Shipping internationally is a cornerstone for businesses aiming to expand their global reach. Whether you’re a small e-commerce store or a large enterprise, finding the cheapest way to ship internationally is crucial for maintaining profit margins while providing reliable service with reasonable delivery times to your customers. In this guide, we’ll explore cost-effective international shipping options tailored for businesses, compare key carriers, like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, and share strategies to optimize costs. We’ll also look at how to optimize your shipping costs to get the truly cheapest international shipping.
International Delivery Services Available in the USA
When selecting the right service, businesses need to prioritize reliability, cost, and speed. The major international carriers in the USA offer specialized solutions for businesses, including discounted rates for volume shipments, integrated tracking systems, and options for handling customs and duties.
By analyzing shipping options from major carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, companies can determine the cheapest way to ship internationally while ensuring customer satisfaction.
USPS International Services
The United States Postal Service remains a cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized packages. Business-specific advantages include:
- Commercial Discounts: Lower rates through Commercial Plus pricing.
- Bulk Shipping Options: Streamlined solutions for large orders.
Key Services:
- First Class Package International Service: Generally the least expensive with longer delivery times.
- Priority Mail International: Affordable and reliable, with a quicker delivery time, suitable for most business needs.
- Priority Mail Express International: Fast, trackable, and includes delivery in 3–5 business days with money-back guarantees.
- Global Express Guaranteed: Fast delivery with a guaranteed delivery.
UPS International Services
UPS offers tailored solutions for businesses with regular international shipping needs, with discounts based on shipping volume and tools to manage and track shipments.
- Negotiated Rates: Discounts based on shipping volume.
Key Services:
- Worldwide Saver: Affordable for fast shipping.
- Worldwide Expedited: Ideal for heavier shipments.
- Worldwide Express: Morning delivery by noon for urgent shipments.
- Worldwide Express Saver: End-of-day delivery for time-sensitive packages at a lower cost than Worldwide Express.
- Standard: International Ground Service to countries like Canada or Mexico
FedEx International Services
FedEx excels in speed and reliability, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring time-sensitive deliveries with discounts based on shipping frequency.
Key Services:
- International Economy: Cost-effective for non-urgent shipments.
- International Priority: Fast and efficient for high-priority goods.
- International Priority Express:
- International First: The fastest FedEx option, with delivery as early as 8:30 AM in select global markets.
DHL International Services
DHL’s extensive global network and business-friendly services make it ideal for companies shipping frequently to Europe, Asia, and South America. As with other carriers, they provide discounted shipping rates based on volume and have the best end-to-end tracking for international shipments. Not that DHL only provides international shipping from the US:
Key Services:
- Express Worldwide: Reliable and fast delivery.
- Express Worldwide Import: Expedited import services with full customs clearance, ensuring quick and efficient inbound shipping.
Comparison of Key Features
Choosing the right carrier for your international shipments can make a significant difference in both cost and service quality. To help businesses determine the cheapest way to ship internationally, we’ve compiled a detailed comparison of the major carriers: USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. This table highlights key features such as delivery time, cost, tracking options, and unique business benefits, ensuring you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.
