Cheapest Shipping from USA to Italy

Key points:

• The Italian eCommerce market is booming and offers a great opportunity for US businesses to expand internationally
• This guide provides insights on best practices for cost-effective shipping from the US to Italy, including recommended couriers and factors to consider when choosing a service
• The cheapest and best value shipping service to Italy from the USA is FedEx® International Connect Plus
• Optimizing your shipping process with automation tools and understanding customs regulations are key to success
• Easyship can help you find the best value shipping options from the US to Italy, compare exclusive rates from over 250 leading global couriers

The Italian eCommerce market is booming! With 2024 revenue expected to reach over $82 Billion, strong annual growth of over 10% is also forecast, resulting in a projected market value of over $133 Billion by 2029! This is a huge opportunity for ambitious eCommerce stores looking to expand internationally!

Cheap shipping from the United States to Italy has become critical for eCommerce businesses targeting the growing Korean market. Understanding the best practices, carrier options, and regulatory requirements can significantly impact your business's efficiency and profitability.

This guide will provide comprehensive insights into navigating the complexities of international shipping from the US to Italy, ensuring your products reach their destination promptly and cost-effectively.

Cheapest Shipping from USA to Italy

If you are shipping to Italy from the USA, you might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from New York to the Italian capital, Rome.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

• Weight of package: 2lb
• Box Dimensions: 12in x 11in x 1.5in
• Contents for customs forms: shipment of books
• Origin: New York, USA
• Destination: Rome, IT

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each service shipping to Italy from the USA, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers. While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

Cheapest & Best Value:

1. FedEx® International Connect Plus

• Delivery Time: 2 - 5 working days
• Tracking: Excellent
• Cost: $20.73

This option offers a great balance between speed and cost, with excellent tracking capabilities. It provides a competitive delivery time at a significantly lower cost compared to other fast services.

2. Flat Export

• Delivery Time: 9 - 13 working days
• Tracking: Limited
• Cost: $20.88

While much slower, Flat Export has a cost similar to FedEx® International Connect Plus, but with limited tracking. This makes it a less favorable option in terms of value for money unless the delivery time frame is not a priority.

Feature Comparison:

Tracking: UPS and FedEx's faster options consistently offer "Excellent" tracking, crucial for critical or high-value shipments.

Cost vs. Delivery Speed: There is a noticeable increase in cost for significantly reduced delivery times with UPS and FedEx's fastest services compared to more economical options like FedEx® International Connect Plus, which still provides good tracking and reasonable speed.

Fastest Service:

1. UPS Worldwide Saver® and UPS Worldwide Express®

• Delivery Time: 2 working days
• Tracking: Excellent
• Cost: $40.76 and $45.87 respectively

These UPS services offer the fastest delivery times among the listed options. They both provide excellent tracking capabilities but at a higher cost.

2. FedEx International Priority®

• Delivery Time: 2 - 3 working days
• Tracking: Excellent
• Cost: $132.31

FedEx International Priority® is slightly slower than the UPS options by possibly 1 day and significantly more expensive.

For the fastest delivery, UPS Worldwide Saver® and UPS Worldwide Express® are the best choices if budget is not a concern, offering the quickest service with excellent tracking.

Courier Comparison Summary

For the best value, considering both cost and features, FedEx® International Connect Plus is outstanding. It offers a good balance between cost and delivery speed, along with excellent tracking capabilities, making it ideal for those who need a reliable service without a premium price.

When choosing a service, it's essential to weigh the importance of delivery speed, cost, and tracking based on the specific needs of the shipment.

Customs Duties

An essential aspect of sending packages internationally is managing customs duties and taxes. These are determined by the declared value of the package contents and can significantly affect the overall cost of shipping. Tools like Easyship can help automate the estimation of costs, ensuring that you and your customers are not caught by surprise.

Courier Services

When selecting a courier, consider not just the price but also the service level. FedEx Priority and UPS Worldwide Expedited are popular for their faster delivery times and reliable tracking capabilities. Discounts may apply for bulk shipments, which can be negotiated based on your monthly volume.

