Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping

1 Complete Guide to USPS . International Shipping Your step-by-step Guide on how to ship packages across the world using the USPS. Why sell internationally? Online Buyers E-commerce sales worldwide are expected to reach $ trillion in 2015. Worldwide in 2015. Of the billion digital buyers across the world, the will only account for million buyers or 14% of the market in 2015. With the demand 14%. for American-made products higher million than ever, e-commerce sellers cannot buyers in 2015. afford to ignore the growing segment of International customers that makes up 86% of the global market. 86%. billion International buyers in 2015. 31%: China 24%: Europe 12%: Latin America, the Middle East and Africa Source: eMarketer Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping 2.

2 Comparing carrier package delivery How International Private carriers like FedEx and UPS . handle package delivery from the Shipping Works sender in the all the way to the recipient in the destination country. The Postal Service (USPS) How carriers deliver packages to International addresses: handles package delivery up to Example: 2 lb. package from Los Angeles to London customs at the destination country, at which point, the host postal service of the destination country handles package delivery to the recipient. UPS UPS. customs FedEx FedEx customs USPS Royal Mail customs Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping 3. Surcharges add to the total Shipping costs How International On top of the Shipping rates, FedEx and UPS charge additional fees like Shipping Works fuel surcharges to deliver packages internationally.

3 The USPS is the only carrier that does not include any Comparing carrier costs surcharges in its Shipping costs, Savings Example: 2 lb. package from Los Angeles to London making it the lowest cost option to ship packages internationally. 2 to 5 Business Days Delivery USPS Priority Mail FedEx International Priority UPS Worldwide Saver Express International $ + $ fuel surcharge = $ + $ Fuel Surcharge =. $ + $ Fuel Surcharge =. $ $ $ LOWEST COST. 6 to 10 Business Days Delivery FedEx International Economy UPS Worldwide Expedited USPS Priority Mail International $ + $ fuel surcharge = $ + $ Fuel Surcharge = $ + $ Fuel Surcharge =. $ $ $ LOWEST COST. 11 to 20 Business Days Delivery USPS First-Class Package FedEx UPS International Service Not Available Not Available $ LOWEST COST.

4 FedEx and UPS Rates include 20% volume discount off Standard List Rates. FedEx Rates include Fuel Surcharge (as of April 2015). UPS Rates include Fuel Surcharge (as of April 2015). Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping 4. USPS International Mail Classes The USPS offers several International service options to deliver mail and packages to over 180 countries. Mail Class Delivery Time Ideal For Shipment Value Tracking Capabilities Mail and packages Date specific delivery Global Express Guaranteed 1 to 3 business days Unlimited weighing up to 70 lbs. (managed by FedEx Express). Tracking information Priority Mail Express Mail and packages 3 to 5 business days Unlimited available with USPS.

5 International weighing up to 70 lbs. Track & Confirm Tool Mail weighing up to 4 lbs. Tracking information Priority Mail Express 3 to 5 business days and packages weighing Unlimited available with USPS. International Flat Rate up to 20 lbs. Track & Confirm Tool Tracking information Mail and packages Priority Mail International 6 to 10 business days Unlimited available with USPS. weighing up to 70 lbs. Track & Confirm Tool Mail weighing up to 4 lbs. Tracking information Priority Mail 6 to 10 business days and packages weighing Up to $400* available with USPS. International Flat Rate up to 20 lbs. Track & Confirm Tool Free USPS Tracking First-Class Package Small packages 11 to 20 business days Up to $400 information for International Service weighing up to 4 lbs.

6 Select destinations Mail (postcards, letters First-Class Varies by destination and large envelopes) Up to $400 None Mail International weighing up to 4 lbs. *Shipment value is unlimited for Priority Mail International medium and large boxes Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping 5. An affordable mail class for small items First-Class Package First-Class Package International Service is the lowest cost Shipping International Service option among all carriers to over 180. countries. The maximum allowable package weight is 4 lbs. Packages Lowest cost option among all are delivered between 11 and 20. carriers for packages weighing days, depending on the destination.

7 This is a great option to use for small up to 4 lbs. shipments that aren't time-sensitive. Great for Shipping low cost items. Avoid paying $50 for Shipping on items that cost $20. Delivery could take up to 21 days. Offers tracking to select destinations. Tip: Shipping small, inexpensive products overseas? Save money by using First-Class Package International Service to ship items like books, clothing, accessories, health and beauty products. Just make sure your package weighs less than 4 lbs. Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping 6. Packaging for International Delivery When Shipping internationally with the USPS, your packages will be handled by the destination country's carrier for final delivery.

8 Since handling facilities in some destination countries may have different procedures, your shipments require a little more care during packaging. STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: Getting ready to ship Prepare and protect Label your package Choose the right box. Use a new, preferably Filler up. Start with at least 5 centimeters of Attach a customs form to your package. For corrugated box that is spacious enough to cushioning material (bubble wrap, packing most mail classes, the customs form is your USPS. accommodate both your product and plenty of peanuts and/or foam pads) before you even put Shipping label for an International package. PS. packing material on all sides.

9 Your product inside the box. Form 2976 (short form) can be attached directly to the package. PS Form 2976-A (long form). Don't max out the weight limit of your box. Merchandise in multiples? Wrap and cushion must be inserted into the Customs Declaration Instead, use the number shown on the bottom each item separately so they don't bump each Envelope (Form 2976-E), which then must be flap. Keep in mind that every country has specific other in transit. attached to the package on the address side. weight limits for each mail class. Insulate against the elements. Anticipate damage caused by extreme temperatures and weather by wrapping and sealing your items. Tape.

10 Seal all flaps and seams securely with wide nylon-reinforced or pressure-sensitive plastic tape. Heavier packages will require more tape and in multiple directions for additional durability. Label. Include a copy of the Shipping label inside the package before you seal it. Complete Guide to USPS International Shipping 7. Should I use customs forms? USPS Customs Forms Unless you are Shipping an envelope Long Form PS. Short Form PS. that weighs less than 16 oz., you need Commercial Form 2976A. Form 2976. Mail Class Invoice Customs to include a customs form with your Customs PS Form 6182 Declaration &. Declaration CN 22. International shipment. Customs Dispatch Note CP 72.