Shipping US to AUS (2026): Costs, Times, Customs Guide

• 14 min read

Sending a package from the United States to Australia can feel like a massive undertaking, but it’s entirely manageable once you know your options. Shipping from the US to AUS can take as little as 3-5 business days with express services or as long as 30-40 days with ocean freight, with costs varying based on speed, size, and weight. With a little know-how, navigating the timing and customs rules is perfectly manageable.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about shipping us to aus, from picking the right service to understanding Australian import laws. Whether you’re sending a small gift or moving a whole container, we’ll walk you through it.

The Basics: Cost, Time, and Delays

Before diving into carriers and methods, let’s cover the three biggest questions everyone has about shipping us to aus: how much it costs, how long it takes, and what might slow it down.

Understanding US to Australia Shipping Costs

The total price for sending goods to Australia depends on a few key factors: the shipment’s weight and size, the shipping method (air or sea), and how quickly you need it to arrive. Sending a small 2 kg parcel by air will be far cheaper than shipping a full container of furniture by sea.

For large shipments, ocean freight is the most economical choice. A 20 foot container might cost between $850 and $1,530, while a larger 40 foot container can range from $850 to $4,500. For smaller packages, the cheapest option will depend on the weight. A postal service might be best for a 2 lb box, while a courier like UPS could be cheaper for a 50 lb box (see our 50 lb UPS vs USPS comparison).

Because prices change based on fuel costs and seasonal demand, it’s smart to compare your options. Using a free tool like an Online Shipping Calculator lets you see rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all in one place, ensuring you get the best deal.

Typical US to Australia Transit Times

How long your shipment takes to cross the Pacific is determined entirely by the method you choose.

  • Ocean Freight: This is the slowest option, with a typical door to door journey taking 30 to 40 days.
  • Air Freight (Standard): Faster than sea, standard air cargo usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, including time for customs clearance.
  • Express Shipping: This is the fastest way. Couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS can deliver a package in just 3 to 5 business days.

These are just estimates. The specific origin and destination (for example, West Coast US to Sydney is faster than East Coast US to Perth) and unforeseen events can affect the final delivery time.

Common US to Australia Shipping Delays

Even the best plans can face delays. A common cause is a customs holdup, which can happen if paperwork is missing or if Australian officials decide to inspect a package. Australia has very strict biosecurity rules, so items like wood or food products may be flagged for inspection.

Other factors include:

  • Peak Seasons: Shipping during the holidays (late in the year) can lead to congestion and backlogs. Check USPS holidays to plan drop-offs and pickups.
  • Weather Events: Severe weather like Pacific storms can force carriers to reroute shipments, adding time to the journey.
  • Logistics Issues: During the COVID 19 pandemic, reduced flights caused major slowdowns, and USPS even had to temporarily suspend some services to Australia in late 2021.

To minimize risks, it’s always a good idea to ship early and build in some buffer time.

Choosing Your Shipping Method

Your choice of shipping method comes down to a balance of speed, cost, and the size of your shipment. Let’s explore the main options for shipping us to aus.

Ocean Freight: For Large and Heavy Shipments

Shipping by sea is the most cost effective way to move large volumes of goods. It’s ideal for things like furniture, vehicles, or commercial inventory where speed isn’t the top priority.

FCL (Full Container Load) Shipping

FCL shipping means you rent an entire 20 foot or 40 foot container for your exclusive use. You pay a flat rate for the container, making it the most economical option if you have enough goods (usually 15 cubic meters or more) to fill it. FCL is also slightly faster and more secure than sharing a container, as it requires less handling at the ports.

LCL (Less than Container Load) Shipping

If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a whole container, LCL is your answer. With LCL, your shipment shares space inside a container with goods from other shippers. You only pay for the volume your items take up. This is a great flexible option, but it can take a few days longer than FCL because of the extra time needed to consolidate and then separate the cargo at each end.

Air Freight: When Speed is a Priority

For time sensitive or high value items, air freight is the way to go. It’s significantly more expensive per kilogram than ocean freight, but it reduces the transit time from weeks to days.

Standard Air Freight vs. Express Shipping

Standard air freight is handled by freight forwarders and is a good value for shipments between 150 kg and 500 kg. Express shipping is the premium, door to door service offered by couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. With express, your package can arrive in as little as 3 to 5 business days, complete with detailed tracking and streamlined customs clearance.

