| Code | IS.SHP.DHL1.CD.OB.US |
| Indicator Name | Cost to ship 1kg priority express air package through DHL to the United States (current US$) |
| Long definition | Cost to ship 1kg priority express air package through DHL to the United States is the DHL international U.S. inbound worldwide priority express rate for a 1 kilogram nondocument air package. Fuel, assessorial/surcharges, duties, and taxes are excluded. |
| Source | DHL's Express Standard Rate Guideline. |
| Topic | Infrastructure: Transportation |
| Periodicity | Annual |
| Statistical concept and methodology | The data is the cost to ship a 1kilogram priority air package to the United States using DHL's Express Worldwide import service. The Express Worldwide import service is express door-to-door international inbound delivery of document and non-document shipments by the end of the next possible business day, paid by the receiver or a third party. This includes customs clearance handled by DHL, third country billing option, service guarantee in the unlikely event of late delivery and is available from 214 origin countries.
Two types of weight are measured: the actual weight (heaviness) and the dimensional weight (density/space). The largest weight is used for the rate calculation and is called the chargeable or billed weight. The actual weight uses a standard scale rounded to the next full pound. The dimensional weight uses the International Air Transport Association (IATA) volumetric methodology. This methodology is used for all international shipments, even those in DHL-branded packaging. To get the dimensional weight, multiply the carton's dimensions (length x width x height) and divide the cubic inches by the dimensional weight factor of 139, if measured in inches. If measured in centimeters divide by 5,000 for a dimensional weight in kilos. Data in kilos is converted to pounds by dividing the kilos by 2.20462. |
| Development relevance | The costs of transport services are a crucial determinant of export competitiveness. The proxy indicator is the shipping rates to the United States of an international freight moving business. There are many 'specialist' couriers usually for the transportation of items such as freight/palettes, sensitive documents and liquids.
Express delivery services and couriers are distinguished from ordinary mail services by features such as speed, security, tracking, signature, specialization and individualization of express services, and swift delivery times, which are optional for most everyday mail services. As a premium service, couriers are usually more expensive than standard mail services, and their use is typically restricted to packages where one or more of these features are considered important enough to warrant the cost. Some carriers offer even faster delivery with their early morning delivery services. |
| Limitations and exceptions | A variety of laws and regulations, as well as common-sense safety and security measures, may prevent DHL Express from accepting certain commodities for transport. Prohibited commodities include items such as animals, illegal goods, and precious metals while restricted items include firearm parts, insects, and medical samples. At times, conditional items such as designer clothing, mobile telephones, and perishable items, are acceptable.
Rates subject to change without notice and extra charges may apply. Delivery time and availability vary based upon origin and destination. All rates are stated in dollars exclusive of sales tax or additional charges at origin, and any duties or taxes at destination.
DHL is only one of the three major courier companies (FedEx and UPS) in the United States so DHL prices may not represent those of the entire courier industry. |
| General comments | Restricted use: Please contact DHL directly for permission to disseminate, reuse, or redistribute any data related to freight costs from the United States: 1 kilogram DHL nondocument air package. This indicator is not available in the World Development Indicators time series database. |
| License URL | https://www.irf.global/terms/ |
| License Type | Use and distribution of these data are subject to IRF terms and conditions. |
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