The cheapest way to ship internationally depends on package weight and urgency. Postal services (USPS, Royal Mail) are cheapest for packages under 2 kg with no delivery deadline. For packages over 2 kg or with delivery requirements, express couriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS — accessed through ShippingToGo — often match or beat postal rates while delivering in 1-5 business days. Compare real-time rates at shippingtogo.com in under 2 minutes.
Many people ask: What's the cheapest way to ship a package internationally? The short answer is – your local postal service, and in some cases, ocean freight. But like in many areas, when you dig into the details, there's much more than meets the eye.
Postal services are typically the cheapest option for international shipping, especially for small or non-urgent items. However, they also come with disadvantages: long delivery times, limited customs handling, and minimal tracking. That's exactly where ShippingToGo comes in – a smart platform that helps you find the fastest and most cost-effective shipping services, with exclusive rates from top carriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
In this article, we'll break down all the affordable ways to ship internationally, compare postal, ocean, express, and private courier methods, and explain when it's worth paying a bit more. We'll also show you how to choose the right option based on destination, size, weight, and delivery timeframe. And finally, you'll discover how to compare real-time rates on our website in under 2 minutes – and find the best shipping deal available.
International Shipping Methods Compared
| Method | Best For | Typical Cost (2 kg parcel) | Transit Time | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local postal service | Small, non-urgent items | $10-$30 | 7-30 days | Limited |
| USPS Priority Mail International | U.S. outbound, medium weight | $35-$55 | 6-10 days | Basic milestones |
| FedEx International Priority | Fast, reliable delivery | $35-$80 | 1-3 business days | Real-time |
| DHL Express Worldwide | International express specialist | $40-$90 | 1-5 business days | Real-time |
| UPS Worldwide Express | B2B, high-volume | $45-$100 | 1-5 business days | Real-time |
| Ocean freight (LCL) | Large shipments, relocation | $150-$500+ | 15-45 days | Port milestones |
Costs are indicative. Use ShippingToGo's calculator for exact rates based on your specific origin, destination, and package dimensions.
The Cheapest Ways to Ship Internationally Today
Usually using regular Post/Mail services of the country you are shipping from is the cheapest method to transfer parcels and goods when it comes to international shipping.
The postal service is by far the cheapest way alongside overseas shipping if you take into consideration all the small details and shipping costs per the parcel parameters.
Shipping with the local post office has a lot of benefits, but besides the pros, there are also a lot of cons and we will try to cover them all in this article.
What You Should Know About Cheap Shipping Costs
There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. The cheapest way to ship internationally will depend on:
- The size and weight of the package — heavier and bulkier packages benefit more from express courier volume rates
- The type of product being shipped — fragile or restricted items may require more expensive handling
- The destination country — remote or less-served destinations cost more regardless of carrier choice
- Delivery urgency — economy services are the cheapest but can take 3-4 weeks
Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) become cost-competitive with postal services for packages weighing over 2 kg — especially on international routes — because their per-kg rates improve significantly at heavier weights while postal rates increase steeply.
Multiple Cheap International Shipping Methods Today
Shipping internationally is an expensive affair. However, there are ways to save on international shipping costs.
Some of the cheapest ways to ship internationally are:
- Shipping with a freight forwarder (consolidates your cargo with others for lower per-unit cost)
- Shipping through a consolidator (similar to freight forwarder — ideal for LCL ocean freight)
- Using LTL carriers for large shipments (less-than-truckload — competitive for heavy cargo over 68 kg)
- Using air freight for time-sensitive goods (when urgency justifies the premium)
Why It's Sometimes Better to Pay More and Use Express Shipping
Express shipping is a type of shipping that is faster than regular shipping. It usually takes 3-7 days to deliver the package. When you choose one of the express shipping couriers for international shipping purposes, yes, you pay more than a low-price post shipping — but if you use the ShippingToGo calculator you may pay slightly less than you think.
It's much better to use one of the express shipping methods even if it costs more because of multiple reasons:
- It's faster and safer.
- Fewer customs problems and delays.
- Better customer service and claims resolution.
- Cheaper prices per kg for Companies shipping at volume.
- ShippingToGo special pre-negotiated prices.
Biggest Express Shipping Companies Today
The biggest express shipping companies today are FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
FedEx is one of the world's largest express shipping companies. It has a fleet of more than 550 aircraft and operates in more than 220 countries and territories.
UPS is the world's largest package delivery company. It delivers more than 15 million packages per day to 6.1 million customers in 220 countries and territories around the world.
DHL is a leading global provider of logistics services with a network spanning over 220 countries and territories worldwide, connecting people and businesses securely and reliably every day.
USPS International Shipping Rates
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for providing postal service in the United States. USPS shipping rates are based on weight and distance. The USPS offers discounted rates for customers who ship packages regularly.
| USPS Service | Estimated Delivery | Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail International – Small Flat Rate Box | 6-10 days | $36.45 |
| First-Class Package International | 7-15 days | $26.36 |
| Priority Mail International | 6-10 days | $51.44 |
| Priority Mail Express International | 3-5 days | $67.28 |
FedEx International Shipping Rates
In 2013, FedEx acquired TNT Express to expand its global reach. FedEx offers different rates for different types of packages, depending on the service and destination:
- Ground (domestic U.S., under 150 lbs): from $12 per package, 2-5 business days
- International ground: from $20 per package, 5-7 business days
- FedEx International Economy: 4-6 days — from $113.69
- FedEx International Priority: 1-3 days — from $118.72
DHL Shipping Rates
DHL shipping prices are calculated on the basis of the weight, size, and destination of your shipment. The price is calculated by multiplying the weight (kg) by the volume (m³). This is then multiplied by a rate per kg or per m³ which varies depending on whether your shipment is air freight or sea freight.
