Key Points:

  • The global eCommerce market is expected to total $5.55 trillion by 2022
  • Finding the best rates for your eCommerce business is another essential factor before choosing a courier for your business
  • A shipping platform like Easyship can give you instant access to high-volume discounts for fast shipping services

According to Shopify, the global eCommerce market is expected to total $5.55 trillion by 2022. In 2022, the US eCom is forecasted to total over $875 billion. Plus, countries like the Indian eCommerce market are expected to grow to $111.4 billion by 2025, and the Latin American market is expected to grow to $85 billion.

It's essential to understand how to ship to these countries and reach your global clients, especially considering the immense eCommerce growth in varying countries. We'll go over the fast shipping options for shipping internationally so that you can decide what fits your needs best as an eCommerce merchant.

Table of Contents

What to Know Before Choosing a Courier

There are a lot of things to consider before you start shipping internationally. Unlike domestic shipping, international shipping requires several steps and considerations before sending packages overseas.

Fast Shipping for International Parcels

For instance, it's essential to keep in mind the following before you start shipping internationally:

  • Duty and taxes vary depending on the country
  • Customs paperwork and shipping labels are important
  • Free same day or free standard shipping may not work for your business
  • USPS, UPS, and DHL offer free shipping boxes and supplies

Finding the best rates for your eCommerce business is another essential factor before choosing a courier for your business. There's no one standard cost when shipping internationally. For example, you'll have to pay attention to factors such as the following:

  • Courier service
  • Delivery speed
  • Weight of package
  • Shipping distance (depending on zip codes)
  • Package dimensions
  • Duty and taxes

We'll go over the fastest international shipping couriers from the top courier companies in the following sections so that eCommerce merchants can choose what works best for their eCommerce business.

Related blog: The 8 Hidden Truths of International Shipping

USPS International Shipping

USPS is one of the most affordable shipping carriers and can ship to 190 countries. In addition, international shipping with USPS comes with package tracking and $100 of insurance.

How fast is ground shipping?

Below are some popular international shipping options with USPS:

USPS customers can ship packages with a combined length and girth of 108 inches and a maximum weight of 70 pounds. Contact USPS customer service if you have any questions about your parcel's package weight and dimensions.

How much does USPS international shipping cost?

USPS offers some of the most affordable and economical shipping solutions available for international shipments.

Below are the rates for shipping a 5-pound package (12 x 9 x 3) from New York to locations worldwide so that you can compare the fastest and most popular shipping rates.

Shipping from NY to the UK

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
Global Express Guaranteed 1-3 business days $138.15
Priority Mail Express International 3-5 business days $93.25
Priority Mail International 6-10 business days $80.65
Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate 6-10 business days $86.90

Shipping from NY to China

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
Global Express Guaranteed 1-3 business days $156.55
Priority Mail Express International 3-5 business days $96.30
Priority Mail International 6-10 business days $77.25
Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate 6-10 business days $84.55

Shipping from NY to India

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
Global Express Guaranteed 1-3 business days $156.55
Priority Mail Express International 3-5 business days $97.15
Priority Mail International 6-10 business days $76.75
Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate 6-10 business days $84.55

Shipping from NY to Italy

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
Global Express Guaranteed 1-3 business days $138.15
Priority Mail Express International 3-5 business days $88.15
Priority Mail International 6-10 business days $69.75
Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate 6-10 business days $83.75

Shipping from NY to Brazil

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
Global Express Guaranteed 1-3 business days $207.75
Priority Mail Express International 3-5 business days $98.90
Priority Mail International 6-10 business days $72.55
Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate 6-10 business days $82.85

Overall, USPS is a great option to consider depending on your needs as an eCommerce business. To learn more about USPS courier services, check out this resource.

UPS International Shipping

UPS is known for its express shipping, including overnight shipping and same-day shipping services for international shipments. UPS also ships to 220+ countries and territories and is excellent for larger packages than USPS.

Faster Shipping with UPS

Here are some of the most popular UPS shipping services for international shipments:

UPS allows merchants to ship packages up to 150 pounds, with a maximum length of 108 inches or a maximum combined length and girth of 165 inches. We'll calculate the rates for shipping the same 5-pound package from New York to varying locations worldwide so you can compare rates to other popular couriers.

How much does UPS international shipping cost?

UPS offers some of the fastest and most reliable delivery services for international shipments.

Below are the rates for shipping a 5-pound package (12 x 9 x 3) from New York to locations around the world so that you can compare the fastest and most popular shipping rates.

