International Shipping Options

Overview

Here is an outline of some of the more popular shipping options and courier services available at many package forwarders.

Package forwarding companies are agents of the shipping and courier companies. Because they send a large amount of packages to the shipping companies, they can command quite large discounts. These discounts are passed onto you, the customer

Common shipping companies include: FedEx, DHL, UPS, TNT, USPS, Aramex and more.

We will give you a quick overview of the main options from each, these will include standard and express services, tracked and untracked and some will even offer sea feight as well as air.

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FedEx International Connect

FedEx's services come under the umbrella of their International Connect service.

This service is popular for package forwarders shipping from the US. FedEx offers a range of international shipping options to suit various needs, balancing factors like speed, cost, and delivery features. Here's a breakdown of some of their key options:

• FedEx International Priority®: This service prioritizes speed, aiming for customs-cleared delivery typically within 1 to 3 business days to over 220 countries and territories. It's a good choice for urgent shipments or situations where fast delivery is crucial. 1 business day to major centers in Canada and Mexico. 2 buisness days to major cities in Europe, Asia and Brazil.
• FedEx International Economy®: This option focuses on cost-effectiveness, providing customs-cleared delivery typically within 2 to 5 business days (2-3 to Mexico and Canada) to over 215+ countries and territories. It's ideal for non-urgent items where affordability is a major concern.
• FedEx International Connect Plus: This service focuses on a balance of affordability and speed, offering transparent pricing with no residential surcharges and delivering to 197 countries and e-commerce territories within 2-5 working days.
• FedEx International Connect: This option prioritizes cost-effective deliveries typically within 4-12 business days, tracked and 7-15 days with the untracked service. It utilizes local carriers for final delivery in the destination country.
• FedEx International Freight: This service caters specifically to larger shipments exceeding 150 lbs. It offers time-definite delivery, usually 2-7 days, with customs clearance options for both priority and economy needs.

Other FedEx services

• FedEx® International Next Flight: This service offers the fastest possible delivery option, getting your package on the next available flight to over 220 countries and territories. It's suitable for the most urgent deliveries, but naturally comes at a premium cost.
• FedEx International First®: This service targets major cities, aiming to reach them in just hours depending on flight availability and operating 24/7/365. It's ideal for time-sensitive documents or high-value items going to major business hubs.
• Source: FedEx Connect

UPS International Shipping

UPS offers a range of international shipping options to suit most budgets. Here is our summary of the most popular, found at the parcel forwarders.

• UPS Worldwide Saver®: Usually delivered by end of day, but can take 3-6 business days. Tracked door to door.
• UPS Expedited: Worldwide to most countries, 5-9 business days, tracked service. More cost effective.
• UPS® Worldwide Economy: 210 countries and terrotories, the cheapest option from UPS, tracked and can be DDP or DDU. Shipping time is about 5-12 days

Other UPS services

• UPS Express Critical®: offers same-day delivery for the most urgent needs.
• Worldwide Express Plus®, Worldwide Express®, and Worldwide Express Freight® Midday, with delivery times ranging from by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to by noon or 2:00 p.m.
• Source: UPS International

DHL

DHL is a German owned postal and courier service. They provide affordable and popular internatonal shipping services which are used by forwarders in Europe and the USA.

• DHL Express: this service prioritizes speed, aiming for delivery within 1-5 business days to over 220 countries and territories. This makes it ideal for urgent shipments or situations where fast delivery is crucial. This services is often the best value for cost and service.
• Source: DHL Express

USPS International Services

USPS, United States Postal Service, offer a range of services catering to different needs and budgets. This includes options for documents, letters and packages.

• Priority Mail International: Delivers within 6-10 business days, offers some tracking and insurance options. Package must weigh over 4lb
• First-Class Package International Service®: Service for packages that weigh between 1-4lb and have a value of less than $400. Economical option, delivery speed not guaranteed and varies by country.
• First-Class Mail International: Service for envelopes. Most economical option with variable delivery times depending on destination, limited tracking.
• Global Express Guaranteed®: Fastest option with guaranteed delivery within 1-3 business days, includes tracking and insurance. Includes a money back guarantee
• Source: USPS International

Other international shipping services

While package forwarders provide their own overseas addresses for receiving your purchases, they typically partner with various established international shipping carriers to deliver your consolidated packages to your doorstep. These carriers can include major players like DHL Express, FedEx International (Express, Economy, or Connect options), UPS (Express, Saver, or Economy options), and USPS (Priority Mail International or First-Class Mail International). The specific carrier used might depend on factors like the destination country, package size and weight, desired delivery speed, and cost-effectiveness for both the package forwarder and the customer.

Other carrier that may be available to you include the following

• Australia Post: This service might be frequently used by package forwarders with operations in Australia, offering domestic and international delivery solutions.
• Aramex: This prominent Middle Eastern and North African courier company could be a partner for package forwarders based in those regions, providing efficient delivery networks within those areas.
• Singapore Post: Commonly used by Singapore-based package forwarders, Singapore Post offers international shipping solutions that might be particularly cost-effective for shipments originating or going to Southeast Asia.
• Royal Mail: This established service could be utilized by package forwarders in the UK or for deliveries going to European destinations, leveraging Royal Mail's extensive network within the region.

By partnering with these regional and national carriers, package forwarders can offer customers a more diverse selection of shipping options, in particular:

• Competitive rates, especially for deliveries within the carrier's designated region.
• Faster delivery times for specific destinations served by the regional carrier.
• Additional tracking and delivery options tailored to the regional network.
• It is always a good idea to check with your chosen package forwarder about the specific carriers they partner with and the options available for your desired shipping destination. Their shipping calculators normally provide this information.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best international shipping service for you depends on your priorities.

If speed is paramount, consider DHL Express or FedEx International Priority. For a balance of affordability and speed, FedEx International Connect, UPS Saver, or USPS Priority Mail International might be suitable. If budget is the biggest concern, explore options like UPS Economy or USPS First-Class Mail International.

Remember, package forwarders often partner with a variety of carriers like those mentioned, along with regional options like Australia Post, Aramex, Singapore Post, or Royal Mail.

By researching the package forwarder's partnerships and considering your needs (speed, cost, tracking), you can choose the most efficient and cost-effective way to get your international shopping haul delivered straight to your door.