DHL Rip-off Report

May 1, 2007


DHL International Express? Not so fast.... 

I was in Honolulu and wanted to get something for somebody in the Philippines, quickly. First, I thought I would try to buy it through Rick at Rick's Cafe. Rick had done a special order for me before, but this time he didn't seem keen on helping. So, I bought the items in Honolulu and dropped them off at DHL on Tuesday, April 17, 2007. I said I want to ship this to the Philippines. The guy said, okay, this weighs 2 pounds, so $150, and it will get there on Friday or Monday. I said, okay, and gave him $150. 

The package arrived in Manila on Friday, April 20, 2007. The consignee then got a call from DHL who said they needed P3,361.60 for duties and taxes. The consignee was surprised. She never had to pay duties and taxes with LBC or anybody else. She asked them to confirm that there was in fact duty and taxes and that the rate imposed, 53%, was correct.  She didn't tell them not to deliver the package or that she would not pay, she just wanted them to double-check. DHL said they would call back. They never did. 

After several days the consignee called DHL and said where is my package? They said they would send it and she would have to pay the duties and taxes to the courier. 

The package was delivered on April 30, 2007, thirteen (13) days after it was shipped by DHL International Express. She paid the courier P3,362 upon delivery.  

This is the response (edited) I received from Rubilyn Dionisio (DHL PH) when I complained prior to delivery: 

"Based on our system, your shipment under air waybill 811119xxxx to Mr. Consignee arrived Manila on April 20, 2007. It was then submitted to the Bureau of Customs for clearance processing. It was determined that confirmation of duties and taxes incurred amounting to P3,361.60 was need from your consignee's end to process release of this shipment."

"The same was provided by Ms. Consignee and shipment was then released on April 25, 2007 and was then forwarded to our domestic affiliate Wide World Express on April 26, 2007 for delivery arrangement to your consignee's end." 

Thirteen (13) days to deliver a small two (2) pound package to the Philippines from Honolulu is what DHL calls express? I call it a rip-off. 


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