DHL
1,703 reviews
- Early
- ·
- On Time
- ·
- Late
- ·
- Unacceptably Late
- ·
- Never Arrived
- ·
- Never Collected
AI reviews summary
Overall sentiment for DHL is overwhelmingly negative, characterised by significant frustration regarding delivery reliability and customer support. While a small minority of users report fast international transit and professional individual drivers, these are overshadowed by systemic reports of "ghost" delivery attempts, lost high-value items, and a perceived lack of accountability when services fail.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
DHL is currently viewed by many consumers as an unreliable service for local Australian delivery, despite its global reputation. Potential users should be aware of significant risks regarding "ghost" delivery attempts and the potential for long delays once a package reaches Australia.
I gave them one more chance and they have let me down again, never again. They promise a day and time for delivery when the item isnt even the country. Second time they have done this to me, they wont do it again and i still have no idea where my package is. Show details
Very disappointing experience with DHL Delivery Chain. I have now had two separate deliveries of expensive appliances purchased from Kogan.com handled by DHL Delivery Chain. On both occasions I received notifications that my parcel would be delivered that day, so I stayed home waiting for the courier. In both cases I later received a message… Read more
claiming that delivery had been attempted and failed because I was not at home. This is simply not true.
I live in a secure apartment building with an intercom system, concierge services, and clearly marked access procedures. No one called my apartment, used the intercom, contacted me by phone, or attempted to reach me in any way.
For the first parcel, I was told to collect it from a shop elsewhere in the city. For the second parcel, I received a message saying that instructions had been left on a card at the premises, but no card was left and no information was provided.
This gives the impression that deliveries are sometimes marked as "attempted" without a genuine attempt being made. Customers pay for home delivery and should not have to spend their day waiting at home only to be told they were absent and then be forced to travel across the city to collect their parcel.
I have requested an investigation and proof of the alleged delivery attempts. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend DHL Delivery Chain.
I had a terrible experience with DHL as well. I just received my package after nearly a month of delays. The shipment was advertised as 2–3 business day delivery, but it took almost four weeks to arrive. Customer service was extremely disappointing. Every update required me to chase DHL myself. Nobody proactively communicated, nobody took… Read more
ownership of the issue, and every step involved additional delays.
One of the worst international shipping experiences I have had.
Reviews with attachments
[Content Removed] service throw parcel like frisbee – Walks up drive way only few more steps to door but instead throws parcel like a Frisbee caught on my cctv Show details
got charged $96 import tax on a good worth "over $1000". Asked multiple times how to dispute this with proof it was not worth that amount and was ignored. extremely disappointed Show details
Spent the day waiting, as arranged with DHL. Chased and was told it was not coming till next week and I would need to spend another day at home waiting. They told me the date given was an "estimate". When I told them it clearly was not "Gary" was just rude and hung up the chat. I expected much better from DHL. A shocking experience Show details
This is the only forum I could find to leave a review about a terrible DHL driver, it seems DHL don't accept feedback and no wonder. I returned home to find a DHL delivery truck parked in the middle of a roundabout, ON A PAINTED ROAD SIGN stating "NO PARKING", blocking it to traffic. The vehicle was unattended. I was forced to drive the wrong way… Read more
around the roundabout to reach my parking spot. Upon his return I confronted the driver and informed him that I've taken pictures of his attrocious parking and that I'm going to report him to DHL (an impossible task). His excuse was that "I'm a delivery driver" as if that gave him an exemption from the road rules and to ignore the ample signage that parking on site is for RESIDENTS ONLY. No wonder DHL have so so many bad reviews. Totally unacceptable!!
Hello, I just wanted to give you a heads up regarding DHL/Partnership with Dai Post in Australia. According to them (no proof of anything), they attempted to deliver the item an on the 31st of December and I wasn't home. DHL provided me the phone number of "Dai Post"(the reviews are unbelievable, to the point I catch myself wondering if they keep… Read more
for themselves as a gift, every single item they are supposed to deliver). This Dai Post provides a reference number that takes you nowhere, customer service only states that they cannot tell when the item will be re delivered. It is a never ending horror story. I wonder if this is a scam between DHL and Dai Post since none of them takes responsibility and they are partners.
DHL Delivery Review – Extremely Frustrating Experience My recent experience with DHL has been nothing but disappointing. Today, I received a notification that my parcel was ready for collection at my nominated pickup point. But when I arrived, the item wasn’t there. I called DHL with my reference number and was simply told to contact the supplier… Read more
because my item was “missing.” No help, no responsibility.
Earlier, I had another DHL delivery scheduled to my home. I waited the entire day, but DHL never showed up—yet they claimed they “attempted delivery” and no one was home. That is completely untrue.
Between false delivery attempts and missing parcels, I’ve lost all trust in DHL. I will never rely on DHL again.
