Shipping goods across borders can look tough, but it gets easier with good info. Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your reach or someone sending a gift overseas, this guide will help you begin. It gives you the key info you need.
International shipping is big and can be tricky. Did you know the US has over 7,500 courier companies alone? Figuring out which carrier to use and handling regulations and customs can make or break your shipping experience. We’ll guide you step-by-step to make sure your items get to their destination without a hitch.
Understanding how to ship internationally can really benefit your business or personal projects. Big names like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer many shipping options. They have tools to estimate costs based on how big and heavy your package is. Using known services like Aramex or SkyPostal can improve sending things to areas like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
When shipping internationally, you need to follow local import rules, like Brazil’s Inmetro certificate for electronics. Paying duties and taxes ahead with Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) can cut down on customs time. This makes the shipping process smoother.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to ship internationally. We’ll help you get the basics down, pick the right carrier, pack your item, figure out costs, and more. Let’s dive into the details of international shipping and make complex steps easy to understand and act on.
Understanding International Shipping Basics
International package shipping might look tough, but it gets easier once you know the basics. With ecommerce sales expected to jump to $6.3 billion in 2023 from $5.7 billion in 2022, sending goods abroad efficiently is key.
Before sending packages to another country, know about customs forms. These forms need detailed info like VAT, IOSS numbers, HS codes, and tax details. Starting March 1, 2023, the EU requires all shipments to have HS codes listed on customs forms.
There are two ways to handle duties in international shipping: Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). With DDP, companies pay duties beforehand, which makes delivery smoother. DDU, on the other hand, means customers pay duties when they receive their packages, which can lead to delays.
Shipping internationally also faces other challenges, like service disruptions from politics or the environment. Using things like the UPS Paperless™ Invoice helps shipments go faster, saves time, and keeps information safe.
- International shipping necessitates the completion of customs forms for each overseas shipment.
- DDP and DDU are the primary methods for handling duties and taxes.
- Industry disruptions and varying restrictions can impact shipping efficiency.
- Technological advancements like the UPS Paperless™ Invoice aid in expediting the shipping process.
Knowing these basics helps business succeed in international shipping. It lets them handle the complexities of sending goods abroad better.
Choosing the Right Carrier
When you need to ship packages overseas, picking the right carrier is key. It makes sure your items arrive on time without costing too much. There are many international shipping services out there. It’s important to know what each offers to choose wisely.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is highly trusted in America. It has been around for 240 years and is well-known. USPS is great for sending small, light packages abroad because of its wide network and low prices. They have different services for various speeds and budgets, including fast options.
FedEx operates in more than 220 countries and territories. It’s praised for fast and dependable shipping. FedEx has many choices to fit all kinds of needs. You can send packages up to 150 pounds and even bigger items with their Express Freight. They also have a flat-rate for items under 50 pounds, helping businesses cut costs.
Here’s a look at some top carriers for international shipping:
| Carrier | Service Areas | Weight Limits | Delivery Speed | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Nationwide & International | Up to 70 lbs | Standard, Expedited | Trusted brand, Affordable rates |
| FedEx | Over 220 Countries | Up to 150 lbs (domestic), 20,000 lbs (freight) | Same day, Overnight, 2-day, Ground | Business discounts, Integration with e-commerce platforms |
| UPS | Global | Up to 150 lbs | Same day, Overnight, 2-day, Ground | Comprehensive tracking, Reliable services |
Choosing a carrier often depends on price and reliability. Ground shipping usually costs less than fast air shipping. Carriers like FedEx and UPS offer “door-to-door” services in the US and beyond. Regional carriers might have better prices in certain areas but can’t match the coverage of bigger ones. By picking the right carrier, you make sure your packages arrive safely and without spending too much.
Understanding Shipping Regulations and Restrictions
When you send a parcel overseas, knowing international shipping laws is key. These laws help make sure your package arrives safely and on time. They also keep you from facing fines.
Starting on February 5, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service will still take all mail and packages from China and Hong Kong. But, it’s important to remember that some items can’t be shipped internationally. For example, dangerous goods like lithium batteries and safety matches must meet certain rules.
Keep in mind these bans and limits when shipping abroad:
- Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) such as lithium batteries and safety matches
- Prescription medications by non-DEA registered distributors
- Items like aerosols, air bags, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, and more
- Cremated remains must be shipped using Priority Mail Express International
- Maximum weight and dimension restrictions for various USPS mailing services
- Specific packaging requirements for live animals and perishable items
Ignoring these rules can lead to big fines, from $250 to $100,000 for each mistake. That’s why it’s very important to know USPS policies and the destination country’s laws well.
| USPS Service | Maximum Weight | Maximum Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Package International Service | 4 lbs | 24″ length |
| Priority Mail Express International® Flat Rate Envelope | 4 lbs | 15″ x 12″ x 3/4″ |
| Priority Mail International® Flat Rate Box | 20 lbs | 108″ combined length and girth |
| Airmail M-Bags® (printed material only) | 66 lbs | 108″ combined length and girth |
By carefully following international shipping rules and limits, we can make sure our parcels reach their destination without any problems.
