DHL Express Shipping
Overview
The DHL Express Shipment Connector fully integrates DHL Express international shipping into the merchantCENTRAL platform. Using the DHL Express MyDHL API, it creates shipping labels for worldwide express delivery, handles returns, queries freight rates, books pickups, and tracks shipments.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Label Creation | Shipping labels for 8 DHL Express products (Worldwide, 12:00, 9:00, EU, Domestic, Economy) |
| Return Labels | Standalone express return labels with automatic address swap |
| Freight Rates | Rate queries for all available products with price comparison and delivery times |
| Pickup Booking | Automatic or manual pickup booking including cancellation |
| Shipment Tracking | Full event history with location, date, and status description |
| Shipment Cancellation | Cancel before pickup |
| Paperless Trade | Electronic customs documents for faster international clearance |
| Customs Data | EORI, Tax ID, Incoterms, export description |
Prerequisites
- AD merchantCENTRAL Hub must be installed and licensed
- DHL Express API credentials (Username + Password) — available from your DHL Express sales representative
- DHL Express account with 9-digit account number
- At least a demo license for the module
MCDHLX
Getting Started
- Open DHL Express Setup via search or the dashboard
- Enter API credentials (Username and Password)
- Configure account numbers (Shipper, Billing, optionally Duties)
- Complete the shipper address (including phone number — mandatory for DHL Express)
- Set default settings (Product, Incoterm, Package Type, Weight)
- Configure label and document formats
- Run the connection test
- Activate the connector
→ Detailed guide: Initial Setup
Sandbox Mode
Use sandbox mode for risk-free testing. DHL Express provides separate sandbox credentials that generate test labels without real shipments or costs.
DHL Express Products
| Code | Product | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| P | EXPRESS WORLDWIDE | International parcel shipping (default) |
| D | EXPRESS WORLDWIDE (Document) | International document shipping |
| T | EXPRESS 12:00 | Delivery by 12:00 next business day |
| K | EXPRESS 9:00 | Delivery by 9:00 next business day |
| U | EXPRESS WORLDWIDE (EU) | Express within the EU |
| N | DOMESTIC EXPRESS | Domestic express shipping |
| Y | EXPRESS 12:00 (Document) | Document shipping by 12:00 |
| H | ECONOMY SELECT | Cost-effective international alternative |
Label Formats
Document Formats
| Format | Description | Recommended Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard document format | Laser printer | |
| ZPL2 | Zebra Programming Language | Thermal printer (Zebra, TSC) |
| EPL2 | Eltron Programming Language | Older thermal printers |
Label Sizes
| Format | Size | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4x6 inch | 102×152mm | Standard thermal label (recommended) |
| 4x8 inch | 102×203mm | Extended thermal label |
| 8x4 inch | 203×102mm | Landscape format |
| 6x4 inch | 152×102mm | Landscape compact format |
| A4 | 210×297mm | For laser printers |
Separate formats for shipping and returns
Shipping and return labels can use different formats — e.g., ZPL2 on the thermal printer for shipping and PDF on the laser printer for return enclosures.
Incoterms
Incoterms determine who pays customs duties and taxes for international shipments:
| Code | Name | Who Pays Duties? |
|---|---|---|
| DAP | Delivered At Place | Receiver (default) |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | Sender |
| DDU | Delivered Duty Unpaid | Receiver |
| DAT | Delivered At Terminal | Receiver collects at terminal |
| EXW | Ex Works | Receiver arranges everything |
| FCA | Free Carrier | Sender hands to carrier |
Recommendation
For European shipping, DAP (Delivered At Place) is the standard. For shipments to third countries with high goods value, DDP (sender pays duties) can improve the customer experience.
Package Types
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| YP | Your Packaging | Own packaging (default) |
| FLY | DHL Flyer | DHL shipping bag |
| BOX | DHL Box | DHL standard box |
| JBX | DHL Jumbo Box | DHL large box |
| 2BC | Small Express Box | Small DHL Express box |
| 2BP | Medium Express Box | Medium DHL Express box |
| 3BX | Large Express Box | Large DHL Express box |
| EE | DHL Express Envelope | DHL Express envelope (documents) |
Value Added Services (VAS)
Additional services that can be activated during shipment creation:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Shipment Insurance (II) | Shipment insurance (configurable value) |
| Saturday Delivery (SA) | Saturday delivery |
| Saturday Pickup (SD) | Saturday pickup |
| On Demand Delivery (OB) | Receiver can redirect delivery |
| Dangerous Goods (DD) | Dangerous goods indicator |
| Paperless Trade (PT) | Electronic customs documents |
| Neutral Delivery (NW) | Neutral shipping (no sender info) |
| GoGreen Plus (GG) | Carbon-neutral shipping |
Difference from DHL Paket DE
| Aspect | DHL Express | DHL Paket DE |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | International express | Domestic parcel delivery |
| API | MyDHL API | Parcel DE Shipping API v2 |
| Delivery | Next business day (express) | 1–3 business days |
| Time Windows | 9:00, 12:00, End of Day | No guaranteed times |
| Pickup | Standard (courier collects) | Self-delivery or pickup |
| Authentication | Basic Auth (Username/Password) | OAuth2 (ROPC) |
| Account No. | 9 digits | 10 digits (EKP) |
| Coverage | Worldwide (220+ countries) | Primarily Germany + EU |
| Manifest | Not required | Daily close (manifest) |
| Package Types | Express types (BOX, Flyer, Envelope) | DHL standard formats |
Further Topics
- Initial Setup — Step-by-step guide
- Setup Card — All fields and settings
- Create Label — Generate shipping labels
- Returns — Create return labels
- Freight Rates — Rate queries and price comparison
- Tracking — Shipment tracking
- Pickup Management — Book and cancel pickups
- Troubleshooting — Common errors and solutions