In the current era of cross-border online retail, choosing the best international shipping companies is essential for reducing costs, streamlining customs, and ensuring reliable international package delivery.
This 2025 guide covers the most trusted international shipping carriers that operate from the USA and Canada. You’ll also learn what international shipping is, how to compare your international shipping options, and how platforms like OrderCup can streamline fulfillment and reduce errors for your growing business.
What Is International Shipping?
International shipping refers to the transport of goods across national borders. It encompasses the entire logistics chain—from pickup, label and export documentation, shipping, customs clearance, duties/taxes, tracking, and last-mile package delivery.
For sellers, international shipping is a way to unlock new markets and reach customers around the globe. It requires working with international carrier services that can provide customs-compliant labels, wide shipping coverage, a variety of shipping options in terms of pricing and speed, accurate international tracking, and reliable delivery. These services of international carriers help eCommerce stores expand their customer base, increase revenue, and compete globally.
Choosing the right worldwide shipping company can help:
- Reduce customs delays with proper documentation
- Provide accurate tracking and insurance
- Prevent costly returns or loss
- Optimize delivery times and reduce cart abandonment
Whether you’re using express international courier services or slower, budget-friendly options, the ideal partner will match your business size, destination markets, and delivery speed.
International Shipping Companies Covered in This Article
When choosing the best international shipping carrier for your business, it’s essential to evaluate providers based on your shipping destinations, delivery speed, pricing structure, and integration options. In this article, we’ll explore 11 of the most trusted international shipping companies, each offering unique advantages for small businesses and eCommerce brands shipping globally from the USA or Canada.
Here’s a preview of the carriers we’ll cover:
- DHL Express – globally recognized for unmatched speed, accurate tracking and logistics tools
- FedEx International – known for tracking, customs support, and enterprise-grade services
- UPS Worldwide – ideal for structured business logistics and B2B shipments
- USPS International – cost-effective for lighter parcels and early-stage or smaller sellers
- Canada Post International – reliable and budget-friendly for Canadian merchants
- Purolator International – best for cross-border Canada-US shipping
- Sendle – carbon-neutral and affordable for lightweight packages
- Asendia USA – sustainable choice for EU-bound eCommerce shipping
- SF Express – strong option for Asia-focused logistics
- Aramex – efficient in emerging markets like India, the Middle East, and North Africa
- YunExpress – popular among dropshippers and high-volume eCommerce
Each international shipping provider highlighted here supports global growth in different ways—whether you need fast delivery, low-cost cross-border service, or deep integration with your tech stack. Keep reading to find the right fit for your international shipping needs.
Comparison: Global Shipping Providers for E‑Commerce
When choosing a provider, factors like delivery windows, zone pricing, destination coverage, and integration tools all play a role. Below are the top international carrier companies for 2025:
| Carrier | Best For | Speed & Coverage | Strengths |
| DHL Express | Speed, Reliability | 2-3 days, 220+ countries | Excellent tracking, API integrations, global reach |
| FedEx International | Customs Clearance, Tracking | 2-5 days, 220+ countries | Strong brokerage, guaranteed delivery windows |
| UPS Worldwide | Business Logistics | 1-12 days, 220+ countries | Reliable network, automation tools |
| USPS International | Budget Small Parcels | 7–21 days, 180+ countries | Cost-effective for light packages |
| Canada Post International | Canadian eCommerce | 2–12+ working days, 190+ countries | Affordable tracked services |
| Purolator International | Canada-US Cross-Border Shipping | 1–7 days, 210+ countries | Integrated with FedEx, solid customs support |
| Sendle | Light, Eco-Friendly Packages | 1–8 days, 180+ countries | Carbon-neutral, great for small sellers |
| Asendia USA | Sustainable eCommerce Shipping | 2–10 days, 200+ countries | EU focus, green logistics, hybrid delivery |
| SF Express | Asia-Focused Shipping | 2–14 days, 60+ countries | Fast in China and Southeast Asia |
| Aramex | Emerging Markets | 1–10 days, 240+ countries | MENA and Africa specialist, affordable rates |
| YunExpress | Cross-Border E-commerce | 3–15 days, sometimes up to 30 days, 220+ countries | Low-cost shipping for small packages |
11 Best International Shipping Companies
1. DHL Express
Delivers to: 220+ countries
DHL Express is one of the most trusted names in international carrier services. Known for the fastest international shipping, it’s ideal for businesses needing time-sensitive deliveries. DHL Express can deliver to many major countries in 2–3 business days.
