Shipping a package internationally with ShippingToGo takes 4 steps: select your service (express or standard), prepare your item with secure packaging, complete your commercial invoice, and schedule pickup. The entire process takes under 10 minutes. Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, customers save 18-25% by comparing carriers before booking.
How to Ship Guides by ShippingToGo
Shipping can be simple – when you know where to start. Whether you're sending a wedding dress overseas, a box of personal items across the country, or dozens of packages to your online customers, the ShippingToGo "How to Ship" guides are here to make it easy. With expert tips, user-friendly tools, and responsive customer support, you'll find that every shipment – no matter the size or destination – can be handled efficiently, securely, and with confidence.
Our comprehensive "How to Ship" guides at ShippingToGo are designed to offer expert advice on shipping an array of items seamlessly and efficiently. Whether you're dispatching a wedding gown to an overseas location, transporting a large box of personal items across the country, or an eBay seller distributing multiple packages globally, our guides cover it all.
Getting Started with ShippingToGo
Shipping internationally with ShippingToGo is fast, straightforward, and secure. Begin by following these four easy steps:
- Select Your Service: Choose from a variety of international shipping services that we offer. Our solutions include timely, customs-cleared, door-to-door deliveries tailored to meet your needs. Compare real-time rates from DHL, FedEx, UPS, and 250+ carriers side by side.
- Prepare Your Items: We provide robust, easy-to-use shipping supplies at no extra cost to ensure your items are well-protected throughout their journey. Proper packaging is crucial to safeguard your shipment, regardless of the distance it travels.
- Prepare Your Documents: Complete a Commercial Invoice and a ShippingToGo International Air Waybill. Our intuitive online tools streamline the process, facilitating a hassle-free international shipping experience. All required customs documents are generated automatically.
- Track Your Shipment: Monitoring your shipment is effortless with ShippingToGo. You can view real-time updates on your shipment's status through various tracking options available on our platform.
No endless phone calls, no guessing, and no overpaying.
Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, most new shippers complete their first international booking in under 10 minutes. The most common point of hesitation is completing the commercial invoice — but ShippingToGo's system guides you through each required field step by step.
What to Ship and How to Prepare Your Package
Different types of items require different preparation approaches. Here is a quick reference guide:
| Item Type | Packaging Tips | Recommended Service | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documents | Flat envelope or rigid mailer | Express (1-3 days) | Low duty risk, fast customs |
| Electronics | Original box + double-wall outer box | Express | Lithium battery rules apply |
| Clothing & textiles | Poly bag + box; vacuum bags for bulk | Standard or Economy | Low risk, good for consolidation |
| Fragile items | Double-wall box + bubble wrap | Express preferred | Mark "Fragile," add insurance |
| Heavy goods (>30 kg) | Pallet or heavy-duty crate | Freight forwarding | Dimensional weight critical |
What Documents Do You Need to Ship Internationally?
International shipping requires proper documentation to clear customs. Here is what every international shipment needs:
Required for All International Shipments
- Shipping label: Generated by ShippingToGo at booking, includes all carrier-required barcodes and addresses.
- Commercial invoice: Declares the contents, quantity, unit value, and total value of the shipment. This is used by customs to determine duties and taxes.
Required for Some Shipments
- CN22 / CN23 forms: Required for shipments via postal services to certain countries.
- Packing list: Useful for multi-item shipments to help customs verify contents against the commercial invoice.
- Certificates of origin: Required for some commercial shipments qualifying for trade agreement preferential rates.
ShippingToGo generates all required documentation automatically at the time of booking. You print, attach, and hand over to the courier — no manual form filling required.
Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
- Undervaluing goods on the commercial invoice: This can cause customs delays, penalties, and invalidates insurance claims. Always declare an accurate and honest value.
- Using an oversized box: Extra empty space leads to higher dimensional weight charges. Use the smallest box that safely fits your item.
- Not removing old labels: Previous shipping labels and barcodes on reused boxes can misdirect your parcel. Always remove or cover old labels.
- Forgetting to check prohibited items: Each destination country has its own list of restricted or prohibited goods. Verify before shipping.
- Not comparing carriers: Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, customers who book with their default carrier without comparing pay an average of 22% more than those who use a comparison platform.
Need Specific Advice?
If you're using ShippingToGo and need guidance on how to ship a particular item, our detailed shipping instructions and FAQs are ready to assist you with most inquiries. However, if you require further support, our customer service team is readily available via Live Chat to help you with any concerns.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources provided in our "How to Ship" guides, you can ensure your packages are sent off without a hitch. Whether for personal or commercial shipping needs, ShippingToGo makes the process manageable, efficient, and secure.
For more detailed guides, see: how to ship fragile items, cheapest ways to ship internationally, and how to reduce shipping costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship a package internationally for the first time?
Get a free quote on ShippingToGo by entering origin, destination, weight, and dimensions. Select a service, pack your item securely, and print the shipping label and commercial invoice generated automatically. Schedule a courier pickup or drop off at any carrier location. The entire process typically takes under 10 minutes for first-time shippers.
What documents are required for international shipping?
Every international shipment needs a shipping label and a commercial invoice. The commercial invoice declares the contents, quantity, and value — it is used by customs to assess duties and taxes. ShippingToGo automatically generates all required documentation at booking. For postal shipments, a CN22 or CN23 form may also be required.
How do I track my international shipment?
Your ShippingToGo booking confirmation includes a tracking number. Use it to monitor your shipment on ShippingToGo's tracking portal or directly on the carrier's website. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) provide real-time milestone updates including pickup, departure, in-transit, customs clearance, and delivery confirmation.
How much does international shipping cost with ShippingToGo?
Costs depend on weight, dimensions, destination, and service speed. Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, a 2 kg parcel shipped express internationally starts from approximately $25-$50 depending on route. Use ShippingToGo's free rate calculator to get an accurate comparison across DHL, FedEx, UPS, and 250+ carriers in under 2 minutes.
Can I ship any item internationally?
Most items can be shipped internationally, but restrictions apply. Common prohibited items include certain batteries shipped alone, flammables, firearms, and some food and agricultural products. Each destination country has its own import regulations. ShippingToGo's booking flow flags common restricted items for your destination and provides guidance on required documentation.
How long does international shipping take?
Express international shipping via DHL, FedEx, or UPS takes 1-5 business days to most destinations. Standard services take 5-14 business days. Economy or postal services take 14-30 days. Delivery times can be affected by customs clearance, which adds 1-3 business days on average for express services and up to 5-7 days for standard services.
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