Top four cheapest international shipping options and rates

International shipping is critical for ecommerce entrepreneurs, creators, and artists looking to reach global customers. However, the high shipping cost can often be a formidable barrier, making global expansion seem daunting or near impossible. Additionally, complex logistics and long delivery times can further complicate this growth strategy, posing significant challenges to reaching new markets and expanding the customer base.

This article will help you understand the costs of international shipping, explore the top international shipping carriers in the US, and choose the most affordable and efficient methods to conquer new markets and keep your customers happy.

• International shipping is a key aspect for ecommerce entrepreneurs, but high costs and logistical challenges can often hinder it.

• Local print on demand platforms provide a solution by enabling global selling with local production, significantly cutting shipping costs and delivery times.

• Several platforms offer subscription-based services that provide additional benefits, such as discounted shipping rates, making international commerce more accessible and affordable.

• Affordable and efficient shipping can open up new markets, increase customer satisfaction, and give a competitive edge to businesses, particularly ecommerce startups.

• Some of the cheapest international shipping services include postal, freight forwarders, economy shipping, shipping aggregators, and international courier services.

• Cost, while crucial, is only one factor in choosing international carriers. For informed decisions, consider other aspects like reliability, speed, and tracking abilities when comparing major US carriers such as FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL.

• FedEx offers a variety of services tailored to different needs, with its International Priority, Economy, and First services. Prices depend on factors like package dimensions and destination.

• UPS provides diverse shipping options to meet varying business needs with their Worldwide Express, Expedited, and Standard services. Starting rates range from $27 for the most economical service to $70 for urgent deliveries, varying based on package size and destination.

• USPS offers various affordable international shipping options with Priority Mail International and Global Express Guaranteed. These solutions provide comprehensive solutions with benefits such as tracking, insurance, and fast delivery, with rates starting as low as $17 for lightweight packages.

• DHL offers customized shipping solutions, such as DHL Parcel International Direct and DHL Paket International, designed for various market needs. These solutions offer fast transit times and streamlined customs. Rates vary by package weight, destination, and service type.

• To find the best international shipping rates, ecommerce businesses should compare rates across major carriers, understand their package details, explore volume discounts, utilize online shipping calculators, and consider package consolidation to optimize shipping expenses and operations.

Before we learn about specific international shipping services, let's break down the cost components: 

Transportation costs

Shipping goods across long distances requires various modes of transportation, including trucks, ships, and airplanes. Each mode of transportation comes with its own set of costs, such as fuel, maintenance, and labor. Additionally, the complexity of coordinating multiple transportation methods can lead to higher expenses.

Customs fees

When goods cross international borders, they are subject to customs inspections and regulations. These inspections incur fees that businesses must pay to ensure their products comply with all requirements. Failure to comply with customs regulations can result in delays, fines, or even the confiscation of goods, further increasing costs.

Duties and tariffs

Duties are taxes imposed on imported goods, while tariffs are fees charged on specific categories of products. The rates for duties and tariffs vary from country to country and can be quite high, especially for certain industries or products. Businesses must consider these additional expenses carefully when calculating international shipping costs.

While cost is a major player in international shipping, it can't be the only deciding factor. Reliability, speed, and tracking are all equally important. To make informed decisions, let's delve into the big four US carriers: FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL. 

1. FedEx

FedEx is well-known for its worldwide shipping services and is a popular choice for online businesses looking to improve their international shipping plans. This company stands out for its affordable prices, fast delivery times, and dependable service. Whether you're sending items to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else, FedEx's extensive network guarantees that your packages will reach your customers safely.

2. UPS

United Parcel Service (UPS) offers a blend of cost-effectiveness and swift service, ensuring your packages reach their destination without delay. 

Renowned for its exceptional reliability, your shipments are in safe hands due to its comprehensive tracking system. Coverage isn't a worry either, as UPS boasts an expansive network that spans over 220 countries and territories worldwide.

3. USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is known for offering cost-effective solutions for international shipping. These affordable rates, however, don't compromise on speed or reliability. 

In fact, USPS provides an array of shipping options catering to various requirements, balancing speed with cost. Moreover, USPS covers an extensive global reach, ensuring your business can deliver goods to customers virtually anywhere in the world.

4. DHL

If you run a large ecommerce business or manage several international operations, you might find DHL's shipping service beneficial. With its reasonable pricing, DHL blends both affordability and reliability. 

Moreover, DHL is also known for its quick delivery timelines, ensuring your packages reach their destination swiftly. With its extensive international coverage, DHL can help your business reach customers nearly everywhere.

As one of the largest and most reliable carriers globally, FedEx offers a range of services, each with its own price point. Below, we've outlined some preliminary rate information to help you understand the costs.

• FedEx International Priority: This service typically offers delivery in 1–3 business days, and rates start at $60 for shipments under 1 pound.

