The main international shipping methods are: express courier (1–5 days, $3–$8/kg), air freight (5–10 days, $2–$5/kg), and sea freight (20–40 days, $0.50–$1.50/kg). Choose based on shipment size, urgency, and budget. Based on ShippingToGo's shipping data, comparing at least two carriers before booking saves 18–25% on average.
There are several international shipping methods to choose from and each has its benefits. Here is an in-depth look at the different shipping methods, what they involve, and how they work. Find out which way is best for you!
International shipping can be a hassle, but it doesn't have to be! With access to various service methods, you can find the best one for your needs. Here is an in-depth look at the different shipping methods, what they entail, and how they work. Find out which one will work best for you!
International Shipping Methods Overview
If you need to transport a package overseas, you have a few alternatives. Boats, planes, trains, cars, and trucks are all utilized to transport products between countries. Different delivery methods are better suited to different scenarios. When people talk about international shipping, they usually refer to transporting by air with an airplane or by sea with a ship. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses.
Shipping Method Comparison Table
| Method | Transit Time | Cost Level | Best For | Minimum Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | 1–5 business days | Highest | Urgent, small–medium parcels | Any size |
| Air Freight | 5–10 business days | High | Medium shipments, time-sensitive | Any size |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 20–40 days | Low | Large, non-urgent shipments | ~100 kg / 0.5 CBM |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 20–40 days | Lowest per kg | Full container loads | ~1,000 kg |
| Road Freight | 3–7 days (regional) | Medium | Europe, Middle East, nearby regions | Any size |
| Rail Freight | 14–21 days | Medium-low | Europe–Asia corridors | ~500 kg |
Sea transport: Sea transport usually takes longer, with cargo ships making stops at multiple ports. Your dock may not be the first on the list, adding several days. Sea shipments can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on origin, destination, and transshipment ports.
Air Freight: Air transport is much faster than sea transport — sometimes 30 times more rapid. You can have an international air freight shipment arrive in as little as a day or two for express services. For small packages, express courier services through DHL, FedEx, or UPS are the most common choice.
Which Shipping Method Should You Use?
There are a few things you should consider when choosing the best method to ship your goods:
Size of the products: The size of the items heavily influences the price of all forms of international shipment. Courier services and air freight become substantially more expensive for loads larger than a specific size. On the other hand, it is not worthwhile to pay for sea freight for packages that fall below approximately 100 kg and 0.5 cubic meters.
Price: Many customers want to find the cheapest way to transport products internationally. Being flexible with delivery schedules can save a significant amount of money. For a moderately large consignment, air freight or courier can cost four times as much as ocean freight.
How fast you need your goods: Transit times vary significantly between international shipping methods. Sea freight from China might take 6–7 weeks, but courier services can be as quick as three days.
How Parcel Deliveries Work
The Process
When it comes to the customer, parcel deliveries are supposed to be efficient. You enter your delivery details, compare the quotes, and pick the right option for you. However, when you look behind the scenes, there are many steps needed to ensure your parcel is collected and delivered to the selected destination quickly and safely.
- Your courier will collect the parcel from a drop-off location or a particular address.
- The parcel, along with hundreds of others, will be taken to the nearest depot.
- Your parcel will then be sorted with other parcels going to similar areas, and sent to another depot closer to the delivery location.
- The parcel will get assigned to a specific driver based on their coverage area.
- The driver will then take your parcel and deliver it to your recipient on their delivery route.
Tracking Your Parcel Deliveries
Tracking your ShippingToGo delivery is very easy. Just enter the tracking reference number into our postal tracking tool in your confirmation email, and then click "Track this package." You can track the package at various points during the entire travel process to know the location at any time, so that you and the recipient can be at ease.
After the package is collected, once it is scanned, package tracking will start. The driver with a handheld terminal will scan the package immediately. Other packages can only be displayed as collected after being scanned at the express warehouse.
