DHL does not have a top-level domain (TLD) in the traditional sense. In standard internet infrastructure, top-level domains are the highest level of domain names within the Internet’s hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS). These are the last part of a domain name, such as .com, .org, .edu, .net, .gov, and so forth. Many organizations and corporations have their websites under these top-level domains. Domain names are regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a not-for-profit international organization.
Usually, private corporations like DHL, which is a multinational delivery and logistics company, use second-level domains or subdomains under generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com or country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) depending on the region. For example, DHL’s corporate website is under the .com TLD and can be found at www.dhl.com. This is a common practice to create a clear and identifiable internet presence, tying the website to the company brand.
However, aside from gTLDs and ccTLDs, there is a specialized kind of TLD called brand TLD or .brand TLD in which large companies could use their brand name as their TLD. The .brand TLD concept emerged during ICANN’s expansion of TLDs in 2012, and corporations like Google (.google), BMW (.bmw), and Barclays (.barclays) have utilized it. Currently, DHL does not have a .brand TLD like .dhl. This information comes directly from the ICANN’s TLD directory.
The concept of a brand TLD is an interesting one in brand building and digital marketing. Having a .brand allows for creative and flexible online branding and could potentially strengthen the brand’s digital identity. As per Strauss (2017), having a “.brand makes brands less dependent on other digital channels, such as social media or online advertising, in maintaining a digital presence.” However, there are costs and responsibilities associated with running a brand TLD, as outlined in ICANN’s applicant guidebook, making it less desirable for some companies.
In conclusion, while DHL is a notable corporation, it does not have its top-level domain, at least as of the time of writing. Like many organizations, it uses a second-level domain under a common gTLD, specifically .com. While it could theoretically apply for a .brand TLD with its name, there are currently no indications that it is pursuing this.
Sources:
1. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) – https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-0d-2012-02-25-en
2. DHL Official Website – https://www.dhl.com/
3. Strauss, J. (2017). E-marketing. Routledge – https://www.routledge.com/E-Marketing/Strauss/p/book/9781133953196
4. ICANN’s New gTLD Applicant Guidebook – https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb.
