Are Hermes and DHL the Same Company?

If you’ve ever shipped a package internationally, you may have come across two popular courier companies – Hermes and DHL. While both companies offer shipping and delivery services, many people wonder if they are actually the same company or if there are any differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore whether Hermes and DHL are the same company.

History of Hermes

Hermes is a UK-based courier company that was founded in 1972. Originally known as Parcelnet, the company changed its name to Hermes in 2009. Today, it is one of the largest courier companies in the UK and delivers over 330 million parcels each year.

History of DHL

DHL is a German-based courier company that was founded in 1969. It started as a small delivery service between San Francisco, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. Today, it is one of the largest courier companies in the world with operations in over 220 countries and territories.

Are Hermes and DHL Owned by the Same Company

The short answer is no – Hermes and DHL are not owned by the same company. However, there are some connections between them that may cause confusion for some customers.

In 2014, it was announced that UK Mail Group had sold its subsidiary Parcelnet to Hermes for £60 million. This acquisition allowed Hermes to expand its delivery network even further and compete with other major courier companies like DHL.

In addition to this acquisition, both companies have partnerships with various other organizations. For example, DHL has partnerships with numerous airlines for air freight services while Hermes has partnerships with retailers like John Lewis for home delivery services.

Differences Between Hermes and DHL

While Hermes and DHL may have some similarities in terms of the services they offer, there are also some notable differences between the two companies.

Delivery Times

Hermes offers a range of delivery options including standard, next day, and weekend delivery. However, delivery times may vary depending on the location and type of service selected. DHL, on the other hand, offers a guaranteed delivery time for its express services.

Parcel Size and Weight Limits

Hermes has specific size and weight limits for parcels that can be shipped through its network. For example, parcels must not exceed 120cm in length or weigh more than 15kg. DHL also has size and weight limits but these may vary depending on the destination country and type of service selected.

Delivery Network

While both companies have extensive delivery networks, there may be some differences in terms of coverage depending on the location. DHL is known for its global reach with operations in over 220 countries while Hermes primarily operates within the UK.

Conclusion

In summary, while Hermes and DHL are not owned by the same company, there are some connections between them that may cause confusion for customers. Both companies offer shipping and delivery services but there are also differences in terms of delivery times, parcel size and weight limits, and coverage areas. Whether you choose to use Hermes or DHL will depend on your specific needs as well as where you are shipping your package to.