The Best Way to Ship a Package Internationally: A Comprehensive Guide

International shipping can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and tools, it can be a hassle-free experience. Whether you are a business owner looking to ship products to international clients or an individual purchasing goods from overseas, this guide will help you choose the best shipping method to suit your needs.

Introduction to Freight Forwarders

For my international shipping needs, I personally use a freight forwarder called Forwardme. The reason I chose a freight forwarder is because they offer much more affordable shipping rates compared to what I would pay on my own, sometimes saving me hundreds of USD. Being able to ship products internationally at a fraction of the cost is a huge advantage. I highly recommend using freight forwarders like Forwardme for their cost-effectiveness.

Shipping Through Freight Forwarders

From my personal experience, the best way to ship packages internationally, especially if you enjoy shopping from American stores, is through a freight forwarder. I have been living in the UK since 2016 but often find myself purchasing items from the US. To get these products to my doorstep in the UK, I use a service called Forwardme. With Forwardme, the process of buying from the US and shipping to the UK is straightforward and hassle-free. They provide you with a US address to use for your online shopping and once your items arrive at their US facility, they handle the international shipping to your address in the UK.

I have been using Forwardme for a while now and have always been pleased with their service. They make international shipping easy and accessible, and I definitely recommend them for anyone looking to buy products from the US and ship them internationally.

Choosing the Best Shipping Method

The best way to ship your package depends on your priorities:

Cheapest:

USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate: This method is economical and works well for items that do not require fast delivery. It is ideal for those looking to save on shipping costs.

Fastest:

FEDEX International Priority: This is the fastest option available for international shipping. It offers priority service and quick delivery, making it suitable for urgent shipments.

Broadest Coverage:

UPS Worldwide Expedited: This method provides coverage for a wide range of destinations globally and is ideal for businesses that need to ship internationally frequently.

Consider how you manage the carriers. This is where an app like Starshipit can save you quite a bit of time. Using such apps can streamline the process of comparing different shipping options and selecting the most suitable one based on your specific needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Method

The choice of shipping method depends on several factors:

The Speed You Want:

Depending on how quickly you want your goods to arrive, you can choose different shipping methods. For urgent shipments, DHL or air freight, which are relatively fast, are recommended. Air freight is generally more cost-effective in quantity, especially for larger shipments.

The Cost of Shipping:

When choosing a method, consider the cost. EMS is a more affordable option for smaller packages, while air freight is more appropriate for larger shipments, although it is slower.

The Type of Goods:

Choosing the right mailing method based on the type of goods will save both time and money. Different types of goods have different mailing channels recommended by different carriers:

For smaller packages under 0.5 kg:

It is generally recommended to take the parcel channel. For small goods that require higher security and faster delivery, EMS is a good choice. Sensitive goods such as food, cosmetics, and others are also best sent via EMS due to its reliability.

For larger packages:

Air freight or sea freight are more cost-effective. Sea freight is ideal for shipments with a larger number of parcels, while air freight is better for smaller parcels with a higher priority of delivery.

When choosing the way of transport of an international courier, it is generally necessary to consider these aspects but also see whether the international freight company is reliable. Reliability and reputation are very important to ensure that your package is neither lost nor disappears during transit.

Using the right shipping method ensures that your package reaches its destination safely and on time. Whether you are outsourcing to a freight forwarder or managing the shipping process yourself, ensuring reliability and transparency in the shipping process is crucial.