The cheapest ways to ship internationally in 2023: A guide
The cheapest ways to ship internationally in 2023: A guide
International shipping can be a real pain point for businesses that are keeping a close eye on the bottom line. Among carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL, international shipping rates can vary widely depending on the destination, speed of delivery and size of the package. In this article, we’ll discuss how to find the cheapest international shipping and simple ways to keep your international shipping cost under control. See our rate comparisons below as a starting point.
Table of contents
- What are the best international shipping rates?
- Shipping from US to Canada
- Shipping from US to Europe
- Shipping from US to UK
- Shipping from US to Netherlands
- Shipping from US to Ireland
- Shipping from US to Asia
- Shipping from US to China
- Shipping from US to Japan
- Shipping from US to Malaysia
- Shipping from US to Oceania
- Shipping from US to Australia
- Shipping from US to New Zealand
- Shipping from US to South America
- Shipping from US to Brazil
- Shipping from US to Colombia
- Shipping from US to Argentina
- What are USPS international shipping rates?
- What are UPS international shipping rates?
- What are FedEx international shipping rates?
- What are DHL international shipping rates?
- How can you prepare to save on shipping and mailing costs in 2023?
What are the best international shipping rates?
Of course, your shipping destination will have a big impact on your international shipping cost. In this article, we’ll compare costs across carriers for various international shipping destinations.
Note that the rates shown below are retail rates. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship internationally, keep in mind that Pitney Bowes customers have access to discounted USPS and UPS rates for international deliveries. If you’d like to compare rates, our multi-carrier solutions are also compatible with FedEx, DHL Express and others.
Shipping from US to Canada
Let’s look at the cost of a hypothetical package shipped from New York to Toronto. When shipping from US to Canada, you’ll want to consider the speed of service in addition to the rate. Note that the tables below show retail rates, and Pitney Bowes discounted rates for USPS and UPS international delivery will generally be lower.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Canada
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $60.55 |
| UPS | 2 business days | $34.27 |
| FedEx | 2 business days | $38.70 |
| DHL Express | Next business day | $118.58 |
Shipping from US to Europe
Now let’s compare rates for another common scenario, shipping from US to Europe. We’ll look at the rates for popular shipping destinations in Europe and compare rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL.
Shipping from US to UK
When you want to ship from US to UK, the best option in terms of price is USPS, but DHL is a good value if you need faster service. Please note that these are retail rates for sending a package from New York to London. Pitney Bowes negotiated rates will generally be lower for USPS and UPS.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to UK
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $82.30 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $239.12 |
| FedEx | 1 business day | $248.62 |
| DHL Express | 2 business days | $181.87 |
Shipping from US to Netherlands
If you need to ship from US to Netherlands, you’ll want to know that you’re getting the best price. In this case, the lowest-price carrier is USPS. This table shows retail rates for sending a package from New York to Amsterdam. Pitney Bowes customers have access to discounted rates for USPS and UPS.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Netherlands
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $72.60 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $239.12 |
| FedEx | 1 business day | $248.62 |
| DHL Express | 2 business days | $181.87 |
Shipping from US to Ireland
If your business needs to ship from US to Ireland, USPS is the lowest price, but DHL is faster. These are retail rates for sending a package from New York to Dublin. You can save with discounted rates for USPS and UPS from Pitney Bowes.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Ireland
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $72.60 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $239.12 |
| FedEx | n/a | $269.66 |
| DHL Express | 2 business days | $181.87 |
Shipping from US to Asia
If your business needs to ship from US to Asia, the costs can add up. It makes sense to shop rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL. For the sake of comparison, the tables below show retail rates for several popular countries. Pitney Bowes can offer you discounted rates for UPS and USPS.
Shipping from US to China
The table below displays retail rates for sending a package from New York to Shanghai. If you’re shipping from US to China, USPS is the lowest price, but DHL will get your package there sooner. Consider that you can also save with discounted rates for USPS and UPS from Pitney Bowes.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to China
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $80.40 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $237.88 |
| FedEx | 5 business days | $243.25 |
| DHL Express | 5 business days | $171.25 |
Shipping from US to Japan
Here are retail rates for sending a package from New York to Tokyo. If you’re shipping from US to Japan, USPS is the most cost-effective, but DHL will get your package there faster at a competitive price. Discounted rates for USPS and UPS are available for Pitney Bowes customers.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Japan
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $78.40 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $234.51 |
| FedEx | 4 business days | $238.47 |
| DHL Express | 4 business days | $180.89 |
Shipping from US to Malaysia
The table below displays retail rates for sending a package from New York to Kuala Lumpur, one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. If you’re shipping from US to Malaysia, USPS will give you the best price. For faster service, UPS is a good option. Pitney Bowes can help you get even lower rates for USPS and UPS.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Malaysia
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $79.10 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $246.20 |
| FedEx | 5 business days | $289.11 |
| DHL Express | 4 business days | $190.17 |
Shipping from US to Oceania
The cost to ship from US to Oceania will reflect the distance. Of course, USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL offer different rates for different service levels to the land down under. The tables below are a good starting point to compare retail shipping rates. Pitney Bowes offers lower negotiated rates for UPS and USPS.
