Cheapest Shipping Company: Finding the Best Deal for International Packages

Ever tried to send a package overseas and felt like you needed a PhD to decode the quotes? You’re not alone. The cost of getting a box from your place to Tokyo or Berlin isn’t just about distance—it’s about box size, weight, speed, insurance, surcharges, and even where your package sleeps if it gets stuck in customs.

If you want the absolute cheapest way to ship something international, you’ve got to look beyond the sticker price. Companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and national postal services all have a reputation, but their cheapest options can vary by route, package type, and timing. Sometimes, local postal services—like USPS or Royal Mail—will win for small stuff, but if your box is heavy or you need tracking, a courier might surprise you by being cheaper overall.

Comparing rates up front is a must. Many people miss extra fees—fuel surcharges, remote area delivery costs, or customs handling. These add up fast. The geeky move? Use the shipping calculators on the companies’ websites, but always run the numbers on more than one. A few minutes can save you double-digit dollars, especially if you ship regularly.

• How Shipping Rates Really Work
• Top Contenders: Cheapest International Shippers
• Secrets to Lowering Shipping Costs
• When Cheap Isn’t Always Best

How Shipping Rates Really Work

Shipping rates look straightforward, but a dozen factors sneak into your quote. The main ones? Package weight, dimensions, delivery speed, the shipping route, and which country you’re sending to. Heavier and larger packages cost more, and express services will jack up your price just for that quick delivery window.

International options almost always mean juggling between couriers, postal services, and a mix of planes, trucks, or ships. Some countries charge higher fees to process parcels (customs handling), and remote delivery zones can pile on extra charges without much warning. Carriers like USPS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS all base their rates on these basic variables, but each has some unique rules. For example, since 2019, most companies calculate “dimensional weight”—a formula using size and not just the actual weight. So, that big box of cotton T-shirts might cost more to send than a small but heavy electronics package.

Don’t overlook fuel surcharges and extra service fees. Adding delivery confirmation, insurance, or signature on delivery can raise your bill a few bucks or more. Also, weak packaging that gets repacked by your carrier? They’ll probably charge you for it.

Here’s a simple breakdown comparing typical costs for a 2kg package to some common global destinations (as of mid-2025):

To sum it all up, the cheapest shipping company totally depends on your package details, the level of service you want, and where it’s going. Getting your best price always comes down to comparing multiple carriers with your exact package info.

Top Contenders: Cheapest International Shippers

Here’s where most people trip up: the cheapest shipping company isn’t always who you expect. Let’s look at the pros, cons, and standout details for the biggest and most budget-friendly players when it comes to sending stuff abroad.

• USPS (United States Postal Service): For small, light parcels (under 4 lbs), USPS First-Class International is tough to beat. Flat Rate Priority Mail boxes can be good for heavier items. Tracking is basic, but it delivers everywhere.
• DHL Express: Famous for speed, but they also have some competitive economy options. DHL eCommerce can be cheaper for lighter packages, especially to Europe and Asia, but tracking can vary.
• UPS and FedEx: Not usually the lowest upfront price, but both have “Worldwide Saver” and “International Economy” services that can compete if you’re shipping heavier or larger items. Sometimes, working through a third-party shipping broker will save you money with these couriers.
• National Post Services (Royal Mail, Canada Post, Australia Post, etc): Sending from inside their countries, these offer low-cost basic delivery. They don’t move as fast as private couriers, but the savings are obvious, especially if speed isn’t a concern.
• Courier Aggregators: Companies like Pirate Ship, Easyship, or Shippo let you access negotiated rates with multiple carriers—sometimes getting commercial discounts you can’t get on your own. This cuts prices for small businesses or even one-off shipments.

Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison using real numbers for a 2kg (4.4lb) package from New York to London economy shipping (as of June 2025):

If you’re shipping the same item to Asia, DHL and courier aggregators often edge out USPS and can deliver faster for the price. Watch out for customs brokerage fees with private couriers—on rare occasions, these show up as surprise bills on delivery.

The bottom line: No single company is always the winner. USPS or your local post office rules for lighter stuff; DHL is solid for speed or Asia routes; aggregators can snag you surprise deals. Check actual package measurements and destinations with multiple calculators before paying a dime.

