One of the main reasons people are hesitant to ship internationally is the high costs involved. However, with numerous shipping services nowadays, mailing items internationally has become a simple procedure.
You can choose any service that appears to be the best fit for you in every aspect, including cost, delivery time, and so on.
Continue reading the article to understand the factors you must consider for the cheapest delivery of items. Also, learn about the various shipping rates offered by FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Service
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to deliver items, there are certain factors you must consider when choosing a shipping service. Factors such as the type of service, delivery speed, package size and weight, all play a huge role in determining the overall shipping price.
Having the necessary information regarding each of these factors will help you choose a service providing optimum features. So, here’s a detailed look:
Shipping Options
Having a wide range of courier providers for local and international shipping, such as UPS, USPS, DHL, and FedEx, allows you to select the best service type for you. Standard services are typically less expensive than priority services, which deliver your item quickly.
Delivery Speed
Services that provide same-day or next-day delivery are more costly than those that deliver within a week. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, keep a flexible delivery speed in mind.
Tracking Services
Tracking your shipment is another crucial aspect to consider when selecting a service, as it allows you to keep an eye on your order while it is in transit. Although not all carriers have effective tracking systems, this feature is highly beneficial and should be considered in all cases.
Weight of the Parcel
The weight of your item also has an impact on the shipping cost. Heavier items usually have a higher shipping rate than light-weight packages.
Package Dimensions
The amount of space your package will take up during shipment is determined by its size. Hence, shipping a package with larger dimensions will cost more than sending a parcel with smaller dimensions. There are, however, some carriers that provide affordable rates for large packages.
Shipping Location
Last but not least, the distance of your shipment is equally vital in calculating the shipping price. If you’re sending a package to a remote location, you should expect to pay more than if you’re sending it to a nearby area or within the state.
Shipping Rates of Different Carriers
To give you an idea of the postage rates offered by various courier providers, we’ll ship a package with dimensions of 24 x 16 x 12 inches from Toronto, Canada, to Los Angeles, US. The following are estimates for 20-pound package shipping costs:
UPS
Sending this package through UPS Ground will cost you approximately $70. However, if you choose to ship it via UPS Worldwide, the cost could rise to $300. In addition, the delivery time is 1-5 business days.
DHL
Mailing the same parcel via DHL Express Worldwide will have a shipping price of nearly $170 with a delivery period of a few working days.
FedEx
Shipping this package with FedEx Ground will cost you $100. On the other hand, international services offered by FedEx can cost anywhere between $100 and $400 or more. Your package will reach its destination in under ten business days.
Conclusion
So, now that you’re aware of shipping rates and the various factors that influence them, you can easily find a service that meets your needs. Furthermore, before sending out your shipment, keep the terms and conditions of that service in mind.