How to Ship Internationally: Key Steps to Follow
Shipping abroad takes careful planning and following certain steps. Our international shipping guide shows the way to a smooth process.
- Selecting Your Carrier: Choose from top carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS. USPS is usually the best for small packages.
- Understanding Shipping Costs: Costs vary based on package size, weight, where it’s going, and speed. Remember, you might pay customs taxes too.
- Preparing Documentation: You need correct paperwork. This includes a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, and Certificate of Origin. Wrong info can cause delays or fines.
- Customs Clearance: Customs rules differ by country. Having the right documents helps make this step easier.
- Tracking and Confirmation: Use online tracking and confirmation to watch your shipment. It helps you know when it arrives.
- Handling Packages Upon Arrival: Check your packages right away. If there’s a problem, tell the carrier quickly.
Planning is key for overseas shipping since it’s slower than local. Our international shipping guide highlights talking to freight forwarders and customs brokers to prevent delays. About 40% of international shipments get delayed by paperwork problems, showing the need for accurate documents.
Following these steps makes international shipping smoother, ensuring your items arrive safely. This careful planning helps avoid problems and supports global trading, worth over $20 trillion in goods every year.
Preparing Your Package
Packing a package correctly for international shipping is very important. It helps avoid delays, damage, and extra costs. Up to 10% of packaged goods can get damaged during transit if not properly prepared. This leads to more costs and unhappy customers. So, it’s wise to follow certain steps to pack a shipment well for international delivery.
Using high-quality materials is key. For instance, double-walled boxes can lower the chance of damage. This makes shipping safer. Also, corrugated cardboard comes in many sizes and strengths. It can help businesses reduce the number of returns from customers.
Having clear labels is also important. Marking items as delicate can help couriers handle them better. This reduces damage. It’s especially important because packages need to look good but also be safe.
Choosing the right container size can save money. A Cubic Meter (CBM) Calculator can cut shipping costs by up to 20%. It helps you find the right container size. Remember, different shipping services have different weight limits. For example, some services allow up to 70 lbs, while Flat Rate Envelopes can only hold up to 4 lbs.
When packing for international delivery, balance is vital. Looks are important, but protection is too. It’s essential to know the rules for each country to avoid problems. Using the right materials and smart packing strategies ensures goods arrive safely and on time.
Calculating Shipping Costs
Shipping costs for international packages can vary a lot. This is because of the package’s size, weight, and where it’s going. The cost is also based on the heavier of the actual or volumetric weight. Shipping overseas starts at $6. This offers many options for different needs and speeds.
- USPS Priority Mail: Approximately $70 for a 5-pound package with dimensions of 13x9x2 inches, delivering in 6 to 10 business days.
- USPS Priority Mail Express: Around $90 for faster delivery.
- UPS Worldwide Expedited: Roughly $70 with a 5-day delivery time.
- UPS Worldwide Saver: Estimated $80 for 3-day delivery.
- DHL Worldwide: Available for about $60 with delivery within a week.
- FedEx International Economy: Costs around $90, delivering in 5 days.
- FedEx International Priority: Increases to about $100 for more urgent shipping needs.
There might be extra costs, like shipping insurance. This costs 1.0% of the shipment’s value plus €19.50. So, insurance for a €700 package would be €26.50.
Within the European Union, shipments don’t need import duties or customs fees. But outside the EU, the recipient might have to pay import duties. You can also save money by using a promo code like PP10. This cuts 10% off your first shipment’s cost.
Knowing these details is important for managing shipping costs. It’s good to compare prices from USPS, UPS, DHL, and FedEx. Sites like Coolparcel.com can also help find good deals. They are highly rated with 4.6 out of 5 from 1,647 reviews on Google.
Payments can be made with iDeal, PayPal, Bancontact, credit cards, and Apple Pay. For non-EU international shipments, make sure to prepare customs invoices in quadruplicate. This helps avoid delays or problems.
Creating and Printing Shipping Labels
When shipping internationally, it’s crucial to prepare and print shipping labels correctly. Mistakes can lead to delays or rejections at customs. This affects how reliable your shipment is and how happy your customers are. Make sure address labels are clear and do not cover barcodes with tape.
If you ship in small volumes, consider getting a thermal printer. These printers don’t need ink or paper, saving money over time. They also print fast, which is great for businesses that are growing.
Various tools let you create shipping labels for USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Use software like Descartes XPS, Click-N-Ship, FedEx Ship Manager, or UPS WorldShip. They provide labels that are easy to peel and stick. This makes things more efficient in warehouses by cutting down on printing and label application time.
| Carrier | Label Creation Tool | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | Click-N-Ship | Free without subscription fee |
| UPS | UPS WorldShip | Free with account |
| FedEx | FedEx Ship Manager | Free with account |
Make sure you label your packages correctly. Don’t reuse old boxes without covering up the old labels. Old barcodes can cause new scans to misroute. For example, USPS wants address labels all in CAPITAL LETTERS, no more than five lines, and no abbreviations.
It’s also smart to put your email and phone number on customs forms. This helps the postal service quickly contact you if there’s an issue. Using adhesive labels instead of tape helps prevent barcode scanning problems and keeps things moving smoothly.