Secrets to Lowering Shipping Costs

Chasing the rock-bottom price on cheapest shipping company deals? The secret sauce is knowing where companies sneak in extra fees, and what you actually get for your money. Here’s how you can seriously trim down your international shipping bill without having your package take a month to arrive or disappear into the postal void.

• Size (and Dead Space) Matters: Most shipping companies charge you for dimensional weight—not just what your box tips on the scale, but the size it eats up in their truck or plane. Always pack tight and cut down on empty space. Smaller boxes cost less.
• Compare Online Tools: Every major carrier—FedEx, UPS, DHL, and postal services—lets you punch in your details and instantly get a quote. Double-check on third-party sites like Pirate Ship or Parcel Monkey; they sometimes have special rates average folks don’t see.
• Drop Off Yourself: Home pickups are cool, but they sometimes cost extra. Dropping your package at a hub or storefront can save a couple bucks every time.
• Skip Speed Unless Necessary: Express shipping is wild expensive. Most people overestimate how fast they need stuff delivered; standard or economy options are usually way cheaper and honestly not that much slower unless it’s an emergency.
• Combine Multiple Shipments: If you ship stuff regularly, check if you can bundle packages. Consolidating to one shipment is often cheaper than sending three separate boxes.
• Watch Out for Extras: Insurance, tracking, and signature on delivery all cost more. Only pay for what you actually need.

Here’s a quick look at what small changes can do for your wallet. These are based on actual averages for sending a 3kg package (40 x 30 x 20 cm) from New York to London in May 2025:

One more pro tip—always check the restrictions and customs rules for the country you’re shipping to. If your package gets snagged at customs because of missing paperwork or a restricted item, you could end up paying storage fees or have it sent back at your cost. Double-check, especially for things like electronics or food.

If you ship often, sign up for loyalty programs. Some couriers throw in volume discounts or cheaper rates after just a few shipments. If Meredith ever wants to send a birthday surprise to her cousin in Dublin, you can bet I’m checking every possible variable to get the price down to earth.

When Cheap Isn’t Always Best

Grabbing the lowest shipping quote can feel like a win—until your package vanishes, shows up busted, or gets buried in customs for weeks. Sometimes, what looks like a bargain ends up costly in other ways.

Take international shipping with national postal services, for example. Services like USPS First Class International or Canada Post Small Packet can save a ton for small packages. But these budget rates often mean limited tracking and zero insurance. That’s totally fine for a t-shirt, but risky for sensitive or pricey stuff. Plenty of sellers on eBay and Etsy have stories of lost parcels with no recourse.

Even among the big names, the cheapest shipping company might not actually deliver what you expect. DHL and FedEx usually come through on speed and customer service, but going with their absolute economy service sometimes means your package gets handed off to a third-party carrier once it’s overseas. That’s when tracking updates get muddy, and customer support can suddenly feel clueless.

A lot of horror stories come down to delayed customs clearances. Cheap services sometimes skimp on documentation or don’t handle customs collection efficiently. The end result? Your recipient might get slapped with surprise fees or, worse, have to pick up the parcel from a warehouse miles away. According to the International Trade Administration, "Delays and unexpected import charges are a top complaint for cross-border shipments, especially when low-cost providers are used."

Here are some real mistakes to avoid if you’re chasing savings:

• Sending electronics or high-value items without insurance through a bargain carrier.
• Ignoring warnings about limited tracking and not warning your recipient.
• Skipping customs forms or going cheap on documentation.
• Assuming cheap means reliable—sometimes packages disappear for months.

So when you’re choosing the cheapest shipping company, stop and think: Is the savings worth more risk or hassle? Paying a few bucks more for door-to-door tracking, faster service, or solid insurance can be a game-changer—especially if your package matters.

About author

Grayson Rowntree

As an expert in services, I specialize in optimizing logistics and delivery operations for businesses of all sizes. My passion lies in uncovering innovative solutions to common industry challenges, and sharing insights through writing. While I provide tailored consultation services, I also enjoy contributing to the broader conversation around the future of delivery systems. My work bridges practical experience with forward-thinking strategies, aiming to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in the logistics realm.