Offering international shipping for your products is one of the best ways to grow your customer base and increase sales in 2023. It can be difficult to maintain a level of quality and speed that is comparable to domestic shipping while staying within budget.
Depending on your average order volume, delivery time, and destination, you should figure out the best way to ship internationally.
Choosing the cheapest or most affordable shipping service available does not always imply slow delivery. If you know where to look, you can find shipping discounts almost anywhere. You should not be paying retail shipping costs if you operate an online store.
This article will demonstrate how to get cheap international delivery for your products by using incentive programs, carrier negotiations, and shipping software to obtain discounts from major carriers.
What is International Shipping?
International shipping is a mode of transportation for moving goods that uses sea routes as opposed to roads or air routes. Shipping is international by definition because, in most cases, it aims to connect two nations that are divided by a sea or ocean.
In e-commerce, international shipping is a given as it:
- Makes the market available to all business owners and consumers on the planet.
- It is especially important for drop shippers because it allows them to deliver goods from suppliers all over the world to their customers’ doors.
We’ve gathered several international shipping companies in this article so you can compare shipping costs and find the best overseas shipping service to meet your needs and budget.
This will help you find the lowest international shipping rates possible.
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally?
Finding cheap and efficient ways to ship packages is becoming increasingly difficult due to increased demand and supply chain crises.
To help you find the best deal for your company, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions and shipping providers.
#1. The cheapest way to ship large packages
The precise definition of “large” will always depend on the courier, so you must check each situation individually.
So if you want to reduce the cost of shipping, we advise picking a box that is a little bit bigger than the things you need to send. By doing this, you can reduce the cost of volumetric weight without endangering the security of the package.
Furthermore, working with businesses that specialize in long-distance routes or even freight shipping is the best way to guarantee affordable shipping for a larger package.
For instance, we advise looking into couriers like FedEx Logistics, Reliant, DB Schenker, and Kuehne + Nagel.
#2. The cheapest way to ship heavy goods
There are several factors to take into account when shipping heavy items. The weight that is deemed “heavy,” as with long or large packages, varies from courier to courier.
Some couriers have restrictions on the weight of packages, such as a maximum weight of 30 kg and a range of weights that determine the shipping rate.
There are, however, always ways to ship bulky items for a reasonable price. Choosing a freight forwarder is always an option, whether you’re shipping pallets, furniture, car parts, or other equipment.
One of the best options might be FedEx. In the international division, they provide two services (FedEx International Priority Freight and FedEx International Economy Freight) for packages weighing more than 68 kg.
While UPS’s standard shipping options can accommodate packages weighing up to 50 pounds, if you’re looking for the cheapest shipping for your bulky packages, we suggest looking at their freight rates.
#3. The cheapest way to ship small goods
Although there are ways to get around distance, we don’t advise sacrificing tracking functionality to reduce costs. By providing visibility throughout the package’s journey, tracking assists in lowering the anxiety that comes with every shipment.
Last but not least, negotiate discounted shipping fees with couriers for small packages. Depending on the volume of your shipments, these rates and conditions will change. If you don’t feel ready to negotiate on your own, working with shipping platforms that offer pre-negotiated rates might be the best option for you.
FedEx, UPS, DHL, and local options like the US Postal Service in the US are some of the best companies for shipping small packages.
Is DHL International Cheaper Than USPS?
Shipping costs are highly dependent on several variables, including item value, parcel dimensions, weight, and shipping distance. However, compared to DHL, USPS typically provides more reasonable domestic shipping rates.
Let’s examine the table below in more detail. Here is a table that contrasts the costs of sending a package from the USA to the UK using DHL and USPS.
The table shows that when compared to USPS, DHL offers the most affordable shipping options when it comes to international shipping services.
However, as was already mentioned, you can anticipate that USPS will offer more affordable shipping rates for domestic packages.
Is UPS Cheaper Than FedEx International?
Both UPS and FedEx provide outstanding services on a global scale. Even though these two carriers may appear to be comparable, depending on your shipping requirements, a few key distinctions favor one over the other.
Because of its extensive plane network, FedEx is preferred for air freight, whereas UPS is well known for its dominance in ground shipments. However, the prices and speeds of these two carriers also vary.
UPS or FedEx International: Which is Cheaper?
The delivery costs charged by UPS and FedEx vary according to whether you select priority or economy services. However, as determined above, UPS Worldwide services may be a better choice to take into account as they provide more affordable rates than FedEx International services.
However, UPS is preferred for domestic shipments, while FedEx is preferred for international shipments. FedEx charges less at first but charges more as packages get heavier and travel farther.