• FedEx International Economy: As a cost-effective solution and delivery in 2–5 business days, you can expect rates to start at approximately $40 for shipments under 1 pound.

• FedEx International First: It offers early morning delivery in 1–3 business days, with rates beginning around $100 for shipments under 1 pound.

Note: These are starting costs and may vary according to additional factors such as package dimensions, delivery area, and extra services chosen. Use the carrier's international shipping rates calculator on the website to calculate the exact costs.

Often, international ecommerce businesses rely on UPS services for their shipping needs. As one of the leading carriers, UPS provides several options for international shipping, each with its own set of rates:

• UPS Worldwide Express: This service guarantees delivery by 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, or 2:00 pm, depending on the destination. Rates start at $70 for a 0.5kg package.

• UPS Worldwide Expedited: This is an expedited service with delivery in 2-5 business days, depending on the destination. Rates are lower than the Express service, starting from $64 for a 0.5kg package.

• UPS Standard: This is the most economical option, but it has longer delivery times. Rates for this service start from $27 for a 0.5kg package.

Note: These figures are just estimates. Actual rates may vary based on the package size and destination country. It is advisable to use the UPS shipping calculator for calculating the actual costs.

When it comes to affordable international shipping, USPS offers some of the most competitive rates. This postal service provides various options to meet different shipping needs and budgets. From Priority Mail International to Global Express Guaranteed, there's a solution for businesses of any scale. 

• Priority Mail International: This is a cost-effective service that delivers packages within 6-10 business days. It includes tracking and insurance for most shipments, with coverage up to $100 for documents and up to $200 for merchandise. Customers can send packages weighing up to 4 lbs using Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes and up to 20 lbs using Medium and Large Flat Rate Boxes. Prices for this service start at $30.90.

• Priority Mail Express International: This method offers faster delivery to over 180 countries within 3-5 business days and also includes tracking. You can receive shipping supplies for free, including Flat Rate Envelopes for sending items weighing up to 4 lbs. The cost starts at $59.50.

• First-Class Package International Service: This is an economical way to ship lightweight packages up to 4 lbs in weight and up to $400 in value to over 180 countries, with delivery time depending on the destination. Rates start from $17.

• Global Express Guaranteed: The USPS service, in partnership with FedEx, provides delivery within 1-3 business days to about 180 countries (with next-day delivery for many locations in Canada) and includes a date-certain service with a money-back guarantee. Rates start from $74.95.

DHL offers a range of international shipping options catering to various needs, but exact rates depend on several factors.  

• DHL Parcel International Direct: DHL Parcel International Direct is perfect for ecommerce businesses that aim to reach 37 key international markets. Offering quick transit times between 3-10 business days, transparent tracking, and a simplified process for managing duties and taxes, this service enhances the overall customer experience. It also provides coverage up to $100 per package. The weight limit is 66 lbs for Canada and 44 lbs for other countries. So, if you're looking to ship parcels to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, or Mexico, this might just be your best bet.

• DHL Parcel International Standard: The DHL Parcel International Standard service is a cost-effective choice that ensures easy customs processing, dependable delivery times, and comprehensive tracking to primary global locations. Delivery times are typically 4-8 business days for Europe and Canada, while other regions take approximately 8-14 business days. It also offers protection for your shipment up to $100 per package. The weight restrictions are the same as those of DHL Parcel International Direct.

• DHL Paket International: DHL Paket International is an ideal service tailored for merchants shipping lightweight packages. This cost-effective service extends to over 220 countries and territories. The service boasts considerably fast transit times of 4-8 business days upon arrival in the destination country and provides a limitation of liability of $13/lb or the item's declared value. Plus, you can ship packages up to 4.4 lbs. 

So, whether you're sending products of varying sizes, weights, or values, you're likely to find a DHL shipping solution that matches your needs.

As an ecommerce business owner, knowing how to find cheap international shipping rates can help increase your profits while maintaining the efficiency of your logistics operations. This guide will take you through how to find the best deals on international shipping: 

• Compare carriers: Don't just focus on a single carrier. Consider different services like FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL to compare the prices and services they offer to get the best bang for your buck.

• Know your package details: Package size, weight, and destination can significantly affect shipping costs. Calculate these details accurately to avoid hidden costs.

• Research discounts: Some shipping companies offer discounts for ecommerce businesses, especially to those who ship in high volumes. Never hesitate to reach out and negotiate.

• Use shipping calculators: Many shipping carriers provide online tools to calculate the cost of shipping a package internationally. These calculators can give you an instant quote based on your package's weight and dimensions, plus the destination country and postal code.

• Consider consolidation: If you’re sending multiple packages to the same destination, consolidating them can save you money. An added benefit? Reduced carbon footprint.

