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 work with shipping and courier companies and can often access discounted commercial rates because they send large volumes of packages. These discounts can be passed on to you, the customer.

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

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

Here you can find andCompare Package Forwarders and see whcih couriers and shipping options are available.

FedEx International Shipping

FedEx offers a range of international shipping options to suit various needs, balancing factors such as speed, cost and delivery features. Here's a breakdown of some of their key options:

  • FedEx International Priority®:This service prioritizes speed, offering time-definite delivery typically within 1–3 business days to more than 210 countries and territories. It is a good choice for urgent shipments where fast delivery is important.
  • FedEx International Economy®:This option focuses on cost-effectiveness, providing customs-cleared delivery typically within 2–5 business days to more than 210 countries and territories. It is ideal for non-urgent shipments where affordability is more important than speed.
  • FedEx® International Connect Plus:This service is designed primarily for e-commerce shipments and offers a balance of speed and cost. It provides day-definite delivery to around 195 countries and territories, typically within 2–5 business days.
  • FedEx® International Connect:This is a more economical international e-commerce service. It offers a tracked service with typical delivery aims of 4–12 business days, or an untracked option of 7–15 business days, depending on the destination.
  • FedEx International Freight:FedEx also provides international freight services for larger or heavier shipments, with priority and economy options available depending on the shipment and destination.

Other FedEx services

  • FedEx® International Next Flight:This is FedEx's fastest international option, using the next available flight for extremely time-sensitive shipments. Availability and delivery times depend on the origin and destination.
  • FedEx International First®:This service provides early-day delivery to selected international destinations and is designed for shipments where delivery time is particularly important. Availability varies by market.

Source: FedEx

UPS International Shipping

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

  • UPS Worldwide Saver®:An express international service offering tracked door-to-door delivery, with delivery times varying according to the origin and destination.
  • UPS Expedited:A more economical express option than the fastest UPS services, generally offering tracked international delivery to many destinations.
  • UPS Worldwide Economy®:A lower-cost international service designed for less time-sensitive shipments. Delivery times and availability vary by destination, with tracked delivery available and both DDP and DDU options available on eligible shipments.

Other UPS services

  • UPS Express Critical®:Offers specialised, urgent delivery solutions, including same-day and next-flight options, for extremely time-sensitive shipments.
  • Worldwide Express Plus®, Worldwide Express® and Worldwide Express Freight®:Premium international services offering different delivery commitments and options depending on the destination, shipment type and weight.

Source: UPS International

DHL

DHL is part of DHL Group, the German-headquartered international logistics company. DHL Express provides fast and reliable international shipping services and is widely used by package forwarders in Europe, the USA and elsewhere.

  • DHL Express Worldwide:DHL's main international express service provides time-definite, door-to-door delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. Delivery times depend on the origin and destination and can be as fast as the next possible business day.

DHL also offers other international services through its wider DHL network, including more economical parcel services. The availability of these services depends on the forwarder's location and destination.

Source: DHL Express

USPS International Services

USPS, the United States Postal Service, offers a range of international services catering to different needs and budgets. These include options for documents, letters and packages.

  • Priority Mail Express International®:The fastest USPS international mail option, generally offering delivery within 3–5 business days to eligible destinations. Tracking and insurance are included, subject to the destination and shipment type.
  • Priority Mail International®:A more affordable international package service, generally offering delivery within 6–10 business days to around 180 countries. Tracking and limited insurance are included on most shipments.
  • First-Class Package International Service®:An economical option for lightweight packages weighing up to 4 lbs (1.81 kg) and valued at up to $400. Delivery times vary by destination and are not guaranteed.
  • First-Class Mail International®:An economical service for letters, postcards and large envelopes. Delivery times vary depending on the destination and tracking is limited.
  • Global Express Guaranteed®:This service has been discontinued/suspended and should no longer be listed as a current USPS shipping option.

Source: USPS

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 packages to your doorstep.

These carriers can include major players such as DHL Express, FedEx International, UPS and USPS. The specific carrier used might depend on factors such as the destination country, package size and weight, desired delivery speed and cost.

Other carriers that may be available to you include:

  • Australia Post:Frequently used by package forwarders with operations in Australia, offering domestic and international delivery services.
  • Aramex:A major international logistics company with a particularly strong network across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
  • Singapore Post:Used by some Singapore-based package forwarders and potentially useful for shipments originating from or going to Southeast Asia.
  • Royal Mail:Used by UK-based package forwarders and for international deliveries from the UK.

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

  • 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.
  • Different service levels to suit different budgets and delivery requirements.

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 Plus, FedEx International Economy or UPS services may be suitable. If budget is the biggest concern, explore options such as USPS First-Class Package International Service or economy services offered by UPS, FedEx and other carriers.

Remember, package forwarders often partner with a variety of carriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS and USPS, along with regional options like Australia Post, Aramex, Singapore Post and Royal Mail.

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

Disclosure

We try to keep this information as up-to-date as possible, but there is a chance that it might not be 100% correct, so please check the information before you choose a courier. You must use this information at your own discretion.