DHL covers 220+ countries worldwide, operating the world's largest international express network with consistent next-business-day delivery to major markets.
UPS Shipping Rates
Which Courier Is Cheapest for International Shipping?
Based on ShippingToGo's internal data from working with these companies over the years: for many international routes, FedEx offers the most competitive per-kg pricing, particularly for packages in the 1-10 kg range. However, for Asia-Pacific and Middle East destinations, DHL frequently leads. UPS tends to be most competitive for high-volume B2B shippers.
The definitive answer for your specific shipment is always: compare on ShippingToGo. The best carrier for the same weight can vary by $20-$50 depending on the specific origin-destination pair.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally with ShippingToGo
ShippingToGo is not a shipping company — it's a comparison platform that works with all the biggest shipping couriers in the world to find you the best prices. Most of the postal services in the world are less efficient than professional couriers and usually there are always problems in shipments with customs and delayed shipping times.
ShippingToGo is a complete game changer for cheap express shipping methods and dozens of large companies benefit from our services worldwide. Companies ship dozens of parcels and packages on a daily basis from Europe to the USA, from China to the USA, and from the USA to the rest of the world.
This website allows you to choose the lowest price for express shipping anywhere in the world, in more than 220 countries worldwide.
Steps to Get Cheap International Prices
Follow these simple steps to get multiple offers with special prices:
- Go to our home page at shippingtogo.com
- Select the origin and the delivering country
- Choose the number of parcels
- Enter the weight, length, width, and height
- Press the blue "Get Quotes" button
- Compare results from 250+ carriers and select the lowest price
After you follow these simple steps, choose the cheapest courier that our algorithm has found for you, fill out what is missing and complete the transaction. After doing all that, the messenger will come usually the next day to collect your package and you can track the parcel all the way 24/7.
If you have any problems or questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via phone, WhatsApp, email, or a direct chat on the website.
Why Ocean Shipping Appears Cheap But May Cost More
The main reason overseas/ocean shipping is considered to be the cheapest option is due to the long shipping times and shipping costs when you take into consideration all the details like weight, height, length, and width of the shipment. Generally, overseas shipping costs are higher due to large containers — people usually ship cars and big boxes with overseas shipping.
Shipping a product overseas can be quite expensive, especially if the product is heavy. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of shipping. For example, the size of the product and how much it weighs might have an effect on the price.
Final Summary
Postal and overseas international shipping is by far cheaper for very small or very large shipments respectively. However, express international shipping on a larger scale is a better overall solution for reliable delivery times, customs handling, and cost predictability — especially for businesses shipping on a regular basis.
Use ShippingToGo's free calculator to find your exact cheapest option. The result may surprise you.
For more cost-saving guidance, see how to reduce shipping costs, smart packing to save on shipping, and express shipping methods compared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship a package internationally?
For packages under 2 kg with no delivery deadline, your local postal service (USPS, Royal Mail, etc.) is typically cheapest. For packages over 2 kg, express couriers like FedEx, DHL, and UPS often match or beat postal rates — especially when accessed through ShippingToGo's discounted rates. Always compare before booking, as the cheapest option varies by weight, destination, and urgency.
Is USPS or FedEx cheaper for international shipping?
It depends on weight and destination. USPS is generally cheaper for lightweight packages (under 2 kg) to many countries. FedEx International Priority starts at $35.85 and delivers in 1-3 days; USPS Priority Mail Express International starts at $45.95 for 3-5 days. For heavier packages or time-sensitive shipments, FedEx, DHL, and UPS are usually more competitive.
How long does international shipping take?
Express international shipping via DHL, FedEx, or UPS takes 1-5 business days. USPS international services take 6-15 days depending on the service. Standard courier options take 5-14 days. Economy postal services take 14-30 days. Ocean freight takes 15-45 days. Customs clearance adds 1-5 business days to any international shipment.
Does FedEx or DHL cover more countries for international shipping?
Both FedEx and DHL cover 220+ countries and territories worldwide. DHL operates what it describes as the world's largest international express network, with particular strength in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. FedEx has strong coverage in the Americas and global express networks. Use ShippingToGo to confirm service availability and pricing for your specific destination.
How can I find the cheapest international shipping rate for my package?
Use ShippingToGo's free rate calculator: enter your origin, destination, package dimensions, and weight to get real-time rates from DHL, FedEx, UPS, and 250+ carriers simultaneously. The entire comparison takes under 2 minutes. Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, customers who compare before booking save an average of 18-25% versus booking directly with a single carrier.
Is ocean freight cheaper than air freight for international shipping?
Ocean freight is cheaper per cubic meter for large shipments (full container loads or large LCL shipments), but it takes 15-45 days and has higher minimum charges. Air freight and express couriers are more cost-effective for packages under 100 kg and when delivery timeframes matter. For small parcels, express couriers are almost always cheaper than booking ocean freight.
