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Which do you prefer, EMS or DHL?
 

pretty straight forward.

I usually stick with EMS because I little problems with it. I've used DHL in the past without any issue, but I've heard (read) that DHL doesn't get through customs as good as EMS, so I've told my Chinese supplier that I prefer him to use EMS, which he abides by.

Well, said Chinese supplier recently shot me an email asking me to reconsider using DHL instead of EMS. He insists there won't be any issues with customs, and that I will get my packages faster as well.

This supplier has been good to me, and he's been solid as far as doing whatever Chinese suppliers (good ones) do when it comes to getting packages through customs. Should I tell him to go ahead and use DHL, or is he just trying to save a buck at my expense?

any help appreciated

My chinese supplier says DHL are better with customs.. But I have to pay shipping fee if I use DHL and EMS is free and it has never been stopped by customs, ever.

I searched these forums on the topic fairly in depth, and it seems people's opinions on the topic are split right down the middle. The only common I found was that DHL is more/less used for larger packages, where EMS is used for smaller packages. Usually, I order smaller packages, but lately, I've started ordering larger packages, and I bet that is why my supplier wants to go to DHL.

DHL. Packages arrive to me in 48-72 hours MAX.

DHL you will have custom duties to pay and higher chance of seizure. If you can wait a bit, go for EMS.

In the US you don't have to pay any custom fees or duties when getting packages by DHL. Depending on what customs they come through depends on the seizure rate.

Personally I will only accept my shipments by DHL and hate EMS.

I prefer HK post, I got mine in like 3 days and second would be EMS since they never get seized, my last DHL got seized.

Hk post for me also.Like 4 days.

Right on the money. HK Post/HKEMS for life.

I just looked at the airbill, it says HKpost, EMS and Speed Post in the upper left corner of the bill, it says EA at the beginning of tracking and HK at the end so not really sure if that's HKEMS or HKPost but whatever it was it was fast as Hell and the contents make for some pretty good workout videos to, I'm gonna keep 1 for myself lol.

you want to beat this is a lie. I just got a package from India valued at 2k and I had to pay a 2.3% customs duty. Yes the package was sent by DHL and not EMS. I told the shipper only EMS not DHL. I once worked for DHL when they operated in the US, they like to hire thieves and ex cons. EMS packages are handled by USPS employees. I can wait a few more days to get my packages. EMS all the way.

Very odd - I have only ordered 1 or 2 times via DHL and was always charged a fee based on declaration value - I doubt US is different but shrug.

Dull just has too many seizures compared to ems anyone saying otherwise doesn't look at the facts and stats that back it up.

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Appreciate the help everyone.

I think I am going to tell my supplier EMS only

You have no clue what you are talking about. There is no way possible DHL could hire a ex-con. Since 9/11 with all of the terrorism laws that went into effect and business that operates on airport land or handles mail/parcels every single employee has to pass a TSA background check. This could be the janitor who scrubs the toilets. That is the law.

As for you paying customs duties that is bad luck. I get 6-8 large packages a week from HK via DHL and in over 3 years now never once had to pay any sort of custom duties. And yes I have had them opened for inspection and resealed with the green "US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION" tape all over them.

What part of the country are you in? Some entry ports are far more successful than others with EMS.

JFK has always been good to me. My outgoing go thrpugh Miami. 25 POUNDS TO JAPAN ..no problem clearing

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I've never had any experience with JFK. I have heard it was pretty good. I'm on the west coast and when I have used EMS it goes through San Fran or LA. I've never had good luck with LA at all.

Sent a 70lb package to Kuwait through DHL with no issues. Shipping took around 4 days I think.

Good suppliers can manipulate Which ems customs their package will pass through, Dhl they cannot.

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Midwest

EMS shipments come in through Chicago

DHL shipments come in through Cinncinnatti

Cincinnati DHL has been good for me. Never had any experience with the others.