Air Freight Cost Per Kg from the US to Australia

Air freight is typically priced per kilogram, and the rate often gets cheaper as the shipment gets heavier. For general cargo, you might see rates from $3 to $8 USD per kg. However, airlines use a concept called dimensional weight (here’s how to calculate shipping costs). If your package is large but light, the carrier will charge based on its size rather than its actual weight. For international shipments, the common formula uses a divisor of 139. For example, a box measuring 18 x 18 x 18 inches has a dimensional weight of about 42 lbs (19 kg), and you would be billed for that weight even if the box itself is lighter.

Small Package Shipping

For sending smaller parcels, like e commerce orders or personal gifts, you’ll typically use postal services or standard courier options. USPS is often the cheapest for lightweight items, and USPS Flat Rate boxes can be a deal for dense small parcels, while couriers offer faster, more reliable alternatives. This is where comparing rates is most important, as the cheapest carrier can change depending on the package weight. For instance, a quick check on a shipping rates calculator might show USPS is best for a 4 lb box, but UPS is the winner for a 15 lb box. For a deeper look, see our UPS vs USPS price breakdown.

Finding the Cheapest Way to Ship from the US to Australia

Everyone wants to save money on shipping. The cheapest method for shipping us to aus depends entirely on what you’re sending.

  • For very small, light items (under 4 lbs): USPS First Class Package International is usually the winner.
  • For larger packages without a deadline: Economy services from couriers or USPS Priority Mail International offer a good balance.
  • For bulk shipments: Ocean freight (LCL or FCL) is unbeatable on a per pound basis.

To find the absolute lowest price, you must compare quotes—see our guide on how to find the cheapest international shipping. Don’t just stick to one carrier. Use an online tool to see all your options side by side. This also gives you access to commercial rates, which can be 40% to 80% cheaper than paying retail prices at a carrier’s store.

Meet the Carriers: Your Main Options for Australia Shipments

When shipping us to aus, you’ll primarily be choosing between the national postal service and three major global couriers.

USPS Shipping to Australia

The United States Postal Service is a budget friendly choice, especially for individuals and small businesses. Once a USPS package arrives in Australia, it’s handed over to Australia Post for final delivery. For service levels, pricing nuances, and tips, see our USPS shipping guide.

  • Priority Mail International: A popular service with a delivery target of 6 to 10 business days.
  • Priority Mail Express International: The fastest USPS option, aiming for 3 to 5 business day delivery.
  • First Class Package International: The cheapest method for packages under 4 lbs, but it can take 2 to 4 weeks.

UPS Shipping to Australia

UPS is known for its reliable and fast international service. They offer door to door delivery with excellent tracking through services like UPS Worldwide Saver and Worldwide Expedited. UPS is often very competitive for heavier packages and is a top choice for business shipments.

FedEx Shipping to Australia

FedEx offers similar services to UPS, including FedEx International Priority (typically 3 to 4 business days) and FedEx International Economy (5 to 7 days). With one of the world’s largest cargo airline fleets, FedEx is another highly reliable option for time sensitive deliveries to Australia.

DHL Shipping to Australia

DHL specializes in international shipping and is often the fastest courier for the US to Australia route. They have a massive global network, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which helps speed up transit. For urgent documents or high value goods, DHL Express Worldwide is a premium choice.

Australia has some of the strictest import regulations in the world. Understanding them is key to a smooth delivery.

Australia’s Customs and Import Taxes

When your shipment arrives, it will be assessed for duties and taxes. The good news is that under the Australia United States Free Trade Agreement, many goods made in the USA can enter Australia duty free.

However, almost all imports are subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

  • For goods valued at AUD $1,000 or less: The overseas seller is required to collect the 10% GST at the time of sale.
  • For goods valued over AUD $1,000: The GST and any applicable duties are collected from the recipient at the Australian border before the goods are released.

Special Australian Taxes: LCT and WET

Australia also has a couple of unique taxes on specific luxury items.

  • Luxury Car Tax (LCT): This is a 33% tax on the value of cars above a certain threshold (around AUD $80,567 for most vehicles for the 2024-25 financial year).
  • Wine Equalisation Tax (WET): A 29% tax is applied to the wholesale value of wine imported into Australia. The 10% GST is then calculated on top of the WET inclusive price.