Terrible service, not helpful! The way they deliver is kind of weird! Asking to upload you personal info which i dont have any trust to upload on the net! Australia post by far the best. Show details
- +1
Do not use . They have no idea what they are doing or where product is Order placed with Myer 2/8/25 no communication as to who courier was DHL have no contact info on their website ie phone or email ! picked up by DHL 5/8/25 no communication Supposed attempted delivery 10/8/25 no communication Dumped at a hub 10/8/25 supposed collected… Read more
26/8/25? No idea to whom Contacted DHL Number was to DHL express ( 1300482233) comes up as hub on dealing they know nothing from tracking different division could not help Given new number (1300362194)they got upset that i would not go away and accept that the item had been sent back to supplier . Found hub address after pushing for info . Dropped into hub hidden tobacconist on beaufort street mt lawey Item still sitting on floor there after 1 month Wasted time 2 hours plus travel These guys are hopeless and MYER are worse for abdicating their responsibilities and removing unfavourable reviews from their feedback pages . No wonder Myer is failing and losing money
You Pay a fortune to get express quality shipping and gets the worst service ever. I shipped my expensive handmade rugs from Egypt to Australia, properly wrapped the rugs with protective plastic and have them packed in DHL cardboard boxes in DHL office in Cairo. The rugs were shipped in three boxes, two of which were damaged by water, and the rugs… Read more
were transferred (wet) to different boxes and send to me in this messy condition. You can see in the photo below the original packaging and the repacking after damaging the original packing with water. I contacted DHL Australia and they moved me to DHL Egypt and after too many emails to both, they admitted that this was their mistake and that they take the responsibility for what happened. We asked for a compensation to professionally clear and restore the rugs condition, and they started to ask for more info, then ask for the cleaning invoice (which we provided), then ask for products invoice (which we also provided), then asked for an invoice in USD that matches the value we insured the shipment for!! They clearly asked us to forge and invoice to proceed with the claim, and we said we cannot do this they refused to proceed with the claim. A clear theft and worst customer care I had from a courier company that is assumed to have a good reputation.
Find out how DHL compares to other Couriers
Know better, choose better.
Ordered some things from ninja kitchen supplies, sent straight away, I then got a failed delivery, return to sender. My cctv didnt show anyone coming at all. I contacted Dhl and told them this. They said it was an imcorrect scan in Victoria but my parcel was on the way. It has been 2 weeks, no further tracking information, no parcel. I contacted… Read more
again, no replies. I am livid. It is a lot of money this parcel and couriers are supposed to be the secure way to send? Wth is this and why no accountability?
I want to post an update. I finally got my COURIERED item, 3.5 weeks after it was sent. I got it,… Read more
Avoid at all costs. And after using DHL exclusively when I had my two factories overseas, but back here in Australia, they are overly complex and difficult to deal with. Show details
Latest follow-ups
My experience is that the service is terrible. Their expertise is getting a product from A to B. It stops halfway through at customs and they want payment for import duties (of course) but cannot guarantee the product will then be delivered. … Read more
They’re not interested in finding out if that’s the final payment and you are left Not knowing where you stand with them not prepared to make any inquiries to confirm that on payment, the product will be released and delivered.
Follow-up · Followup. The sender was not helpful. They declined any refund after charges for return freight. After a considerable delay and impasse with me refusing the initial duty the product was eventually supplied with significantly reduced charges. Would still never buy again from the supplier nor use this courier.
DHL charged the sender both for the shipment and later, for the return, too. They did not even attempt to deliver the package, stating various different, invented reasons. During the time the parcel should have been delivered, I was at home and I… Read more
received a grocery delivery from a local supermarket plus an official mail where I had to sign and confirm reception. But DHL did not arrive. They also did not attempt to give the parcel to a neighbor or - what is absolutely common here - to deliver it to a nearby shop. Instead, in the delivery tracking, they stated "The ServicePoint where we would have liked to leave your parcel is closed/ We will try to deliver it to your address the next business day" - but again, they did not show up. Finally, as they stated "Shipment rerouted upon the request of the client" which is an utter lie. None of my complaints was addressed properly. The damage is 50 Euros, but again, they did not address my request. DHL sucks beyond any description.
I have proof for the sending and the return shipment on my phone, if requested.
Follow-up · follow-up: - DHL never contacted me directly - all there was is automated "no-reply" mails they were about to deliver. - after weeks, they sent back the parcel against my will and charged the sender again
Them and their eccommerce are the worst. Horrible customer service and horrible deliveries where packages goes missing. I lost count how many packages they have lost for me. Show details
Follow-up · Lost another package for me, delivered to the wrong address. Rang DHL ecommerce and its nit their fault they said, we got another company DAI to deliver it.
Positive reviews
Huss from Brunswick, VIC is an absolute legend! I live in a difficult area to deliver parcels and often get cards asking me to collect my item from the post office. Huss called ahead of time to let me know that he was on his way, worked with me to organise a good location to meet and delivered my parcel with warmth and a friendly smile. Very lucky to have Huss looking after us in the Brunswick Area! Show details
After a failed delivery attempt (due to original sender not including all details) DHL were absolutely incredible at arranging speedy redelivery. The parcel was a formal dress for my daughter (needed urgently) and when I explained this to Tammy on the phone, she went above and beyond to help. The delivery driver (Chris) then went out of his way to… Read more
redeliver, also calling me to assure me it was on its way. Both Tammy and Chris were wonderful, understanding and so helpful. I could not be more impressed with service and the outcome!
