How to Find the Cheapest International Shipping

• 6 min read

In an increasingly global world, it’s no surprise that consumers are looking farther to find solutions to their unique needs. If you’re running a business, expanding your market to appeal to international consumers is a great way to expand your client base, and increase your sales.  Not only is it a strategic option, it’s increasingly more expected.  That being said, you’re going to have to spend money to make money, and that includes expenses like international shipping. So how do you go about it affordably?

Just like any shipping method, prices will vary depending on your package dimensions, weight, and destination.  A best practice for comparing rates across competitors is to use our Online Shipping Calculator. Not only will it show you rates across competitors, it will compile specific services, arrival estimates, and provide competitive discount rates to help you save money!

Speaking of arrival estimates, another great differentiator we’ll see between services is the length of shipping time.  No one likes to wait too long for a package to arrive, and couriers keep that in mind when competing with one another.  Depending on where you’re shipping, places like Canada or Mexico might even see next-day arrival.

As there is so much variation between shipments, having a general grasp of competitors and their services will serve you in navigating your international shipping, and better understanding your options on the Online Shipping Calculator.  This article will be highlighting the international services offered by 4 key competitors that ship internationally from the US: USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

USPS

Being a public service, USPS is able to offer the most competitive international rates.  It’s not uncommon to see UPS and FedEx shipping internationally for double, if not triple the price of USPS. They offer a variety of services, unique to international shipments.  They include:

  • Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): this service takes 1-3 business days, including overnight delivery to much of Canada.  GXG prices start at $67.80.
  • Priority Mail Express International: this might be one of USPS’ most popular services, taking 3-5 business days.  Flat Rate Envelopes for items up to 4 lbs are free, with prices starting at $45.95.
  • Priority Mail International: a slightly less time-sensitive option, Priority Mail International generally takes 6-10 business days and includes Flat Rate Envelopes and boxes for free. It also offers tracking and up to $100 in insurance. Prices start at $28.50.
  • First Class Mail International: a low-cost option for sending items below 16 oz.  Pricing begins around $1.20.
  • Airmail M-Bags: USPS’ cheapest way to send printed materials valued below $400 and weighing 66 lbs max. Prices start at $14.25.

It is important to note that with this affordability comes some caveats: particularly that they will transition the responsibility of your package to a foreign third-party courier upon arrival in-country.  This makes tracking your package more difficult, and you won’t necessarily be able to rely on the same quality of service.  While this may not be a concern for the casual shipment, it could be problematic for a business owner with their reputation on the line.

With that in mind, USPS is a great option for affordability and should be pursued if your deliveries are not urgent and not of high-value.

UPS 

UPS, like FedEx, will be able to offer customers greater security with their shipments, better tracking options, and door-to-door delivery.  They offer very broad coverage, shipping to 220 countries worldwide.

  • UPS Express Critical: UPS’ fastest shipping service, your package will be sent out on the best available flight 24/7. Service offered worldwide.
  • UPS Worldwide Express Plus: 1-3 business days, generally by 8:30/9 am.
  • UPS Worldwide Express: 1-3 business days, typically by 10:30 am/noon
  • UPS Worldwide Saver: 1-3 business days, arriving before the end of the day. This option provides next business day delivery to Canada and second business day delivery to Mexico.
  • UPS Worldwide Expedited: 2-5 business days, arriving before the end of day.
  • UPS Standard: better suited to slower deliveries.

Offering a variety of speedy services, UPS is an excellent competitor in the international shipping arena.

FedEx

FedEx is well aligned with UPS, offering door-to-door services, excellent tracking, and expansive coverage (220 countries worldwide). They do charge some of the highest international shipping rates, but they make up for that in their service offerings. They offer some of the best international tracking services in the industry. They also offer free shipping supplies (boxes of various sizes, tubes, envelopes, and padded envelopes). Their services include:

  • FedEx International Next Flight:  utilizing the next available flight, this service enables next day delivery to most countries.
  • FedEx International First: 1–3 business days, generally arriving earlier in the day.
  • FedEx International Priority: 1–3 business days, often before 4:30 pm.
  • FedEx International Economy: 2–5 business days
  • FedEx International Ground: 2–7 business days, to 100% of Canada
  • FedEx International MailService: low-value, low-weight items, shipped either 4-7 (premium) or 7-11 days (standard).
  • FedEx International Priority Freight: 1–3 business days
  • FedEx Freight Priority: fast-transit delivery of LTL Freight to Canada and Mexico. There is also an economy option available for slightly less.

DHL

Focusing specifically on their international and cross-border services, DHL is able to compete effectively with these other US brands.  Their website is extremely informative and a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about navigating international shipments. They offer air and sea delivery, door-to-door shipments, and lots of international shipment support.  They also skew towards being more affordable than FedEx.  That being said, they have a more limited presence in the United States, being a German company.

  • DHL Same Day Jetline: this service offers the possible delivery of packages using the next flight out.
  • DHL Same Day Sprintline: offers the fastest possible delivery of packages using dedicated vehicles.
  • DHL Express 9:00, 10:30 or 12:00: time-critical delivery at the next possible day at the stipulated time.
  • DHL Express Worldwide: which offers delivery by the end of the next possible day to any international location
  • DHL Express Envelope: offers delivery of documents by the end of the next possible day to any international location.
  • DHL Express Easy: delivery by the end of the next possible business day for shipments paid for at a DHL Service Point

Ultimately, remember to use your online resources! Now that you’re familiar with your international shipping options, an online shipping calculator will be the best option for selecting your best international rates.