| Carrier | Key Service | Delivery Time | Cost | Tracking | Business Features |
| FedEx | International First | 1 day | Highest | Real-time tracking | Earliest delivery option available |
| FedEx | International Priority Express | 1–2 days | Higher | Real-time tracking | Early delivery within 1–2 business days |
| USPS | Global Express Guaranteed | 1–3 days | Higher | Comprehensive tracking | Fastest service with guaranteed delivery |
| UPS | Worldwide Express | 1–3 days | Higher | Real-time tracking | Morning delivery for urgent shipments |
| UPS | Worldwide Express Saver | 1–3 days | Moderate | Real-time tracking | End-of-day delivery at a lower cost than Worldwide Express |
| FedEx | International Priority | 1–3 days | Higher | Real-time tracking | Priority handling, business rewards |
| UPS | Worldwide Saver | 2–5 days | Moderate | Real-time tracking | Negotiated business rates, insurance included |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited | 2–5 days | Moderate to High | Real-time tracking | Faster delivery for heavier shipments |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express International | 3–5 days | Moderate | Real-time tracking | Faster delivery with money-back guarantee |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 3–5 days | High | Comprehensive tracking | Reliable and fast delivery to over 220 countries |
| DHL | Express Worldwide Import | 3–5 days | High | Comprehensive tracking | Expedited import services with customs clearance |
| FedEx | International Economy | 4–7 days | Moderate | Real-time tracking | Cost-effective for non-urgent shipments |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | Low to Moderate | Detailed tracking | Discounts for bulk shipping, flat-rate boxes available |
| USPS | First Class Package International Service | 7–21 days | Low | Basic tracking | Affordable option for small packages |
| UPS | Standard | Varies by location | Low to Moderate | Real-time tracking | International Ground Service to Canada and Mexico |
International Shipping Rates Comparison for Businesses
In this section, we compare the most popular shipping services—USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL—based on delivery time, cost, tracking options, and features. These comparisons will help businesses determine the most suitable service for shipping to key international markets.
Each table below provides a comparison of relative cost ranges, estimated delivery times, and key service features for standard shipments. It also highlights important business-friendly options such as tracking availability, insurance, and customs support where applicable. These comparisons are based on typical service offerings, helping businesses identify the most efficient and affordable shipping methods.
To make international shipping more affordable, OrderCup offer businesses access to deeply discounted global rates—without the need for large shipping volumes. With up to 88% off USPS, up to 80% off UPS, up to 75% off FedEx, and up to 75% off DHL, shippers can reduce cross-border costs significantly while still benefiting from reliable delivery, real-time tracking, and customs support. These discounts apply across multiple service levels, making it easier to balance cost, speed, and service quality for international logistics.
Shipping from the US to the UK
The UK is a popular destination for US businesses shipping internationally, particularly for e-commerce. Affordable rates and relatively short delivery times make it easier to find the cheapest way to send international packages to this region.
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Relative Cost (10 lbs) | Tracking | Business Features |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | $ | Yes | Discounts for bulk shipping |
| FedEx | International Economy | 4–7 days | $$ | Yes | Dedicated account management |
| UPS | Worldwide Saver | 2–5 days | $$$ | Yes | Negotiated rates for frequent shippers |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 3–5 days | $$$$ | Yes | Integrated customs handling |
Shipping from the US to Canada
Canada is one of the easiest and most cost-effective countries for US businesses to ship to, thanks to proximity and strong cross-border logistics networks. Finding the cheapest international shipping option often depends on the size and weight of the package and the speed of delivery.
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Relative Cost (10 lbs) | Tracking | Business Features |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | $ | Yes | Great for small and medium-sized packages |
| FedEx | International Ground | 3–5 days | $$ | Yes | Cost-effective and reliable for businesses |
| UPS | Standard | 2–5 days | $$$ | Yes | Competitive rates for larger shipments |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 2–4 days | $$$$ | Yes | Rapid delivery and comprehensive tracking |
Shipping from the US to Germany
Germany is a key European destination for US businesses, making it essential to compare options for cheap international shipping that meet both budget and reliability needs. By selecting the right carrier, businesses can enjoy the cheapest way to ship a package internationally without sacrificing service quality.
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Relative Cost (10 lbs) | Tracking | Business Features |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | $ | Yes | Affordable for small businesses |
| FedEx | International Economy | 4–7 days | $$ | Yes | Customs assistance, business rewards program |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited | 2–5 days | $$$ | Yes | Volume discounts, strong European network |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 3–5 days | $$$$ | Yes | Door-to-door service, rapid customs clearance |
Shipping from the US to Australia
Shipping to Australia can be expensive due to distance, but optimizing carrier selection is key for low-cost international shipping. For many companies, finding the cheapest way to ship internationally to this region involves balancing carrier reliability, transit times, and competitive rates.
