International Shipping Quote: How to Get the Best Rates (2024)

International Shipping Quote: How to Get the Best RatesShipping goods across borders is key for businesses to stay profitable. With more online shopping and global trade, finding good shipping rates is a must. This helps companies keep their prices low.

Platforms like Freightos.com have changed how we get shipping quotes. They offer rates from over 75 top logistics providers instantly. This lets businesses quickly find the best shipping options for their needs, whether it’s by air, sea, or land.

But, figuring out shipping costs can be tough. Many things affect the final price, like the item’s weight, size, where it’s going, and customs fees. Knowing these can help you save money and get the best rates.

This article will cover how to get the best shipping quotes. We’ll talk about understanding rates, comparing services, calculating costs, and saving money. By the end, you’ll know how to get the best rates for shipping your goods internationally.

Understanding International Shipping Rates

When you ship items across borders, knowing what affects the cost is key. This knowledge lets you pick the best options for your needs. Whether you’re using a shipping calculator or comparing rates, understanding these factors is crucial.

Factors Affecting International Shipping Costs

Several important factors affect shipping costs. These include:

• Package Weight and Dimensions: The size and weight of your package affect the cost. Bigger and heavier items cost more because they take up more space.
• Delivery Destination and Distance: Where your package goes matters a lot. Shipping to another country usually costs more than sending it within your own country. The cost changes based on the destination.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: You might face customs duties and taxes when shipping internationally. These fees depend on the value of what you’re sending. They add to the total cost and should be considered when planning your shipment.
• Fuel Costs: Fuel prices change and affect shipping costs. Carriers often pass these costs on to customers. The BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) is a charge for fuel that varies by route and volume.
• Trade Tariffs and Security Measures: Trade tariffs on goods from certain countries can increase costs. Some ports have strict security that can cause delays and extra charges.

Types of International Shipping Services

There are different shipping services for sending items across borders. Each has its own benefits and costs. The main types are:

• Economy Shipping: This is the cheapest option but takes the longest. It’s best for when you’re not in a hurry and saving money is key.
• Express Shipping: For fast delivery, choose express shipping. It’s quick and reliable but costs more than economy shipping.
• Freight Shipping: For big items that courier services can’t handle, freight shipping is the answer. It can be by air, sea, or a mix, depending on what you need and your budget.

Knowing what affects shipping rates and the different services available helps you make smart choices. Using tools like shipping calculators and comparing quotes can lead you to the best deal for your needs.

Comparing Courier Services for International Shipping

Getting the best worldwide parcel quotes and understanding transnational freight pricing is key. Each courier has its own benefits, prices, and delivery speed. It’s important to look at your options closely.

Major Couriers: FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS

The big names in international shipping are FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS. They offer a variety of services for different shipping needs and budgets:

• USPS Priority Mail International: Around $70 with delivery in 6-10 business days
• USPS Priority Mail Express International: Approximately $90 with expedited delivery
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: $70 with a 5-day delivery time
• UPS Worldwide Saver: Around $80 with delivery in 3 days
• DHL Worldwide: Approximately $60 for delivery within a week
• FedEx International Economy: Roughly $90 with a 5-day delivery time
• FedEx International Priority: Around $100 for urgent delivery

Regional and Local Couriers

Regional and local couriers also offer good rates and services for certain places. For example, DB Schenker has over 2,000 locations worldwide. They provide parcel services in Europe, LTL shipping, and global shipping by ocean and air.

R+L Carriers has a fleet of about 13,000 tractor-trailers. They handle high-value, temperature-controlled, and LTL shipments between the US and Mexico.

Specialty Couriers for Specific Items

Specialty couriers are great for shipping items that need extra care. UPS ships live animals, hazardous goods, and oversized parcels. They offer overnight and two-day delivery in over 220 countries and territories.

YRC Freight is good for LTL shipping, temperature-controlled shipments, and expedited air freight. They don’t have size or weight limits for critical deliveries.

By comparing rates, delivery times, and services from major, regional, and specialty couriers, businesses can find the best worldwide parcel quotes. This helps them manage their transnational freight pricing well.