Completing Customs Documentation
Filling out international customs forms correctly is essential for shipping across borders, except within the European Union and Switzerland. This is a crucial part of shipping documents.
Lighter packages sent via First Class Mail International through USPS don’t need a customs form if they are under 16 oz. Knowing this can help save time and efforts.
Customs documentation varies by country, making it more complex. For example, the UK requires a CN22 for items under £270 and a CN23 for more expensive items. The US, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines require an Automated Manifest System declaration.
In the EU, an Entry Summary Declaration is needed. Australia, the US, and other countries insist on wood fumigation. Additionally, countries like Canada and UAE need origin certificate declarations.
Correct customs forms should detail item descriptions, numbers, and values accurately. Wrong details can cause delays or confiscations. Mistakes to avoid include wrong item classification, incorrect values, or vague descriptions.
For countries following EU customs, more detailed item descriptions on forms are necessary. This shows how vital it is to know each country’s specific rules.
| Package Type | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|
| First-Class Package International Service | 4 lbs (64 oz), Value under $400 |
| Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope | 4 lbs |
| Priority Mail International Flat Rate Box | 20 lbs |
| Priority Mail Express International | 70 lbs |
| Airmail M-Bags for printed material | 66 lbs |
| First-Class Mail International large envelopes | 15.994 oz |
| First-Class Package International Service | Max combined length and girth: 36 inches, Longest side: 24 inches |
| Maximum girth for USPS method | 108 inches |
Wrong customs forms can cause delays, extra fees, or package loss. USPS says detailed and right customs information is critical. So, filling out all international customs forms carefully is key for trouble-free shipping.
Shipping Insurance and Extra Services
International shipping calls for protection and convenience. Getting international shipping insurance protects your packages from unexpected events like loss or damage. You can get insurance coverage for your shipments up to $5,000. Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail® include up to $100 of insurance for free. USPS Ground Advantage® offers similar protection.
For lost mail, you need to file a claim no later than 60 days after sending. Damage claims should be made right away but still within 60 days. It’s important to use USPS Tracking® for valid insurance claims on services like Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage.
Extra shipping services also improve the shipping experience greatly. Let’s look at some of these services and what they cost:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified Mail® | $4.85 |
| Return Receipt (Mail / Email) | $4.10 / $2.62 |
| Certificate of Mailing | $2.20 |
| Signature Confirmation™ (Post Office / Online) | $4.55 / $3.70 |
| Registered Mail® Insurance | Up to $50,000 |
| Registered Mail® Starting Price | $18.60 |
| Hold For Pickup (Priority Mail Express®) | Up to 5 days |
| USPS Tracking Plus® | Starting at $2.50 |
| Adult Signature Required | $8.40 |
| Collect on Delivery (COD) | Insurance up to $1,000 from $12.10 |
| Certified Mail Restricted Delivery | $12.75 |
| USPS Label Delivery Service | $1.55 per label |
Using these services, we improve package security and convenience. This makes shipments more reliable for our customers. Knowing and using international shipping insurance and extra services well can make your logistics stand out. This gives you an edge in the competitive market today.
Tracking Your International Shipment
It is essential for businesses and customers to track international shipments to ensure they arrive on time. LetMeShip, with over 20 years’ experience, is changing how we track shipments overseas. Their systems help with global B2B shipping, making it easier to understand when packages will arrive, no matter the carrier.
During busy seasons like Christmas, a lot can slow down. Multi-carrier platforms help by showing all updates in one place. This helps everyone stay informed.
Nowadays, 70% of people shop from overseas stores and 62% of businesses sell internationally. This makes reliable tracking systems a must. Such systems help compare how different carriers perform, making things less confusing.
Tracking systems also update in real time, which keeps customers happy. Businesses see a 25% increase in customer satisfaction with better tracking. Plus, if there’s a mistake, it’s easier to fix quickly, avoiding delays that can take days to sort out.
With the right tracking tools, companies can make smart decisions. This improves how the supply chain works, leading to more sales worldwide.
Tips for Smooth and Successful International Shipping
A smooth international shipping process can greatly affect your business. It’s important to think about various strategies for overseas shipments. We’ll share some key tips to make the process easier.
First, it’s all about clear communication. Be upfront about shipping costs and times to gain your customers’ trust. Companies open about these costs see customer trust grow by 15%. Sharing possible delivery timelines, from standard to fast services, helps ease worries about delivery speed.
Keeping shipping costs down is also vital. Courier costs can change a lot, affected by package size, weight, and where it’s going. Couriers might use dimensional weight to set prices, charging by size or actual weight, whichever is greater. Using flat rates can help avoid surprises for your customers and decrease cart abandonment by 20%. Offering free shipping after a certain spending amount can also boost order values by 10-15%. Picking the right courier and using local ones can mean faster deliveries in cities, making customers happier.
Lastly, consider shipping insurance and order software. Shipping insurance through couriers can be 15-20% more expensive than other options. Order software can cut down time spent by about 30% by handling updates and printing labels automatically. Providing choices like longer return periods can also boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
By using these tips for international shipping, companies can deal with its complexities better. This can lead to more sales and happier customers.