Rate Query
Guide for querying DHL Express shipping rates for cost estimation and product selection.
Overview
The rate query function allows you to check shipping costs before creating a label. The MyDHL API returns:
- Available products for the selected route
- Prices including surcharges (fuel, security, etc.)
- Estimated transit time
- Available value-added services
Perform Rate Query
Via the Dashboard
- Open the DHL Express Dashboard
- Click Rate Query
- Fill in the shipment data:
| Field | Description | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Country | Sender country (pre-filled from setup) | ✅ |
| Origin Post Code | Sender postal code (pre-filled from setup) | ✅ |
| Origin City | Sender city | ✅ |
| Destination Country | Recipient country (ISO alpha-2) | ✅ |
| Destination Post Code | Recipient postal code | ✅ |
| Destination City | Recipient city | ✅ |
| Weight (kg) | Package weight | ✅ |
| Length (cm) | Length | Optional |
| Width (cm) | Width | Optional |
| Height (cm) | Height | Optional |
| Insurance Value | Insurance value | Optional |
| Planned Ship Date | Planned shipping date | ✅ |
- Click Query Rates
Results
The API returns a list of available products with prices:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Product | DHL Express product code and name |
| Total Price | Total price including all surcharges |
| Currency | Price currency |
| Transit Days | Estimated delivery time in business days |
| Delivery Date | Expected delivery date |
| Weight Charge | Weight-based base price |
| Fuel Surcharge | Fuel surcharge |
Select Product
After the rate query, you can directly select the desired product:
- Select the product in the results list
- Click Select
- The product is set as default for the current shipment
Volumetric Weight
DHL Express charges the higher of:
- Actual weight (in kg)
- Volumetric weight = (L × W × H) ÷ 5000
Dimensions
Always provide package dimensions. The API automatically calculates volumetric weight and shows the correct price.
Limitations
- Rate queries are free and not charged
- Displayed prices are estimates — final price may differ slightly at label creation
- Not all value-added services affect the displayed price