Finally, UPS Flat Rate services are more affordable.
UPS or FedEx International: Which is Faster?
UPS typically delivers goods more quickly than FedEx due to its larger global network. UPS ships internationally and estimates a delivery window of 1 to 5 business days.
FedEx International delivery, on the other hand, can take up to a week or longer, depending on the chosen service and shipping location. Consequently, UPS is viewed as a quicker choice for international shipping.
Which is Cheaper DHL or FedEx for International Shipping?
While DHL international shipping rates are typically less expensive than FedEx domestic shipping rates, FedEx is known for its quick delivery of time-sensitive shipments within the United States.
However, both couriers have unique shipping solutions that make them better for different situations.
The best way to decide which is best for your company is to compare them.
Even though DHL and FedEx both charge more for same-day delivery services, DHL’s rates are usually less expensive overall for domestic shipments.
Additionally, DHL shipping costs are typically less expensive when compared to those of FedEx when shipping internationally.
Is UPS International Shipping Cheap?
Over 220 countries are served by UPS, one of the biggest and most reputable shipping companies. In the US, it is widely used for both domestic and international shipping and offers quick delivery services.
Among its international choices are:
- UPS Worldwide Expedited
- UPS Worldwide Express Plus
- UPS Worldwide Express
- UPS Worldwide Saver
These services are an excellent choice if you need your package delivered within a day or a few business days.
Additionally, the cost of international shipping may be higher than the cost of domestic shipping. This is primarily because a variety of factors, including shipping distance, affect the cost of shipping.
Furthermore, depending on how quickly you need your package delivered, UPS also gives you the choice between its air and freight services. UPS Flat-Rate shipping is a different choice you have, and it has a set price for a box of particular dimensions.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Internationally With UPS?
The cost of your shipment is determined by some elements, including the item’s weight, size, service type, and shipping location.
Shipping from the US to Canada
You can use UPS Ground to send this package from New York to Toronto for about $50. However, you can choose UPS Worldwide Saver, Express, or Express Plus if you want your items delivered right away.
These services will cost you between $100 and $200, and they will deliver your package within one business day.
Shipping from the US to the UK
The cost will also range from $100 to $300 if you ship via UPS Worldwide Expedited, Saver, or Express Plus from New York to London. In addition, it takes two to three business days to deliver.
Shipping from the US to China
You can choose between UPS Worldwide Expedited and Saver if you’re sending the same package from New York to Beijing. Your shipment will arrive via these services in about 3 to 4 working days. Additionally, the cost of shipping can range from $100 to $200 or more.
Advantages of International Shipping with UPS
Shipping internationally with UPS has some benefits. Here are a few of them:
- UPS offers a variety of shipping services.
- On-time delivery is provided.
- Packaging is done free of charge.
- They possess a reliable tracking system.
- They provide affordable options for delivery.
Is FedEx International Shipping Cheap?
When shipping with FedEx rates, there are no packages that have a fixed price. It comes down to some things, as you might expect.
Here, we examine in greater detail some factors that affect FedEx shipping costs. They consist of:
- Weight of package: You will have to pay more to have your package delivered if it is heavier.
- Delivery speed: The cost of FedEx expedited shipping is higher than that of ground and economy shipping.
- Distance: The cost of delivering your package depends on how far away the shipping zone is.
- FedEx Flat Rate Packaging: FedEx One Rate packaging might be the most affordable shipping choice when shipping bulky items over long distances.
- Customized packaging: Using your packaging and FedEx SmartPost to ship small, light packages over shorter distances may result in the lowest FedEx rate.
- Additional charges: Your shipping costs will also be impacted by fuel costs and residential surcharges for outlying deliveries. Large or fragile items are subject to handling fees as well.
Which Courier is Best for International Shipping?
One of the best international shipping companies is DHL, which manages to provide both quick and affordable shipping solutions.
With an extensive logistical network and one of the cheapest shipping rates, it is regarded as one of the best international shipping companies and can deliver your shipments overnight to hundreds of different countries around the globe.
What Cannot Be Shipped by DHL?
Depending on where you are sending your package, each item on the list below may be subject to different national regulations. The following are some of the items that cannot be shipped by DHL:
- Antiques and artistic creations
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dry ice
- Perfumes
- Symbolic medals and
- coins, jewelry, and watches
What is the Best Way to Ship Internationally?
DHL is the best and most well-known…
- They are in charge of international small package express delivery.
- DHL is a top choice if your shipments fall under the category of dangerous goods that need special handling and documentation.
- They have options that include air and ocean international standard shipping, as well as road and rail freight.
- Options for expedited air shipping deliveries in remote areas
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