Shipping from US to Australia
The table below displays retail rates for sending a package from New York to Sydney. For shipping from US to Australia, USPS wins on price. DHL can get your package there faster for an additional cost. Pitney Bowes customers shipping to Australia have access to discounts on USPS and UPS prices.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Australia
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $87.50 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $273.67 |
| FedEx | 5 business days | $289.11 |
| DHL Express | 4 business days | $195.99 |
Shipping from US to New Zealand
Below, we compare retail rates across carriers for sending a package from New York to Wellington. If you’re shipping from US to New Zealand, USPS has the lowest price. If you need fast service, UPS is your next best option. Pitney Bowes customers can save with discounted USPS and UPS rates.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to New Zealand
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $87.50 |
| UPS | 3 business days | $250.12 |
| FedEx | 7 business days | $293.94 |
| DHL Express | 6 business days | $195.99 |
Shipping from US to South America
Here’s snapshot of what it costs to ship from US to South America. We’ll look at retail rates for USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL to common destination countries. You can save with lower rates on UPS and USPS from Pitney Bowes.
Shipping from US to Brazil
Below, we compare retail rates across carriers for sending a package from New York to the capital city of Brasília. If you’re shipping from US to Brazil, USPS can get your package there for the best price. If you need fast service, DHL can deliver in three business days. Pitney Bowes customers can save with discounted USPS and UPS rates.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Brazil
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $69.10 |
| UPS | 5 business days | $328.79 |
| FedEx | 6 business days | $322.41 |
| DHL Express | 3 business days | $265.81 |
Shipping from US to Colombia
Below, we compare retail rates across carriers for sending a package from New York to Bogotá. If you’re shipping from US to Colombia, once again, USPS is the most cost-effective carrier. DHL can get it there in two business days. If you’re a Pitney Bowes customer, you can save with discounts on UPS and USPS.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Colombia
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $69.10 |
| UPS | 5 business days | $328.79 |
| FedEx | 4 business days | $322.41 |
| DHL Express | 2 business days | $265.81 |
Shipping from US to Argentina
Rates from New York to Buenos Aires are similar. If you’re shipping from US to Argentina, USPS has the lowest price. Pitney Bowes can save you money with customer discounts on UPS and USPS.
Cost to ship a 13” x 11” x 3” 5lb package from US to Argentina
| Courier Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | 6–10 business days | $69.10 |
| UPS | 4 business days | $328.79 |
| FedEx | 5 business days | $322.41 |
| DHL Express | 2 business days | $265.81 |
What are USPS International Shipping Rates?
USPS international shipping rates are lower than other options, but tracking may be inaccurate. USPS offers several types of service and free shipping supplies for its international deliveries.
USPS International Shipping Rates
| Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Global Express Guaranteed® | 1–3 business days | From $71.10 |
| Priority Mail Express International® | 3-5 business days | From $54.75 |
| Priority Mail International® | 6-10 business days | From $30.35 |
| First-Class Mail International® | Varies by destination | From $15.75 |
| First-Class Package International Service® | Varies by destination | From $3.00 |
| Airmail M-Bags® | Varies by destination | From $55.00 |
What are UPS International Shipping Rates?
UPS international shipping rates span a wide range of services. UPS excels at international shipping.
UPS International Shipping Rates
| Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Express Critical International | Same day | Varies |
| UPS Worldwide Express Plus® | 1–3 business days, typically delivered by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. | $136.50 |
| UPS Worldwide Express® | 1–3 business days, typically delivered by 10:30 a.m. or noon | $96.50 |
| UPS Worldwide Express Freight® Midday | 1–3 business days, typically delivered by noon or 2 p.m. | By zone and weight |
| UPS Worldwide Express Freight® | 1–3 business days, typically delivered by end of day | By zone and weight |
| UPS Worldwide Saver® | 1–3 business days, typically delivered by end of day | $94.71 |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | 1-5 business days | $83.46 |
| UPS Standard | Standard Shipping, Day-Definite, by end of day | $23.07 to Canada |
| UPS Worldwide Economy | 5–12 business days | By contract only |
What are FedEx International Shipping Rates?
FedEx international shipping rates may be higher than other carriers, but they offer top-tier tracking, reliability, and service.
FedEx International Shipping Rates
| Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx® International Next Flight | Within 24 hours to most countries and territories | Varies |
| FedEx International First® | 1–3 business days | $141.25 |
| FedEx International Priority® | 1–3 business days | $92.25 |
| FedEx International Priority® Express | 1–3 business days | Varies |
| FedEx International Economy® | 2–5 business days | $86.45 |
| FedEx International Ground® | 2–7 business days | $22.61 |
What are DHL International Shipping Rates?
DHL international shipping rates are competitively priced across a wide range of service levels. DHL serves more than 220 countries and territories.
DHL International Shipping Rates
| Service | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Express 9:00 | Next possible business day by 9:00 a.m. | $$ |
| Express 12:00 | Next possible business day by 12:00 p.m. | $$ |
| Express Worldwide | Next possible business day by end of day | $$ |
| Express Envelope | Next possible business day by end of day | $$ |
| Express Easy | Next possible business day by end of day | $$ |
| Economy Select | 1–3 business days | $ |
| Jetline | Same day global | $$$ |
| Sprintline | Same day regional | $$$ |
| Same Day | Same day regional | $$$ |
How can you prepare to save on shipping and mailing costs in 2023?
You can help your business save on shipping by using PitneyShip® software. Pitney Bowes shipping software gives you discounted rates, cost accounting and real-time data and insights to help you make smarter shipping decisions.