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Home -What is the Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally?

picture 5 May , 2023 | Ray Parker

As the world becomes more connected, shipping internationally has become an essential part of many businesses and personal lives. However, the cost of shipping can often be a significant barrier to sending and receiving goods across borders. If you've ever found yourself hesitant to click "checkout" on an international order due to shipping fees, you're not alone. In this guide, we'll explore the cheapest ways to ship internationally from USA and help you overcome this common obstacle to global commerce.

Factors to consider when shipping internationally

Before we discuss the cheapest ways to ship internationally, it's essential to consider some factors that affect shipping costs. These factors include:

Destination country

Shipping costs vary depending on the destination country. The distance, customs regulations, and taxes can impact the cost of shipping.

Weight and dimensions of the package

The weight and dimensions of the package are also important factors to consider when shipping internationally. The heavier and larger the package, the higher the shipping costs.

Shipping speed

Shipping speed is another factor that affects shipping costs. Faster shipping options such as express delivery are generally more expensive than slower shipping options.

Insurance and tracking 

If you want to ensure your package arrives at its destination safely and on time, you may need to pay for insurance and tracking services. These additional services can add to the cost of shipping.

Customs fees and taxes

Customs fees and taxes vary from country to country and can significantly impact the cost of shipping. These fees are typically based on the value of the package and can add a considerable amount to the shipping cost.

Comparison of international shipping methods

Now that we have considered the factors that affect shipping costs let's explore the cheapest ways to ship internationally. There are three main international shipping methods: Air freight, Sea freight, and shipping via couriers. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.

Air Freight

Air freight may seem like the most expensive option, but it can actually be the cheapest for smaller packages weighing less than 100 kilograms. There are several air freight services available that offer competitive rates for international shipping. Additionally, some carriers offer discounted rates for bulk shipping or regular shipments.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is another cost-effective option for larger shipments that may not be time-sensitive. Shipping by sea can take longer, but it is much cheaper than shipping packages by air. Generally, sea freight is considered as being the cheapest cost option and the least polluting in terms of CO2 emissions per ton-km of cargo. However, it is important to note that sea freight can also be affected by trade imbalances and inefficient domestic port characteristics, particularly for small islands.

Shipping Via Couriers

Shipping via couriers may be the cheapest option for smaller packages weighing under 2 kilograms. Typically, major courier companies like FedEx, DHL, Aramex, UPS & USPS offer reasonable international shipping rates with the added benefit of quick and reliable delivery.

It's important to compare rates from different carriers and shipping methods, as well as factor in any additional fees or taxes that may be applied.

Tips for reducing international shipping costs

There are several ways to reduce international shipping costs. These tips include:

Package optimization

Packing your items efficiently can help reduce the size and weight of your package, which can significantly reduce shipping costs.

Shipping during off-peak times

Shipping during off-peak times can help you save money on shipping costs. Off-peak times are typically during weekdays and outside of the holiday season.

Negotiating with shipping providers

Negotiating with shipping providers for lower rates is another way to reduce shipping costs. You can negotiate better rates by consolidating shipments, signing long-term contracts, or using multiple shipping providers.

Using shipping calculators

Using shipping calculators can help you compare shipping rates and find the best shipping options for your needs. Many shipping providers offer online shipping calculators that allow you to estimate the cost of shipping your package.

Splice Packages offers an online shipping calculator to help users estimate the cost of shipping their packages. By using our shipping calculator, users can input the necessary information, such as package dimensions, weight, and destination, to receive an estimated cost for their shipment.

What is the cheapest way to ship internationally?

The best and cheapest international shipping can be done via Splice Packages with reliable shipping solutions tailored for your needs. Splice Packages not only offers economical shipping charges but also various shopping and shipping options to save both your time and money. You can either make a purchase of your package and ship with Splice packages or can use Assisted Purchase where we'll buy for you. Needless to say that our Consolidation Service will save you almost 50% of your shipping charges and for business customers we offer Warehousing services as well.

Find out more about our package and Freight forwarding services.

Conclusion

International shipping is an essential part of modern trade and commerce. However, the cost of shipping can be a significant challenge for businesses and individuals. By considering the factors that affect shipping costs, exploring the cheapest shipping methods, and implementing cost-saving tips, you can reduce your international shipping costs. The cheapest way to ship internationally will depend on your specific needs, so be sure to compare rates and options before choosing a shipping method.