BestCourierServicesinGermanyforBusiness—2026Guide

Which courier service is best for a German GmbH sending B2B parcels?

DHL Business Customer or DPD Business are the standard choices for German B2B parcel delivery. DHL has the broadest network and best international coverage. DPD is often more competitively priced for domestic SME volumes. Both offer business accounts with invoicing and tracking.

Can my German company get a business account with a courier?

Yes. All major carriers (DHL, DPD, UPS, GLS) offer business accounts with monthly invoicing, volume discounts, and online booking portals. Business accounts typically require a minimum monthly volume (often 20–50 parcels). Volume discounts kick in from ~100 parcels/month.

How does courier pricing work for German businesses?

Business courier pricing is typically weight-based (price per kg or per parcel up to a weight band). Business accounts receive discounts of 20–50% versus consumer rates. Fuel surcharges apply (typically 5–15% on top of base rate). For high-volume e-commerce, negotiate directly with the carrier's business sales team.

What customs documentation is needed for shipping outside the EU?

For parcels leaving the EU (including to UK, USA, Switzerland), you need a CN22 or CN23 customs declaration and a commercial invoice. For preferential duty rates to certain countries (Switzerland, Japan), an EUR.1 or REX declaration may be needed. Your German GmbH's VAT/EORI number is required for export declarations.

Is DHL or UPS better for shipping between Germany and the USA?

Both are excellent for Germany-USA. UPS generally has faster express transit (1–3 days) and more established B2B relationships in the USA. DHL has stronger economy service pricing. For time-critical shipments, use UPS Express or DHL Express. For economy bulk shipments, DHL economy is often cheaper.

What is an EORI number and does my German company need one?

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for any company importing or exporting goods outside the EU. German GmbHs obtain their EORI number when registering for customs with the Bundeszollverwaltung. The EORI is needed for all customs declarations — without it, cross-border shipments will be held at customs.

How are courier service costs handled for VAT purposes in Germany?

Courier service costs for German businesses are subject to 19% VAT, which is fully recoverable as Vorsteuer for VAT-registered businesses. International shipping services may be zero-rated if they relate to exports outside the EU. Always obtain proper invoices from your courier including the carrier's German VAT number (USt-IdNr.) for Vorsteuer recovery.

What is the German Packstation network and how does it help business deliveries?

DHL's Packstation is a nationwide network of over 12,000 automated parcel lockers where recipients can collect or return parcels 24/7. For e-commerce businesses, offering Packstation delivery reduces failed delivery attempts and increases customer satisfaction. Customers register for a DHL account and use their Packstation number as a delivery address.

Does Germany's minimum wage apply to delivery drivers working in Germany?

Yes. Germany's minimum wage of €12.82 per hour (from January 2025) applies to all employees working in Germany, including delivery and logistics workers. Logistics companies sub-contracting to non-German carriers must ensure those carriers also pay the German minimum wage to drivers operating on German territory.

What is the difference between express freight and standard parcel for German B2B?

Standard parcel services (DHL, DPD, GLS) deliver in 1–3 business days within Germany for low per-parcel costs. Express freight (DHL Express, UPS Express, FedEx) guarantees next-day morning delivery within Germany and 1–3 day international. For B2B critical parts and medical supplies, express freight is standard despite the 3–5× higher cost. For regular stock replenishment, standard parcel accounts are more economical. Many German businesses operate both for different urgency tiers.