the DHL website (they say that after three months they can start an investigation...)
Avoid DHL!!!

 

[Wes256]

Thanks jurassicman, will have the sender open a claim with DHL if the package isn't here by Feb9th.

My personal experience:
DHL didn't deliver a parcel I bought on September saying that there was a problem with the address (however I could read the correct delivery address on their website) and, after that, they said that the parcel was going to be returned to the seller. Apparently, the seller never received it... I lost 100 euros (plus shipping!!!)... try to contact the seller, he has to open a claim on the DHL website (they say that after three months they can start an investigation...)
Avoid DHL!!!

 

[StrongARM]

They get rich and blame it on Covid. Wonderful company. I smell a class action lawsuit brewing.

Not in Germany and even not in the EU!
If you know NA laws then compare it to those over here - you'll be shocked!

They are a monopolist - since years. No one will do anything about or against it - that is the state.

And to make it clear - with the pandemic they got even richer... They always find an excuse for all that is going wrong!

I dont like that either - but it's a fact I cannot change.