Regarding international shipping, cost is undeniably an important factor to consider. However, it is crucial to remember that other key factors should not be overlooked. By evaluating these factors alongside the cost, you can make a well-informed decision that meets your business and customer needs.

1. Reliability

While a shipping method may be cheap, it is essential to ensure that it can deliver your packages safely and on time. You don't want your customers to receive damaged goods or experience delays in receiving their orders. Therefore, it is advisable to research and choose a shipping method with a proven track record of reliability.

2. Tracking capabilities

In today's digital age, customers expect to be able to track their packages from when they are shipped until they reach their destination. This provides peace of mind to your customers and allows you to keep track of your shipments and address any issues that may arise. So, when choosing a cheap international shipping method, ensure it offers robust tracking capabilities.

3. Insurance options

While you hope your packages will arrive at their destination without issues, accidents can happen when you ship internationally. Therefore, choosing a shipping method offering insurance options is a wise must. This way, if any damage or loss occurs, you can be compensated for the value of the goods. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

4. Delivery speed

While cheap shipping methods may offer significant cost savings, they might also have longer delivery times. Depending on your business's nature and other key factors should the customer's expectations, you must strike the right balance between cost and delivery speed. If timely delivery is crucial for your customers, you may need to consider a slightly more expensive way to ship internationally that offers faster delivery times.

Despite these challenges, there are several solutions that businesses can implement to mitigate the high costs of international shipping.

• Optimize packaging: By using compact and lightweight packaging materials, businesses can minimize their shipments' overall size and weight, leading to lower transportation costs.

• Implement technology: Implementing shipping software that integrates with customs systems can help automate documentation and compliance processes, reducing the risk of errors and potential fines. Furthermore, utilizing real-time tracking and analytics tools can provide businesses with valuable insights into their shipping operations, allowing them to identify areas for cost optimization.

• Utilize print on demand suppliers: This innovative solution is a game-changer. POD platforms like Gelato allow you to store inventory closer to your international customers. By producing locally and shipping shorter distances, you can dramatically slash costs and improve delivery times.

Navigating the world of international shipping can be complex and costly, but it doesn't have to be. By leveraging innovative print on demand solutions like Gelato, entrepreneurs and creators can unlock cost-effective and efficient shipping methods that ease expansion into global markets and significantly enhance customer satisfaction.

As the world's largest local print on demand platform, Gelato offers a unique solution that enables you to sell your products globally while producing them locally across 32 countries. This not only curbs the costs associated with shipping but also vastly improves delivery times. Moreover, with our subscription-based services, Gelato+ and Gelato+ Gold, you can access a suite of benefits, such as discounted shipping rates and exclusive discounts on newly launched products, further aiding your journey toward global ecommerce entrepreneurship.

Now is the perfect time to join us and become part of this rapidly growing creator movement. If you're ready to take your ecommerce business to the next level, sign up for Gelato today and start enjoying the benefits of our world-class print on demand platform. Together, let's redefine the landscape of global ecommerce entrepreneurship. Sign up for Gelato today.

Is DHL cheaper than USPS for international shipping?

The cost of international shipping varies between DHL and USPS based on factors such as package weight, size, and destination. Generally, USPS Priority Mail International makes sense for lightweight parcels due to their flat rate boxes, while DHL may offer more competitive rates for heavier, larger packages or express deliveries. For the most accurate DHL and USPS international shipping rates, it's recommended to use the shipping calculators on each service's website.

Which country has the cheapest international shipping?

International shipping costs vary by country and depend on the chosen courier service, parcel size, weight, and shipping method. Countries with strong logistical infrastructures, like China, the US, and Germany, may offer more competitive rates. However, the cheapest shipping rates often involve a trade-off regarding delivery speed and reliability.

How much does UPS charge for international shipping?

UPS International shipping costs depend on the parcel's size, weight, and destination. Express shipping methods will be pricier than standard ones. For an accurate estimate, use the UPS shipping calculator on their website or contact customer service.

Which is cheaper, DHL or FedEx, for international shipping?

DHL and FedEx international shipping rates vary based on package size, weight, and destination. FedEx often has competitive rates for heavier packages and offers a variety of delivery options. DHL may be cheaper for certain locations or express shipping. It's recommended to compare rates using the shipping calculators provided by both couriers for the most accurate comparison.

How long does international shipping take?

International shipping times can vary greatly depending on the destination and selected shipping service and method. Typically, international shipping takes anywhere from two business days to four weeks. However, with services like Gelato's print on demand network, which has a global network of localized production hubs, delivery times can be significantly reduced.

What is the cheapest way to ship internationally?

If you run an ecommerce business and are worried about the high costs of international shipping, Gelato's print on demand service might be the perfect solution. With Gelato, your products get printed in one of 33 countries, removing high overseas shipping costs. This means you save money while maintaining high-quality standards for your global customer base.