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DHL Air Express

General Information

DHL Air Express is a premium worldwide express service by air. This service is available for both private and business customers.

DHL Air Express Labelling & Documentation

Shipping Labels

Our web site should generate a bar coded DHL label which needs to be printed & securely attached to each package. Please also keep one for your records & hand one to the DHL driver on collection. Please be advised that manual labels are no longer accepted.

Commercial Invoices & Packing Lists

Shipments bound for non EU countries must be accompanied by 3 copies of a commercial invoice or packing list showing a full description and value of the goods for customs purposes. Our website will produce a basic packing list for you, however if you have your own please use these instead. Remember to include a VAT number if applicable.

Your Checklist

  • Have you printed and securely attached a copy of your barcoded shipping label to each of your packages?
  • Shipping to a non-EU destination? If yes, do you have 3 copies of your commercial invoice or packing list ready to accompany your shipment?

DHL Air Express Volumetric Weight Charges

The charge for your shipment is calculated on weight or volume, whichever the greater. Sometimes, bulky items may be charged at a higher rate than the actual weight of the shipment. The formula to calculate the "volumetric" weight on this service is as follows:

Multiply the 3 dimensions of your parcel together (LxWxH) & divide the result by 5000.

Example Volumetric Weight Calculations

  • Parcel weighs 10kg @ 50 x 30 x 20cm (50 x 30 x 20 divided by 5000 = 6) ie the actual weight exceeds the volumetric weight which means you would be charged for 10kg.
  • Parcel weighs 10kg @ 60 x 50 x 40cm (60 x 50 x 40 divided by 5000 = 24) ie the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight which means you would be charged for 24kg.

Additional Costs Which Might Apply To Your Shipment

DHL Air Express Remote Area Surcharges

Should either the collection or delivery area be located in a "remote area" DHL apply a flat rate surcharge of £15 plus vat if applicable. You can check the DHL Remote Area database to see if your collection or delivery address will be affected.

The DHL website also contains relevant information concerning Duties & Taxes

DHL Air Express Maximum Size & Weight Allowance

Size and weight restrictions will vary depending on your destination.

Please refer to the DHL website for size and weight restrictions as well as important guidelines and telephone numbers specific to your destination country.

If the Girth is applicable, this is calculated by adding together the 2 smaller dimensions, multiply by 2 and add the result to the longest dimension. (eg 1 box 40*30*60cms = (40+30) x 2 = 140 + 60 = 200 cms "girth".)

DHL Air Express Prohibited Articles Information

Please refer to the DHL website for current information concerning their policies on restricted and prohibited goods.