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International Shipping with ShipStation

With customs, tracking, and fees, international shipping can be challenging for ecommerce sellers. However, ShipStation simplifies the process, making it faster, cheaper, and easier to manage. Explore how ShipStation makes international shipping simple for businesses of all sizes.

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How to calculate international shipping rates

Collecting and calculating these numbers may seem tedious, but with ShipStation’s built-in shipping cost calculator, you can quickly get rate quotes. Simply enter your package details and you can compare different carriers like USPS®, UPS®, and FedEx® to find the best price for both domestic and international shipping.

 

Knowing exact shipping prices helps you save money while showing customers you’re transparent, building trust in your business. For companies aiming to grow globally, effectively managing international shipping costs is essential for success.

International shipping rates vary depending on a few key elements:
Send tracking and ship package, illustration of tracked package beside map pin

Destination

Shipping longer distances almost always increases costs

Package size and weight

Larger, heavier packages are more expensive to send
Time and money efficiency

Shipping method

Express services deliver faster but typically cost more than standard shipping

Simplifying large-and heavy-box shipping

Shipping oversized or heavy boxes internationally presents unique challenges, such as increased costs and the need for precise handling. ShipStation addresses these issues by partnering with carriers specialized in managing large shipments and providing tools to calculate costs effectively.

 

Whether you’re shipping bulky furniture, lightweight oversized items, or heavy machinery, ShipStation offers smart packaging guidance to reduce dimensional weight fees and save money. By integrating competitive shipping rates and clear cost calculations into a single platform, ShipStation makes it easy to handle large shipments while keeping expenses under control.

Affordable carriers for international shipping from the U.S.

For sellers looking for affordable international shipping solutions, ShipStation offers discounted rates through trusted carrier partnerships. Here’s how some of the leading international shipping carriers compare:

USPS

A budget-friendly choice for smaller parcels and lightweight packages, ideal for cost-conscious sellers

USPS Shipping

DHL Express

A global leader in international shipping, offering competitive rates and exceptional coverage worldwide

DHL Express Shipping

FedEx

Renowned for fast and dependable delivery, making it ideal for businesses handling time-sensitive shipments

FedEx Shipping

UPS

Provides a wide range of services for various package sizes, offering flexible and reliable shipping options at competitive rates

UPS Shipping

ShipStation’s platform makes it simple to compare shipping prices using its built-in cost calculator, which provides real-time rate estimates across multiple carriers. While exact costs depend on factors like destination, weight, and shipping method, ShipStation’s pre-negotiated carrier discounts often allow businesses to save compared to booking directly with carriers.

 

Here’s how ShipStation helps you save on shipping:

 

Carrier Standard Rate* ShipStation Discounted Rate* Potential Savings
USPS® (Small Package) $12.50 $9.75 22%
FedEx® (Express) $35.00 $28.00 20%
UPS® (Ground) $18.00 $14.50 19%
DHL Express (International) $55.00 $44.00 20%
*Rates are estimated and may vary based on package size, weight, and destination.

By leveraging these carrier discounts, businesses can avoid overpaying for shipping while ensuring their customers receive the best rates possible. Whether you’re sending small parcels or managing larger shipments, ShipStation helps you save time, money, and effort. With one dashboard and streamlined tools, you can manage your entire shipping process like a pro.

Standard, express, and freight international shipping

Ecommerce buyers value flexibility—some prioritize fast delivery, while others seek cost savings. Standard shipping is affordable and ideal for non-urgent items, while express shipping ensures faster delivery for urgent orders. With ShipStation, offering both is seamless. Businesses can set preferences, enable express shipping during peak seasons, and keep customers informed with real-time tracking.

 

For freight shipping, sea freight is the most cost-effective option for bulk or non-urgent shipments, while air freight offers faster delivery for valuable or seasonal items at a higher cost. ShipStation helps balance speed and cost by consolidating all shipping operations into one platform, making it easy to manage rates, tracking, and shipping needs efficiently. Learn more here.

 

 

How tracking works for international shipments

Tracking is important for clear communication and customer satisfaction. With ShipStation, you can:

Provide live tracking updates
Consolidate tracking for all carriers on one platform
Automatically share tracking information with customers
Provide live tracking updates
Consolidate tracking for all carriers on one platform
Automatically share tracking information with customers

This feature builds customer confidence and lowers inquiries about order statuses. Live tracking is especially important for international shipments where delays may happen due to customs or other issues. ShipStation’s international tracking options help you stay informed on all shipments, regardless of the carrier.

FAQs on international shipping

How to determine the home port for commercial ships?
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This usually relies on the carrier’s main location. ShipStation’s platform makes it easier to understand port details by connecting you to carrier data.

Who dominates international shipping?
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Major companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are key players. ShipStation works with these carriers to offer top service.

Who regulates international shipping?
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International shipping regulations vary by country, with customs agencies overseeing most of the processes. To simplify compliance, ShipStation provides tools that automatically generate customs documentation, including commercial invoices and packing slips, ensuring you meet the requirements of each destination country. These features help businesses navigate complex regulations with ease.

How to ship internationally?
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Shipping internationally involves several key steps, but ShipStation streamlines the process to make it manageable for businesses. First, you’ll need to select a carrier that offers international services suited to your package and destination. ShipStation then simplifies the preparation of customs documentation, including commercial invoices and packing slips, which are required for international shipments. Once your package is ready, you can print the necessary labels directly from the platform and access real-time tracking updates to monitor the shipment’s progress. By integrating these steps into a single platform, ShipStation removes much of the complexity typically associated with international shipping.

How much is international shipping?
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International shipping costs depend on factors like the destination, package weight, and chosen shipping method. To get accurate estimates, you can use ShipStation’s built-in shipping cost calculator, available directly within the platform. This tool allows users to compare rates from multiple carriers in real time, helping them find the most cost-effective option for their needs. ShipStation’s calculator is accessible to all account holders and is designed to simplify pricing for businesses of any size, ensuring transparency and control over shipping expenses.

How long does international shipping take?
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Delivery durations vary by standard or express international shipping. Standard international  shipping has a delivery duration of one to four weeks. Express international shipping takes three to seven business days.

How to ship internationally cheap?
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To reduce international shipping costs, leverage ShipStation’s discounted rates with trusted carriers like USPS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS. These partnerships provide exclusive savings that often surpass booking directly with the carriers. Additionally, ShipStation’s platform allows you to compare rates across carriers in real time, so you can select the most affordable option for each shipment.

Does ShipStation do international shipping?
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Yes! ShipStation aims to ease international shipping for ecommerce businesses. ShipStation provides a complete solution for global shipping.

ShipStation International Shipping

Whether you are just starting with international shipping or are trying to improve your method, ShipStation makes sure you are prepped for success.

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