Calculating International Shipping Costs

Getting the right price for international shipping is key for both businesses and individuals. To get the best rates and avoid surprises, knowing what affects shipping costs is vital. Use an international shipping calculator and give all the details to get a clear cost estimate.

Package Weight and Dimensions

The size and weight of your package greatly affect shipping costs. Couriers use “volumetric weight” to figure out how much space your package takes up. This is the length, width, and height multiplied by a factor, usually between 4000 and 6000. Make sure to measure and weigh your package right to avoid extra costs.

Delivery Destination and Distance

The cost also depends on where you’re sending your package. Shipping to a nearby country is cheaper than sending it far away. For instance, sending from the U.S. to Canada or Mexico is less expensive than to Australia or Japan. An international shipping calculator can show you the price differences for various destinations.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Don’t forget about customs duties and taxes when shipping internationally. These fees change based on the destination and the value of what you’re sending. Some countries charge more in duties, and certain items might face extra taxes or rules. Always check the customs rules of the destination and include these costs in your shipping budget.

Knowing these factors and using tools like international shipping calculators helps you figure out shipping costs accurately. Compare rates from different couriers and look into options like ParcelPath for discounted shipping with UPS and USPS. This way, you can make smart choices for your international shipping needs.

Strategies for Obtaining the Best International Shipping Quote

With cross-border purchases set to make up 20% of all ecommerce by 2022, getting affordable global shipping rates is crucial. By using smart strategies, you can cut your international shipping costs and increase your profits.

Comparing quotes from different couriers is a key way to find discounted rates. Take time to look at the rates, delivery times, tracking, and insurance options from various providers. Sites like ParcelPath offer free shipping services for small businesses and homes, giving you access to big discounts with trusted carriers like UPS and USPS.

When picking a shipping service, think about the balance between cost and speed. If you want to save money, choose economy services that might take a bit longer. But if you need fast delivery, express services from DHL and UPS can get your packages to most places in 1-6 working days.

To get the best shipping quote, try negotiating rates with couriers. This is especially true if you ship a lot or are willing to sign a long-term deal. Many carriers offer discounts or special prices for regular customers, so don’t be shy to talk about your shipping needs.

Businesses that ship internationally grow 60% faster than those that don’t. By using these tips and always looking for discounted rates, you can grow your customer base, increase sales, and succeed in the global market.

Negotiating Rates with Couriers

For businesses that ship packages often, negotiating with couriers can save a lot of money. By shipping a lot and building strong relationships with carriers, companies can get better rates and discounts.

It’s key to know what affects shipping costs, like shipping zones and extra fees. With this info, businesses can talk to carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS and get good deals.

Volume Discounts

Showing you ship a lot can help you get discounts. Couriers like to give deals to businesses that ship a lot because it helps them save money. To get these discounts, be ready to share your shipping history and talk about your future plans with your account manager.

For instance, ParcelPath gives discounts of 5% on USPS Priority Mail International, 6% on USPS Priority Mail Express, and 7% on USPS Flat Rate International. They also have special rates for over 250 courier services, including FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

Long-Term Contracts

Long-term contracts can also get you better rates. By promising to use a carrier for a long time, you show you’re a valuable customer. When negotiating, think about things like minimum spend, extra fees, and how to end the contract to make sure it works for your business.

Contracts with UPS and FedEx can be very detailed, sometimes over 100 pages. Working with experts like P3 Cost Analysts can help you save 15 to 20 percent on shipping costs.

By always negotiating and looking at different carriers, businesses can avoid paying too much for shipping. Using discounts and services from each carrier can save a lot on shipping costs.

Using Shipping Calculators and Comparison Tools

Getting an accurate international shipping estimate is easier with online tools like shipping calculators and comparison platforms. These tools let you enter your shipment details and get a list of global shipping rates from different carriers. This helps you choose the best option based on cost, delivery time, and other factors.

Online Shipping Calculators

Tools like the USPS Shipping Calculator and the USPS Business Price Calculator give you detailed pricing for various shipments. ParcelPath also has a tool that accurately calculates postage for all shipments, making it easy to avoid mistakes. These calculators consider package weight, size, destination, and service level to give you precise shipping estimates.