Australia’s Strict Import and Quarantine Restrictions

Australia’s geographic isolation has kept it free from many global pests and diseases, and they take biosecurity very seriously.

  • Prohibited Items: Many items are restricted or banned, including fresh food, plants, seeds, soil, and certain animal products.
  • Permits and Inspections: Some goods require an import permit, and many are subject to inspection by quarantine officers upon arrival.
  • Wood Packaging: All wooden packaging, like crates or pallets, must be heat treated or fumigated according to ISPM 15 international standards.

Failure to comply can result in your goods being destroyed at your expense, along with heavy fines. Always declare items accurately and check Australia’s Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) database if you’re unsure.

A Deeper Look at Logistics

For those planning larger or more complex shipments, here are a few more key concepts to understand.

The Shipping Route from the US to Australia

The main shipping route is a direct trans Pacific journey. By sea, container ships most often depart from the U.S. West Coast (like Los Angeles) and sail about 7,500 nautical miles to reach ports like Sydney or Melbourne. By air, cargo and passenger flights follow a similar path across the ocean. Shipments from the U.S. East Coast can travel through the Panama Canal, though this adds significant time and cost.

Selecting a Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder acts as a travel agent for your cargo. They don’t own the ships or planes, but they manage the entire logistics process for you, from booking space and handling paperwork to arranging customs clearance. For large or complex shipping us to aus projects, using an experienced freight forwarder can save you time, money, and countless headaches.

Sea Freight Container Rates

As mentioned, container shipping costs can vary. Currently, you can expect to pay around $850 to $1,530 for a 20ft container and $850 to $4,500 for a 40ft container from the US to Australia. These rates fluctuate based on market demand, so it’s always best to get a current quote.

Understanding Dimensional Weight in Air Freight

Dimensional (DIM) weight is a pricing model used in air freight that considers a package’s size, not just its scale weight. If a package is bulky but light, you are charged for the space it takes up. The billable weight of your shipment will be the greater of its actual weight or its dimensional weight. This makes efficient, compact packaging crucial for keeping air freight costs down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping US to AUS

1. What is the absolute cheapest way for shipping us to aus?

For small packages under 4 pounds, USPS First Class Package International is typically the cheapest. For heavier items or bulk shipments, ocean freight is the most economical option, though it is also the slowest. To find the best price for your specific item, it’s essential to compare shipping rates online.

2. How long does it really take to ship from the USA to Australia?

It varies widely by service. Express couriers like DHL or FedEx can deliver in 3 to 5 business days. Standard air freight takes 1 to 2 weeks. Ocean freight is the longest, taking 30 to 40 days for a door to door delivery.

3. Do I have to pay customs fees when shipping to Australia?

Almost all goods imported into Australia are subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). While many U.S. made goods are duty free thanks to a trade agreement, the GST is nearly always applied.

4. Can I ship food from the US to Australia?

It is very difficult. Australia has extremely strict biosecurity laws. Commercially prepared, shelf stable, and sealed foods may be allowed, but homemade foods, fresh fruit, meat, and dairy products are generally prohibited and will be destroyed by quarantine.

5. What is the best carrier for shipping to Australia?

There is no single “best” carrier. It depends on your needs. USPS is great for budget friendly small packages. UPS and FedEx offer a fantastic balance of speed and reliability for larger parcels. DHL often excels in speed for urgent international deliveries.

6. How much does it cost to ship a 20 lb box from the US to Australia?

The cost depends on the service, but you can expect prices to range from around $100 with a slower postal service to over $300 for an express courier service. Your best bet is to use a comparison tool to see real time rates for your package dimensions. For common sizes, see our 20 lb UPS vs USPS breakdown.

7. Is it better to use air or sea freight for shipping us to aus?

Choose air freight if your priority is speed and your shipment is valuable or time sensitive. Choose sea freight if your priority is cost and you are shipping large, heavy items without a strict deadline.

8. What happens if my package gets held up in Australian customs?

If customs holds your package, it’s usually for an inspection or because taxes are due. The carrier or Australia Post will contact the recipient to resolve the issue, which may involve providing more information or paying the required GST and duties.