How To Save on International Shipping Costs
by Jaidyn Farar
International shipping costs depend on the carrier you use, the country you’re shipping to, and the size and weight of your shipments. How can you understand these costs and—more importantly—decrease them?
This article will examine some factors that determine the cost of shipping internationally, break down the service options offered by major international carriers, and provide a side-by-side comparison of the most affordable methods.
Let’s dive in!
How much does international shipping cost?
Many factors influence international shipping costs, including the following:
- Package origin and destination. The distance between the origin and destination directly affects shipping costs, with longer distances typically costing more due to increased fuel and labor expenses. Shipping to remote areas may involve extra charges.
- Carrier and shipping service. Different carriers offer various services, each with its own pricing structure. While it’s possible to compare costs yourself, it’s faster to automate carrier selection using shipping software like EasyPost, which can find the most affordable methods to deliver each package on time.
- Delivery time. Faster delivery options like overnight or two-day shipping are usually more expensive than standard delivery because they require expedited handling and dedicated resources. If a shipment isn’t urgent, choosing slower shipping options can help reduce costs.
- Package dimensions and weight. Larger and heavier packages generally cost more to ship internationally because they take up more space and require more handling. Carriers often use dimensional (DIM) weight pricing to calculate costs for large but lightweight packages; you can save money by ensuring that products are packed in appropriately sized boxes. Additionally, flat-rate options can save money when shipping small but heavy items.
- Shipping volume. Businesses that ship high volumes can often negotiate rate discounts with carriers. Using shipping software allows businesses to access volume discounts without needing to negotiate with individual carriers.
- Additional services. Services like insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation of delivery can add extra costs to shipping. Since these services offer added security and peace of mind, they’re usually worth it; just be sure to factor them into your budget.
- Duties, taxes, and fees. Landed cost is the total cost of transporting a package to its end destination. In addition to shipping rates and the cost of additional services, the landed cost includes duties, taxes, and other fees. Taxes, duties, and fees depend on a variety of factors, such as the country of origin, product value, product type, and country-specific regulations.
Comparing international shipping costs across carriers
USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all offer international parcel shipping services. In addition, many regional carriers specialize in delivery to specific countries or areas. This section will include some of the most popular shipping services for each major carrier.
USPS
The following USPS services can be used to ship internationally:
- Global Express Guaranteed®: This service provides date-certain delivery within 1-3 business days with a money-back guarantee.
- Priority Mail Express International®: This service provides date-certain delivery with a money-back guarantee to some locations. Deliveries take 3-5 business days, and flat-rate pricing is available.
- Priority Mail International®: This is a cost-effective USPS service that delivers in 6-10 business days. Flat-rate pricing is available.
- First-Class Package International Service®: This is USPS’s most affordable international service for packages under 4 pounds with contents worth less than $400. Delivery times vary by location.
UPS
The following UPS services can be used to ship internationally:
- Express Critical®: This is UPS’s same-day delivery service, ideal when your shipment needs to arrive as quickly as possible. Pricing varies based on distance and urgency.
- Worldwide Express Plus®: This service offers delivery within 1-3 business days by 8:30, 9:00, or 11:00 a.m. in over 55 countries and territories.
- Worldwide Express®: Worldwide Express provides delivery within 1-3 business days by 10:30 a.m., noon, or 2:00 p.m., depending on the destination. It delivers to over 130 countries and territories.
- Worldwide Saver®: This service guarantees delivery by the end of the day within 1-3 business days, and it covers over 220 countries and territories.
- Worldwide Expedited®: Worldwide Expedited is a cost-effective option that provides delivery within 2-5 business days, depending on the location.
- Standard®: If you’re shipping to Canada or Mexico, Standard is a good bet. This service ensures delivery in 4-8 business days to Mexico or 2-7 business days to Canada.
- Worldwide Economy®: This economical option delivers in 5-12 business days. To ship with Worldwide Economy, you’ll need to enter into a contract with UPS.