DHL also has an e-commerce solution – DHL eCommerce, which is a slower, more economical service for less urgent international shipments. DHL eCommerce typically partners with local postal services for final delivery, resulting in longer transit times: from 2-3 days for neighbouring countries and up to 20 days for countries with long distances. [1]
With international parcel services, air freight, customs brokerage, and eCommerce solutions, DHL delivers across the globe: from the U.S. or Canada to Europe, Asia, and any other country in the world.
2. FedEx International
Delivers to: 220+ countries
FedEx International (FedEx Express, FedEx Cross‑Border, TNT Express) is a heavyweight in international shipping services, excelling in overnight and 2‑5 day delivery between North America and global destinations.[2] They operate one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft fleets and offer climate‑controlled and fragile‑item shipping options [3]. Perfect for U.S.-based businesses shipping high-value or urgent goods abroad.
3. UPS Worldwide
Delivers to: 220+ countries
UPS is a go-to international delivery company for businesses seeking reliability, customs automation, and integrated logistics. They support hazardous goods [4] and live animals [5], and offer ocean or air freight, along with robust customs tools and weekend pickup options
4. USPS International
Delivers to: 180+ countries
The United States Postal Service offers different levels of international carrier services like First Class Package International Service (FCPIS), Priority Mail International, and Priority Mail Express International. FCPIS is considered an affordable solution to send parcels overseas.
USPS is widely considered the cheapest international shipping option for lighter packages from the US, particularly for businesses on a budget. Ideal for new eCommerce sellers testing overseas fulfillment. Cons: Slower delivery times (6–10 business days and more varies by destination). [6]
5. Canada Post International
Delivers to: 190+ countries
Canada Post partners with USPS, FedEx, and others for worldwide shipping services from Canada. It provides budget-friendly international shipping services for Canadian businesses. Tracked Packet and Xpresspost are the top options. While slower than DHL or FedEx, it’s a solid, cost-effective choice for light shipments.
6. Purolator International
Delivers to: U.S. + 220 countries (via UPS)
Purolator is perfect for Canadian merchants expanding into the U.S. It offers international delivery company services from Canada into global markets, leveraging partnerships with UPS for overseas shipping. [7] Purolator covers nearly all Canadian addresses, with economy, express, and freight options. Limitation: Oversea shipping relies on partner networks.
7. Sendle
Delivers to: 180+ countries
Sendle is an Australian‑based shipping provider, expanding into the US/Canada with economy international parcel shipping for eCommerce SMEs. It offers competitive rates, carbon‑neutral delivery, and simple flat‑rate international options.
Ideal when you want international shipping for a small business at a fixed low cost. Limitations: Limited coverage compared to DHL/UPS/FedEx.
8. Asendia USA
Delivers to: 200+ countries
Asendia is known for sustainable overseas shipping for small businesses. It’s strong in transatlantic routes and offers hybrid delivery through postal and private networks. Especially relevant for North American sellers shipping to the EU. Their ePAQ and registered mail services serve eCommerce fairly at lower costs and trackable shipping to Europe and Asia. [8]
9. SF Express
Delivers to: 60+ countries
SF Express is a major Chinese courier expanding globally. If you’re sourcing from or selling into East Asia, SF Express is one of the most reliable international shipping carriers. Its strength lies in cross-border fulfillment between China, the U.S., Southeast Asia, and beyond. Popular with Shopify brands working with Asian suppliers.
US Standard Express provides express delivery services from the United States to mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, India, South Korea, Japan and a number of other countries. [9]
Drawbacks: Tracking and customs are often less robust than traditional Western carriers.