Is It Possible to Track Standard Parcel Deliveries?
Yes, all our standard deliveries can be tracked for free. Enter your tracking reference number in ShippingToGo's tracking tool and click "Track this package." Your package can be tracked immediately after being collected and scanned by one of the drivers, or after being scanned at the courier station. The package can be tracked at various points in its journey until it reaches its final destination.
For international shipments with multiple carriers, ShippingToGo's unified tracking tool consolidates all updates in one place. Read our complete guide on how to track an international package for detailed status explanations.
Picking the Right Parcel Delivery Service
Knowing which package delivery service to use is not always easy. The service you choose will be the one that best suits your needs. There are several things to consider when choosing the right service:
The first consideration is whether you need pickup or drop-off service. If you are mostly in one place during the day, a collection service will be simple and convenient. If your schedule is hectic, drop-off service at one of thousands of locations nationwide is the better choice.
The next consideration is delivery speed. If the shipment is urgent, you may want same-day or next-day booking. If there is no urgency and you want a more affordable option, consider delivery in two to three days.
The Best Parcel Delivery Company
Just like choosing the right service, choosing the right courier company depends on your specific needs. You will need to consider the time frame, budget, whether you need a collection or delivery service, and the location of the package.
To make things easier, ShippingToGo provides a courier comparison service that allows you to compare the most comprehensive range of courier companies. We only work with the best courier companies, including DHL, FedEx, and UPS, so you can rest assured that you will get reliable service no matter which carrier you choose.
Related guides: Fastest International Shipping Services · Importing Goods from China · International Express Shipping Tracking
Conclusion
Small goods that need to get to their destination quickly can be sent through express courier or air freight. Sea shipping is the way to go if you need to transport larger, heavier items at lower cost and can accommodate longer transit times. The most important distinction between air and sea shipping is time — and that time difference typically comes with a significant price difference.
The right shipping method is determined by your specific requirements, the size of your cargo, your budget, and your timeline. Compare all available options on ShippingToGo to find the most cost-effective solution for your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Shipping Methods
What are the main international shipping methods?
The main methods are: express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS, 1–5 days, highest cost), air freight (5–10 days, medium cost), sea freight LCL or FCL (20–40 days, lowest cost for large volumes), road freight (3–7 days for regional routes), and rail freight (14–21 days for Europe–Asia corridors). The best method depends on size, urgency, and budget.
When should I use air freight vs sea freight?
Use air freight for shipments under 500 kg, time-sensitive goods, high-value items, or when transit time is critical. Use sea freight for shipments over 500 kg or full container loads where transit time is flexible. Air freight typically costs 4–6 times more per kg than sea freight for comparable shipments.
How does international parcel tracking work?
International parcel tracking assigns a unique tracking number to each shipment. Barcode scanners at each handling point record the package location and update an online database in real time. View status on the carrier's website or via ShippingToGo's unified tracking tool, which consolidates tracking across DHL, FedEx, and UPS in one place.
What is the cheapest international shipping method?
Sea freight is the cheapest for large shipments, typically costing $0.50–$1.50 per kg versus $3–$8 per kg for express courier. For small parcels, economy air services from postal carriers are cheaper than express couriers. Comparing rates on ShippingToGo identifies the cheapest option for your specific origin, destination, and parcel specifications.
How do I choose the best international shipping service?
Consider four factors: shipment size (courier for under 100 kg, sea for larger loads), delivery speed (express 1–5 days, economy 5–10 days, sea 20–40 days), budget (sea is cheapest, express is most expensive), and destination accessibility. Use ShippingToGo to compare all options with real-time rates and transit estimates.
Can I track a standard international parcel?
Yes. All standard international deliveries booked through ShippingToGo include free tracking. Enter your tracking reference number in ShippingToGo's tracking tool to see real-time status updates from pickup through final delivery. Tracking starts as soon as the package is scanned by the first driver or at the courier station.