When using these calculators, make sure to enter your information correctly for the best results. Remember, packages that are light or go to nearby areas might not get carrier discounts. So, use at least a month’s worth of data to get a true picture of shipping costs when comparing rates.

Shipping Aggregators and Marketplaces

Shipping aggregators and marketplaces like ParcelPath make comparing global shipping rates easy by combining services from many carriers in one place. These tools often offer lower rates and let you pick shipping options based on box size and how fast you need it delivered.

For instance, ParcelPath is a free platform for small businesses and homes that gives discounted rates with UPS and USPS. By using the discounts these aggregators negotiate, you could save a lot on your international shipping.

When looking at shipping aggregators and marketplaces, keep these points in mind:

• For small parcels under four pounds, USPS usually has the lowest shipping rate.
• 60% of shipments to Zones 1-3 and under five pounds can help you see if different carriers are cost-effective.
• Tools like InfoShip®/Vx can help you compare carrier rates with USPS rates.

Using shipping calculators and comparison tools makes getting an international shipping estimate easy. It helps you pick the most cost-effective and efficient shipping option for your needs.

Cost-Saving Tips for International Shipping

Shipping items across borders can be pricey for businesses. Yet, there are ways to cut costs and make shipping more affordable. By making your packaging smarter, combining shipments, and picking the right service, you can save money without lowering service quality.

Optimizing Packaging

Optimizing your packaging is a top way to lower shipping costs. Use the smallest box or envelope that safely holds your items. This reduces the package’s size, which affects shipping costs. Carriers started using package size about five years ago, so it’s key to think about packaging size when shipping abroad.

Using the right materials like corrugated boxes and poly mailers can also save you money. These materials are affordable and protect your items well. A postage scale helps you measure your packages right, preventing overpaying for shipping.

Consolidating Shipments

Combining several shipments into one can save you money. If items are going to the same place, put them in one package. This cuts down on the number of packages shipped, saving you money. It also lets you use discounts from carriers like UPS and DHL.

To combine shipments well, know your order and shipping patterns. Look for chances to merge orders and improve your shipping. Tools like ParcelPath can help you manage your shipping better, offering discounts of up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail® and 83% on UPS® International services.

Choosing the Right Service Level

Picking the right shipping service is crucial for saving money. Express services like UPS Worldwide Express and DHL Express are fast and reliable but pricey. If you’re watching your budget, go for economy services unless you really need express.

Flat rate boxes, like the USPS Priority Mail International – Medium Flat Rate Box, are a smart choice. They have set prices based on where you’re sending and can be cheaper for packages between 8-20 pounds. Using flat rate shipping and the right service can greatly reduce your shipping costs without lowering service quality.

Case Studies: Successful International Shipping Strategies

Many businesses have found success with cost-effective international shipping strategies. Thomas Scientific, for instance, saw a 300% increase in orders in just 4 months during the pandemic. This was due to the high demand for PPE and COVID-19 testing supplies.

By working with C.H. Robinson, Thomas Scientific developed new strategies and secured shipping space early. This kept their average transit time at 8–10 days, even in a tight market. Thanks to this partnership, they doubled their annual revenue without eating into profits.

A fashion e-commerce store also found success with ParcelPoland.com. They cut down on shipping times and costs, making their order fulfillment more efficient. This led to higher customer retention, positive reviews, and a rise in international sales.

Another company, a medical supplies manufacturer, saw faster delivery times and lower costs. They improved their supply chain efficiency and reached more customers worldwide by streamlining their shipping with ParcelPoland.com.

Using best practices for global shipping can lead to long-term savings and happier customers. For example, My Wife Quit Her Job uses USPS Priority Mail International – Medium Flat Rate Box for items weighing 8-20 pounds. This is the most cost-effective option for this weight range.

By analyzing their shipping needs and comparing options, businesses can find the best and most affordable methods. Offering free shipping for certain orders or providing shipping insurance can also improve the customer experience. This can lead to more revenue and success in international shipping.