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Relative Cost (10 lbs) | Tracking | Business Features |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | $ | Yes | Free flat-rate boxes, excellent for SMBs |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited | 3–5 days | $$ | Yes | Reliable network, insurance included |
| FedEx | International Priority | 3–5 days | $$$ | Yes | Premium support, tracking updates |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 3–5 days | $$$$ | Yes | Superior global coverage, tailored services |
Shipping from the US to India
India is a rapidly growing market for US businesses, requiring reliable and low-cost international shipping solutions. Choosing the right carrier ensures the cheapest way to send international packages while maintaining fast and efficient delivery.
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Relative Cost (10 lbs) | Tracking | Business Features |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | $ | Yes | Affordable and reliable for lighter goods |
| FedEx | International Economy | 4–7 days | $$ | Yes | Dedicated account management |
| UPS | Worldwide Saver | 2–5 days | $$$ | Yes | Fast transit, customs support |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | 3–5 days | $$$$ | Yes | Fast customs clearance, tracking visibility |
Strategies for Businesses to Achieve Low-Cost International Shipping
For businesses, cheap international shipping isn’t just about selecting the lowest rate—it’s about optimizing logistics. For businesses, cheap international shipping isn’t just about selecting the lowest rate—it’s about optimizing logistics. Here are strategies to ensure cost-effective shipping:
Here are strategies to ensure cost-effective shipping:
- Leverage Volume Discounts
Most carriers offer tiered pricing for businesses shipping regularly. Sign up for business accounts with carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL to access these discounts.
- Use Shipping Platforms
Platforms like Easyship or OrderCup integrate multiple carriers, allowing businesses to compare rates, access discounts, and automate label printing. They also provide tools to optimize packaging and route selection.
- Optimize Packaging
Weight and dimensions significantly impact costs. Use packaging that minimizes empty space and adheres to carrier guidelines for dimensional weight pricing.
- Negotiate Contracts
Businesses shipping high volumes can negotiate custom contracts with carriers. This can include perks like reduced rates, free pickups, or dedicated account managers.
- Plan for Duties and Taxes
International shipments often incur customs fees. Use Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms to provide a seamless customer experience while avoiding surprises.
Optimizing International Shipping for Your Business
Finding the cheapest way to ship internationally is a critical part of scaling your business globally. USPS remains a favorite for small packages, while UPS, FedEx, and DHL provide robust options for larger shipments.
To maximize savings, leverage volume discounts, use shipping platforms like OrderCup, and apply smart packaging strategies like cubic pricing and dimensional weight optimization. OrderCup gives businesses access to deeply discounted international rates—up to 88% off USPS, 80% off UPS, 75% off FedEx, and 75% off DHL—making global shipping more cost-effective and scalable.
By implementing these practices, businesses can achieve cheap international shipping while maintaining excellent service for their global customers. Expand your reach, save on costs, and grow your business with optimized shipping solutions tailored to your needs.
FAQ: Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally for Businesses
What is the most cost-effective international shipping service for small businesses?
USPS First Class Package International Service is the most affordable for smaller packages, while UPS and DHL offer better rates for larger, heavier shipments.
How can I access discounted rates for my business?
Sign up for your own Shipper account with carriers, or if you don’t have sufficient volume to get your own discounted rates, leverage the shipping rates with the OrderCup platform.
Which carrier is best for urgent international deliveries?
DHL Express Worldwide and FedEx International Priority and UPS Express are excellent choices for urgent shipments, offering fast delivery and comprehensive tracking.
Are there hidden costs in international shipping?
Yes, import duties and taxes can significantly impact costs. Depending on your business philosophy you can choose to pay these duties and taxes or pass it on to the customer
Can consolidated shipping services help reduce international shipping costs?
Yes. While not covered in-depth here, there are consolidated carrier solutions (like those offered by Meriton-style services) that combine multiple shipments into one international load. These are ideal for non-urgent deliveries and can dramatically reduce costs by trading delivery speed for affordability—a great option for businesses shipping frequently to the same region.