How to Get Cheaper International USPS Shipping Rates
The USPS is frequently considered the gold standard for national carriers. Many merchants across the world find shipping to the US to be a breeze because of how well our postal service deals with delivering parcels. Additionally, the USPS has built up a delivery network with other national carriers and international carriers like DHL to perform last-mile delivery abroad. However, there can be disruptions or difficulties that American merchants face when shipping internationally. For instance, in the past couple of years there have been disruptions to markets like China or Australia. These delays typically impact express services. So, when you’re shipping internationally you need to be mindful of which countries currently don’t allow inbound shipments with USPS.
When it comes to shipping internationally with the USPS, you have a few services that provide a full range of options for getting your parcels where they need to go. Best of all, the USPS provides these options affordably. For more information on how to ship your international orders simply, read ShipStation’s guide on international shipping.
USPS International Shipping Rates for Ecommerce Merchants
International shipping can be expensive. Luckily, ecommerce merchants get access to very affordable shipping rates. With ShipStation, commercial base pricing on USPS is available and this includes additional discounts on international shipping. It doesn’t just stop with USPS either! ShipStation, you also get shipping discounts on Global Post, UPS, and DHL for your international needs. These discounts generally make express or heavier shipments more affordable. For more information on how to find the cheapest shipping options for domestic services and more carriers, read our cheapest way to ship guide.
Breaking down USPS International Shipping Rates and Services
When shipping internationally with the USPS you have a few options depending on speed and weight. For lighter, slower shipments, First Class Mail International is a great option. For heavier items that need to get there quicker, you have Priority options.
Priority Mail International
USPS offers this service for 6–10 day shipping to over 180 countries. You can also use flat rate packaging to save when shipping parcels weighing up to 70 lbs. With Priority Mail—both international and domestic—you can schedule a USPS pickups. Carrier pickups are simplified using ShipStation.
Priority Mail Express International
Priority Mail Express International is the USPS’s express international shipping service. With a delivery timeframe of 3–5 days to over 180 countries. It also features international flat rate packaging to simplify international shipping.
First-Class Mail International
First-Class Mail International® (FCMI) service is the most affordable way to send letters and large envelopes to more than 180 countries, including Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. While First Class International doesn’t offer a delivery timeframe—it can take several weeks for final delivery to be made—it is the most affordable option available for sending parcels weighing up to 4 lbs. Coverage on these parcels go up to $400 so anything higher in value would need to be shipped with Priority.
Global Express Guarantee
This is the USPS’s most express international shipping service. With support for over 190 countries, Global Express Guarantee guarantees delivery in 1–3 business days.
How ShipStation Simplifies International Shipping
ShipStation Carrier Services Discounts
To get the USPS discounts, ShipStation offers Carrier Services. This gives you a single account that lets you buy discounted postage from a myriad of carriers. Among the providers you have access to savings to are USPS, UPS, GlobalPost, Seko LTL, and DHL.
Auto-generate Customs Forms
Creating customs forms can be tedious. Luckily, ShipStation’s carrier integration pulls everything you need for generating international shipping labels and the required paperwork for most shipments.
To see how much time and money you can save on international shipping, sign up for a free 30-day ShipStation trial.