Shipping from NY to the UK

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
Worldwide Express Plus 1-2 business days $302.79
UPS Saver 2 business days $251.45
Worldwide Express 2 business days $254.59
Worldwide Expedited 3-4 business days $230.05

Shipping from NY to China

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
UPS Saver 1-2 business days $249.49
Worldwide Expedited 2 business days $228.25

Shipping from NY to India

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
UPS Saver 2-3 business days $259.78
Worldwide Express 2-3 business days $263.09
Worldwide Expedited 4-5 business days $237.03

Shipping from NY to Italy

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
UPS Saver 1-2 business days $251.45
Worldwide Expedited 3-4 business days $230.05

Shipping from NY to Brazil

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
UPS Saver 1-2 business days $343.63
Worldwide Expedited 4-5 business days $313.12

Overall, UPS retail rates may be more expensive. Still, UPS is the clear-cut winner for faster delivery lead times for international shipments. To learn more about UPS courier services, check out this valuable resource.

DHL International Shipping

DHL is another popular international shipping courier that can ship to 220+ countries and territories. DHL is a great courier company to consider, especially for its fast and expedited shipping.

Here are some popular courier services offered by this international courier:

  • DHL Express Worldwide
  • DHL Express 12:00
  • DHL Express 9:00
  • DHL Packet International
  • DHL Packet International Standard
  • DHL Parcel International Direct

DHL has varying package size dimension restrictions depending on the courier service. For instance, DHL Packet International has a maximum combined weight of 4.4 pounds and a maximum combined length and girth of 35.4 inches.

On the other hand, DHL Parcel International Standard has a maximum weight of 44 pounds and a maximum length and girth of 118 inches. DHL Parcel International Direct also has a maximum weight of 44 pounds but a maximum length and girth of 79 inches.

How much does DHL international shipping cost?

DHL is also known for its fast shipping within Europe and other international countries to 220+ countries.

How fast is priority shipping for DHL?

We'll calculate the rates for shipping a 5-pound package (12 x 9 x 3) from varying locations across the globe so that you can determine the fastest international carrier that works for your eCommerce business.

Shipping from NY to the UK

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
DHL Express 9:00 2-3 business days $190.52
DHL Express 12:00 2-3 business days $172.64
DHL Express Worldwide 2 business days $166.69

Shipping from NY to China

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
DHL Express Worldwide 10-12 business days $157.33

Shipping from NY to India

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
DHL Express Worldwide 4-5 business days $172.00

Shipping from NY to Italy

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
DHL Express Worldwide 3-4 business days $166.69
DHL Express 12:00 3-4 business days $172.64

Shipping from NY to Brazil

Courier Service Lead Time Retail Cost
DHL Express Worldwide 3-4 business days $232.03

As we can see, DHL doesn't offer as many courier options for shipping to different locations across the globe. However, DHL offers other valuable services like package tracking and included insurance. To learn more, check out this resource on DHL services.

Related post: 10 Most Popular International Shipping Services

Cheapest & Fastest Delivery Options

A shipping platform like Easyship can give you instant access to high-volume discounts for fast shipping services. Below are the cheapest and quickest shipping rates to the countries mentioned above:

Courier Service Destination Lead Time Discount Cost
DHL eCommerce Parcel Standard NY to the UK 1 business day $48.76
DHL eCommerce Parcel Standard NY to China 1 business day $60.45
UPS Worldwide Expedited NY to India 2 business days $107.64
UPS Worldwide Expedited NY to Italy 6-10 business days $48.67
DHL eCommerce Parcel Standard NY to Brazil 1 business day $75.82

Overall, Easyship offers the fastest and best available shipping rates for shipping internationally. Retail shipping costs can easily cost you hundreds of dollars. However, Easyship offers discounts on retail rates, so you only pay a fraction of the cost.

Receive Fast Shipping with Easyship

By now, you should be able to compare the best and fastest shipping rates for your eCommerce business. Consider factors such as the weight of your package, shipping distance, package dimensions, duty and taxes, and delivery speed before choosing a courier.

Plus, a shipping platform like Easyship grants you access to a suite full of shipping tools to make your international shipping experience easier. For example, with a free Easyship account, you can use the following tools to help you ace your global shipping strategy:

  • Easyship Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from major couriers. Plus, get instant access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers for faster shipping
  • Global Fulfillment: Easyship has warehouse partners on four continents so that you can reach your customers all across the world. Plus, Easyship helps scale up fulfillment capabilities without increasing overhead costs
  • Duties & Tax Visibility: Easyship works out all duties and taxes for your international shipments so you can handle your international orders with ease. Calculate your duties for overseas shipments here

Choosing a suitable shipping courier doesn't have to be a hassle, so make sure you weigh all the factors above before sending your parcels overseas.

Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and get instant access to high-volume discounts for your global orders

Fastest International Shipping FAQ

1. How fast is ground shipping?

Ground shipping is the slowest possible shipping method for international shipping. Delivery times also vary depending on where you're shipping, though you can sometimes wait up to 10+ business days for delivery.

2. How fast is expedited shipping?

Expedited shipping is among the fastest way to ship internationally. Depending on your destination, you can expect your parcel to be delivered anywhere from 1-4 business days.

3. How fast is priority shipping?

Priority shipping is one the fastest shipping methods for overseas shipping. Delivery times vary.


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