10. Aramex
Delivers to: 240+ countries
Aramex offers affordable international shipping for small businesses looking to enter the Middle East, Africa, or India. [10] With regional hubs and last-mile coverage, it’s great for eCommerce businesses expanding into emerging markets.
11. YunExpress
Delivers to: 220+ countries (U.S., UK, EU)
YunExpress supports international package shipping for eCommerce sellers sending from the USA/Canada to Asia, Europe, and Australia. [11] It offers international package shipping with low rates and is frequently integrated into platforms like AliExpress. YunExpress is often used by sellers with low margins. Cons: Service reliability and tracking may vary by region.
How to Choose the Best International Carrier Services
- Delivery speed: Focus on carriers offering the fastest international shipping and short transit times when urgency is key. For shipments to neighboring countries like Canada or Mexico, consider ground services such as UPS Standard or FedEx Ground instead of premium air options like UPS Worldwide Expedited or FedEx International Economy: these can significantly reduce costs while still offering reliable delivery.
- Pricing and zones: Compare international shipping options and zone rates to identify cost-effective providers.
- Coverage: Choose a worldwide delivery company that services both urban and remote areas.
- Customs support and documentation: Opt for shipping companies overseas that assist with customs clearance to prevent delays.
- Tracking and insurance: Seek international package shipping providers offering strong tracking and liability coverage.
- Business tools: Use platforms supporting APIs and batch shipping to simplify processing.
- Weekend pick‑up and delivery: Prefer companies offering flexible schedules to optimize logistics flow.
How OrderCup Helps Manage International Shipping Costs
OrderCup helps online sellers simplify international shipping services by centralizing carrier accounts and automating multi-label printing. Here’s how:
- Rate comparison: See real-time costs across DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS, and more.
- Customs Documentation automation: Generate compliant documents instantly, avoiding export delays.
- Batch shipping: Bulk print international labels, saving hours of fulfillment time.
- Integration: Works with leading platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Lightspeed, Amazon and Walmart.
- Support: Built-in help for international shipping solutions, duties management, and address validation and tariff codes.
- Discounted shipping rates: OrderCup provides access to pre-negotiated discounted rates with major international courier services, helping sellers reduce costs.
Especially for best international shipping for small business, OrderCup streamlines fulfillment, minimizes errors, and lowers the barrier to global sales.
Making the Right Choice for Your Global Shipping Needs
Selecting the best international shipping providers means balancing speed, cost, coverage, and customs support. Fast delivery? Choose DHL, UPS, or FedEx. Cost‑sensitive small business? USPS, Sendle, YunExpress are compelling. Need strong customs support and global reliability?
Use OrderCup, compare quotes, and read real‑world experiences to find the right international shipping provider for your needs.
FAQs About Best International Shipping Companies
Who has the cheapest international shipping rates?
To find the most affordable international shipping rates, look at providers like YunExpress, Aramex, and USPS International. These services often offer lower prices for small parcels and are particularly useful for eCommerce merchants or startups managing tight margins. If you’re shipping globally from the U.S. or Canada, compare pricing through tools like OrderCup. For more detail, see our breakdown of the cheapest way to ship internationally.
How can I lower my international shipping costs?
Reducing international shipping costs starts with smart logistics planning. Use zone-based pricing strategies, negotiate carrier discounts, and consolidate shipments. Focus on reducing parcel dimensions and using platforms like OrderCup that provide discounts for their users.
Who is the most reliable shipping company?
According to both Reddit threads and Trustpilot reviews, carriers like DHL Express, UPS, and Purolator are frequently praised for reliability, especially when shipping to multiple regions. Businesses value them for on-time delivery, solid tracking systems, and fewer customs-related delays.
What is the fastest international shipping company?
Independent reviews and user reports commonly rank DHL Express as offering the fastest international shipping, with typical delivery windows of 1–3 business days across major global routes. FedEx International and UPS Worldwide also provide express services, though some merchants report DHL to be slightly quicker on average.
Which shipping company is the most careful?
Customer feedback highlights UPS and FedEx as careful handlers, particularly for fragile or high-value items. DHL Express is also noted for damage-free deliveries. In any case, it is worth remembering that insurance and careful packaging are important regardless of which service you choose.