Can You Drop Off DHL Packages at USPS?

Have you ever needed to ship a package urgently via DHL but didn’t want to schedule a pickup or drive to a DHL location? You may have wondered if you could just drop off your DHL package at the nearby post office instead.

The short answer is no, USPS does not accept drop-offs for DHL shipments. But this article will explain in detail why, along with the drop-off options and workarounds that will still allow you to ship your package without visiting a DHL store.

Why You Can’t Drop Off DHL Packages at USPS

DHL and USPS are independent shipping companies that compete for delivery business. They each have their own network of planes, vehicles, and workers to pick up and transport packages.

Since DHL and USPS do not have a business relationship or contract, USPS staff are not set up to handle DHL packages in their system. When you want to ship with DHL, you need to use an approved DHL drop-off location.

Some key reasons you can’t use USPS for DHL packages:

• No DHL shipping labels: USPS does not have access to DHL’s proprietary shipping label system. They cannot print or process DHL labels.
• No pickup or tracking: USPS has no way to schedule a DHL pickup or enter the package into the DHL tracking system. Your package would be stuck at the post office.
• No insurance: Any insurance must be purchased through DHL when you ship your package. USPS cannot insure a DHL shipment.
• No DHL billing: The post office cannot accept payment or bill charges to a DHL account. You have to pay DHL directly.
• No DHL representative: USPS employees do not represent DHL or have the authority to act on DHL’s behalf. They work for different companies.

So Basically, DHL and USPS lack any official partnership that would allow USPS to handle DHL packages. The post office only deals with USPS shipments.

What Happens If You Try to Leave a DHL Package at USPS?

In most cases, the postal clerk will refuse to accept a DHL-shipped parcel at the counter.

Without a USPS tracking number or prepaid postage, the workers cannot handle or process it within their system.

So do not be surprised if turned away when you try to leave a DHL parcel at a post office location!

Official DHL Drop-Off Locations

Instead of USPS, DHL provides several official channels for customers to ship packages without going to a DHL service center:

Here are your options for getting your package into the DHL system:

• DHL service points – There are over 2,300 DHL service points in the US, including DHL Express retail locations and authorized third-party businesses. Use the DHL locator to find one nearby.
• DHL Express drop boxes – Look for DHL’s orange and yellow branded drop boxes in many major airports, retail locations, and metro areas.
• DHL pickup – You can arrange for a DHL driver to come pick up your package from your home or office for an additional fee by requesting a pickup online or calling 1-800-CALL-DHL.
• USPS through ONDEMAND Consolidators – In very limited areas, DHL may work with a consolidator to pick up USPS packages for last-mile delivery. This option is only available on a case-by-case basis for DHL eCommerce shipments.
• UPS Store – Some independently owned UPS Store locations may also accept packages for DHL shipment under specific arrangements. Check with your local store.

When dropping off your package, make sure you have properly prepared it with complete DHL forms, labels, and postage so it can be scanned into their system and tracked. Then you can relax knowing your DHL package is safely on its way!

When Can You Use USPS for DHL Shipments?

There are select situations where USPS can handle packages shipped via DHL services:

1. DHL eCommerce’s SmartMail

DHL eCommerce Solutions offers a B2C shipping service called SmartMail that partners with USPS.

It blends both courier networks for simpler ecommerce deliveries to home addresses.

Under SmartMail, ecommerce sellers can drop off packages with USPS to be forwarded into the DHL network. This offers a wider collection reach.

Once DHL eCommerce receives the parcel, they handle sorting and transportation.

USPS may assist with last-mile delivery on arrival depending on the destination.

So if an online retailer uses DHL SmartMail, then yes – they and their customers can deposit parcels at the post office or in blue collection boxes.

Only ecommerce companies using DHL’s SmartMail solution can access USPS drop-off points. SmartMail allows handing over to USPS, who passes parcels into the DHL ecommerce pipeline.

2. DHL SmartMail Returns

Under DHL’s SmartMail service, participating ecommerce sellers can also permit USPS returns.

When buyers receive a SmartMail shipment, they have the option to drop return packages off with USPS if needed.

From there, USPS enters returns into the mailstream to be directed back to the ecommerce seller through DHL systems.

So if an online store allows it, customers can return DHL SmartMail orders via any post office. Much easier than finding a special DHL access point!

USPS return drop-off for DHL SmartMail shipments depends on the policies of the ecommerce store. Check if your retailer permits post office returns under SmartMail before assuming DHL accepts them.

How do you Get DHL Packages into the USPS Network?

If you really need to route your DHL shipment initially through USPS instead of taking it directly to an official DHL drop-off point, there are a couple of creative workarounds:

• USPS package consolidation – Use a third-party company (e.g. Parcl, Shipito) with both USPS and DHL accounts. Ship to them domestically using USPS then they induct into DHL.
• Re-label as USPS shipment – Redirect the DHL package entirely into the USPS network by covering up DHL labels and barcodes with USPS versions for domestic delivery.

However, these bypasses void any DHL service guarantees and tracking. Plus, there is a chance the parcel gets returned due to detection of the invalid labels.

So the ideal option is to utilize DHL’s own extensive drop-off network. But when not easily accessible, consolidation forwarding or swapping labels could work in a pinch.

Key Takeaways: No DHL drop-offs at the Post Office

To summarize the key points explaining if you can drop off DHL packages at USPS:

• USPS does not have systems in place to handle international DHL shipments.
• For customer convenience, DHL enables drop-offs via official DHL Service Points, Packstations, partner UPS Access Points, and pickups.
• While workarounds exist to initially route DHL packages through USPS, they come with additional risks and complications.

So ultimately, for reliable, trackable DHL shipping, utilize their own drop-off network. But hopefully, this article gave you a full understanding of why combining DHL and USPS networks won’t align for package acceptance and some alternative options if your specific situation requires a workaround.