FedEx
The following FedEx services can be used to ship internationally:
- FedEx® International Next Flight. This service provides 24/7/365 delivery with a money-back guarantee, making it ideal for urgent items like medical devices and lab samples.
- FedEx® International Connect Plus. Designed for ecommerce, this service offers day-definite delivery in 2-5 business days with no residential surcharges.
- FedEx International First®. This service offers time-definite delivery within 1-3 business days to select locations in 26 countries and territories.
- FedEx International Priority® Express. This service provides time-definite delivery global shipping within 1-3 business days by 12 p.m. to select locations. Flat-rate pricing is available.
- FedEx International Priority®. Delivering to over 220 countries and territories, International Priority ensures delivery within 1-3 business days. Flat-rate pricing is available.
- FedEx International Economy®. This service typically delivers within 2-5 business days, with faster options of 2 or 3 days to Canada or Mexico. It covers over 215 countries and territories.
- FedEx® International Connect. International Connect provides tracked delivery within 4-12 business days or untracked delivery in 7-15 business days, depending on your needs. A contract is required to ship with this service.
- FedEx International Ground®. For businesses shipping from the U.S. to Canada, this service provides ground delivery within 2-7 business days.
DHL
DHL specializes in shipping internationally, offering several services to meet a business’s unique needs.
- DHL Express. DHL Express is a great option for expedited shipments, covering more than 220 countries and territories.
- DHL eCommerce. DHL eCommerce provides domestic and international parcel delivery for high-volume shippers. Services include Parcel International Direct, Parcel International Standard, and Packet International.
Shipping from the U.S. to a specific country
You might be wondering about the cheapest way to ship from the U.S. to a specific country. If so, read on! We’ve collected pricing estimates for some of the most popular international ecommerce destinations.
The quotes below reflect the cost of shipping a five-pound package from New York, and we’ve included only the most affordable options. Just keep in mind that international shipping costs vary based on many factors, including package size, delivery speed, and more. For the most accurate estimate, use your carrier’s rate calculator or check pricing with your shipping platform.
Shipping rate calculators:
Canada
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Winnipeg, Canada.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Standard | 4 business days | $43.37 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $56.65 |
FedEx International Ground | 3 business days | $47.21 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 2 business days | $127.42 |
Mexico
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Mexico City, Mexico.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Standard | 6 business days | $101.68 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $69.15 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 3 business days | $161.25 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 1 business day | $142.09 |
Brazil
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Brasília, Brazil.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 6 business days | $349.16 |
USPS Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box | 6-10 business days | $74.60 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 6 business days | $309.07 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 3 business days | $290.09 |
UK
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to London, England.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 4 business days | $256.49 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $88.15 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 6 business days | $218.81 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 2 business days | $203.09 |
Italy
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Rome, Italy.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 5 business days | $256.49 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $79.85 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 5 business days | $218.81 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 2 business days | $203.09 |
Australia
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Sydney, Australia.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 7 business days | $263.14 |
USPS Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box | 6-10 business days | $96.25 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 6 business days | $258.06 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 4 business days | $212.09 |
Philippines
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Manila, Philippines.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 5 business days | $263.14 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $83.90 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 3 business days | $258.06 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 4 business days | $212.09 |
India
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to New Delhi, India.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 5 business days | $264.27 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $83.90 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 5 business days | $230.58 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 4 business days | $212.09 |
China
Below you’ll find pricing and delivery speed estimates when shipping a package to Shanghai, China.
Carrier and service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
UPS Worldwide Expedited | 4 business days | $254.47 |
USPS Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | $80.40 |
FedEx International Connect Plus | 4 business days | $227.18 |
DHL Express Worldwide | 4 business days | $192.74 |
Get the best international rates with EasyPost
International logistics costs can add up quickly, but reaching global customers doesn’t have to break the bank. To reach new markets and provide a top-notch delivery experience, many shippers use shipping software like EasyPost.
With access to volume discounts, shipping method optimization, tracking, label generation, and more, your business will save time and money on logistics, leaving you more time to focus on growth.
Sign up for free to access cheap international shipping.