Great service, communication and reasoning: My delivery driver, Syed Nouman, was very polite and reasonable when discussing to wait a moment while I rushed home. Item was in excellent condition and handled with care. Thank you Syed! Show details
Negative reviews
Apparently DHL driver tried to deliver a package to my house and now I have to go to a collection point to pickup my parcel.The tracking for my delivery still shows that the parcel still in China, no card was left. I just found out when I called to online shop where I made my purchase from. It’s seems that every delivery end up at the DHL collection point. Useless. Show details
Find out how DHL compares to other Couriers
Know better, choose better.
Why can't you leave less than one star? Why not a red star for the spectacularly awful? I have just had the misery of trying to get a Dyson vacuum cleaner, MyTheresa clothing from Germany and a Miracle swimsuit from America all shipped through the appalling, hostile, punitive, contemptuous DHL courier service. I have waited all day to no avail, I… Read more
have cancelled appointments. I have rescheduled deliveries. So far I have just received the vacuum cleaner. I am constantly being emailed to ask for permission to dump items worth hundreds of dollars on the side of the road because DHL is really sick of having to try to deliver things twice. But that is simply because it is almost impossible for anyone to wait around for days at a time for a delivery. Ultimately, I WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT NOT TO BUY ONLINE FROM ANY RETAILER WHO USES DHL TO DELIVER. Often you don't know until you buy something that they use DHL. I would let each retailer known individually that I am not buying from them but i.e. Dyson makes it quite difficult to leave feedback and of course the poor delivery person or the person answering the phone is not at fault. It's the overpaid managers. So I will leave individual negative reviews for each product. Purely based on the fact that the delivery process was such a nightmare.
I genuinely think that the DHL time estimation software is malfunctioning but without feedback from clients, how would they know. They have disabled the receiver's ability to type into their 'contact us' AI software.
I also now keep a record on my phone of people who ship with DHL so in future I am not sucked into this hellhole of perpetual waiting as much as I possibly can.
My package was sent with DHL from the US. Despatched on April 25 and arrived on Sydney on May 5. Then it took until May 22 to arrive at my house in SE Qld. I checked the updates and it took 2 ½ days to travel the last 10km. Worst service time ever. I could have walked to Sydney and have had the item when I needed it. Absolute rubbish. Show details
Recent reviews
Very disappointed with this Company!! Booking time stated (time-schedule)time rsnge for collection is not true. DHL out source a Third party pick up..Information stated on the booking form is not TRUE!! Disappointed with this company. Show details
Do not use DHL !!!!!!! Totally useless have had a delivery sitting half an hours drive away for since 8:30 am Friday - no Monday afternoon - called several times even before it arrived in Molindiner to say how urgent it is and please delivery on Friday !!!! TERRIBLE SERVICE AND THEY OBVIOUSLY COULD NOT CARE LESS !!!!!! Show details
Terrible experience to get a new UK passport sent with delivery dates that were given and waited at home to give signature but nothing arrived and unhelpful customer services. On-line tracking does not work anf no-one can help. Don't know why UK passport office uses such an unreliable service. Show details
Sadly it turned out to be a disastrous experience. Absolutely rubbish service. Incompetence is an under statement. I followed the online notifications, it arrived in brisbane 10am Friday 1 may. Next notification was it would be delivered by the end of that day. 4pm still hasn't arrived, so I contacted the online chat, met a very rude operator, was… Read more
told the delivery truck had allready left and it would be delivered the following Tuesday. I asked how it could have missed the delivery truck when it arrived at 10am, was told they only have ONE delivery truck a day!! Than they left the chat. I phoned them the next morning, and asked if I could pick it up instead, since there open until 12pm, they said yes that's fine and would change the status to "pick up" and notify me when it's ready. By 11am still no notification, so I rang again, and was told the status hadn't been changed to pick up(even though I could see online that it was changed to pick up) and was out for delivery the following Tuesday, and they refused to be of any further help. I went to their website again and of course the status was changed back to delivery. No wonder their online reviews are so low. Will never use them again.
This is the worst service I have experienced in a very long time. I waited 20 days for my package and ended up having to pick it up myself. Delivery drivers lie and say that attempted to deliver the package but don’t and when you speak to DHL they deny this. The manager I spoke to several times is rude, unhelpful and does not appear to have any empathy. Do not use this service Show details
I am "forced" to use DHL due to the country to which I send documents. If I had a choice I would not use their services. From my point of view, they are not worth the cost of couriering documents overseas. They make excuses about the pick-up time. The pick up staff are surly. This time around they placed a $40 fuel surcharge on top of their regular fees Show details
Extra Information
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Im now told that the delivery date is just a guidline and now im told i may get my items tomorrow… Read more