DHL vs Fedex vs TnT vs Others

[bearzn]

Hi All,

We are running a business which includes importing mainly 2 types of electronic devices straight from China. We deal with only two suppliers. So far we have been shipping with whoever seems more convenience for the exporter. We want to get an account with a courier that can also clear for us with the customs. We have been approached by TnT because we (or the exporter rather) usually uses them to open an account. However, we would like to get an experienced opinion on a better courier.

We mainly import 1 to 2 packages a month of about 30x30cm to about 60x60cm each. We mainly pay the supplier via Western Union, and the courier gets an instruction from us to clear at the customs and thereafter they send us the COD invoice before releasing the package for delivery.

We are based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN

Thank you in advance

 

[airborne]

Can't you get a quote from each and take it from there?

Though with those low volumes I can't see any of them giving you the best rates.

 

[Bryn]

I will trust DHL over FedEx every single time. DHL has always been quick and provided great service, and FedEx has messed up more deliveries than it hasn't for me. DHL also has cheaper consignment charges and seems to get through customs faster. Also, I hate my local FedEx branch and their operating hours are outrageously poor if you find yourself in a pickle. Also nearly impossible to get any local FedEx person on the phone.

Last Christmas my parcel arrived at 1pm on Saturday the 23rd, at the depot a few minutes from my house. After an enormous amount of effort to get hold of someone so I could pick it up (no one answered the door), they said the facility had closed at 11am. On the weekend before Christmas. What in the actual f**k. Takealot had used them because their Mr D service was overloaded. I had initially phoned Mr D after a 1 minute Google search, gotten through to a friendly woman who checked the system in a few seconds and then been told it was a shame because they were open until late. I hated FedEx long before this experience, but damn this made me mad. They shut down until after Christmas btw and I never had the gift in time for my step-dad on Monday.

That's just my experience.

 

[ProfA]

Stay away from TNT express. They are incompetent unprofessional buffoons. They are also charge more for "admin" fees when bringing in a package from overseas that needs to be cleared by customs. R380.