Shipping Packages

Properly preparing your online shopping packages for shipment is crucial. This includes selecting the right packaging to prevent damage and ensuring that all customs documentation and labels are accurately filled out. Automation tools can streamline this process, significantly reducing the time spent on manual tasks.

Shipping Costs

To manage shipping costs effectively, compare prices regularly and negotiate with couriers. Look for discounted rates for air shipments and consider consolidating multiple packages into one shipment to reduce costs. Additionally, consider the total cost impact, including customs duties and potential returns.

Optimizing the Shipping Process

To streamline your operations and reduce the time spent on shipping-related tasks, integrating your tech stack with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon is vital. Automation can handle repetitive tasks such as label printing and customs declaration, freeing up your time for more strategic activities.

Tracking Packages

Providing customers with the ability to track their packages is no longer an option but a necessity. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces inquiries about order status. Ensure that your chosen courier provides comprehensive tracking options.

Customs and Prohibited Items

Navigating the complexities of customs and understanding prohibited items are critical for ensuring that your shipments to Italy are successful and free of unnecessary delays. When shipping internationally, each country has its own set of rules about what can and cannot be imported.

Customs Declaration and Taxes

For every package sent to Italy, a customs declaration must be completed. This document provides the Italian customs authorities with information about the contents of your package, its purpose, and its value. The declared value of your items affects the customs duties and taxes applied upon arrival. 

Misdeclaring items can lead to penalties, failing customs clearance or even confiscation of the shipment, so accuracy is crucial!

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Italy, like many countries, has specific restrictions on what can be imported. Prohibited items typically include:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Restrictions apply to importing alcohol, and it usually requires a special license or permits.
• Leather Goods: While not prohibited, there are strict regulations regarding the importation of goods made from protected animal species.
• Food Products: Certain food items, especially perishables, are subject to stringent regulations and may require health certificates.
• Pharmaceuticals: Special permissions are needed to import medicines, and these must comply with both U.S. export laws and Italian import regulations.
• Counterfeit Goods: Items that violate intellectual property rights are strictly prohibited.

Handling Duties and Taxes

The amount of duties and taxes can vary greatly depending on the product type and its value. Being familiar with these rates is vital as it impacts the total cost to your customers and can influence their purchase decisions. Providing customers with an estimate of these costs at checkout can help prevent surprises and increase customer satisfaction.

In summary, understanding and complying with shipping regulations, plus keeping abreast of prohibited and restricted items, are essential for smooth and efficient shipping from the USA to Italy.

Leveraging tools like Easyship that automate these processes can greatly reduce the burden, allowing you to focus more on growing your business and less on the complexities of international logistics.

Summary

Efficiently managing international shipments from the US to Italy is crucial for maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction in your eCommerce business. 

By choosing the right courier services, understanding customs duties, and utilizing shipping automation tools, you can streamline your operations, reduce costs, and improve your overall work/life balance. Remember, every dollar saved on logistics is a dollar that can be invested back into your business to fuel further growth.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate huge discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

Some of our major discounts include the following:

• Save up to 65% on USPS First Class Package
• Save up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail
• Save up to 50% on UPS® Ground
• Save up to 76% on UPS Worldwide Saver®
• Save up to 91% on DHL eCommerce

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a package from USA to Italy?

The cost depends on weight, size, and speed; but expect to pay at least $20.73 (FedEx® International Connect Plus)

Do I have to pay customs for package from US to Italy?

You might depending on the value of the items; check Italian customs thresholds.

Does UPS ship to Italy from USA?

Yes, UPS is one of many carriers that ship to Italy.

How much does it cost to ship from US to Italy?

The cost depends on weight, size, and speed; but expect to pay at least $20.73 (FedEx® International Connect Plus).

What is the best company to ship from US to Italy?

FedEx® International Connect Plus is the cheapest and best value service available between New York, US and Rome, Italy.

What is the cheapest way to ship a box to Italy?

The cost depends on weight, size, and speed; but expect to pay at least $20.73 (FedEx® International Connect Plus) for a 2LB box.