What is the cheapest way to send an international package?

International shipping can open up your business to new markets, which can significantly increase your sales. It gives you the opportunity to sell throughout the year as you continue to reach more customers.
You can choose from a variety of options for international delivery, which can be challenging if you're only sending a single package or not allocating enough product for part or all of your shipping load. What is the cheapest way to send an international package? Read on to learn more…
cheap international shipping
You can send cheap international packages by:
a courier company
Express companies have sorting centers and warehouses all over the country, which are flexible and convenient to use. International express service allows you to send packages the next day, ideal for business and personal use.
Booking a courier service online is quick and easy, and you can choose a pickup option from your home or workplace, or arrange for your package to be dropped off at a warehouse or post office. All you need to do is select your service online, add any additional indemnity insurance as needed, make a payment, and print a package label to attach to your package.
Prices will depend on the weight and speed of the service selected, with discounts available. International package delivery services to more than 200 countries and territories, covering nearly the world's population.
Parcel Forwarding Company
Package forwarding companies have warehouses that offer customers the option to send their packages to the warehouse, and the company forwards them. Customers will be notified by email once the company receives a label with a clear address.
All packages are linked to customer accounts based on the unique ID received at registration. Many package forwarders also offer additional services such as package consolidation. You need to fill out a customs declaration and choose your shipping method. Although package forwarders use couriers, their contracts offer some of the cheapest international shipping possible.
ocean freight
You can send international shipments by sea to get 70% lower price than air. You can ship large quantities of goods at low cost, and freight forwarders consolidate the shipments on your behalf to further reduce costs.
Shipping by sea has many advantages, including the most competitive cost, especially for long-distance shipping. It's an efficient way to transport heavy and bulky goods safely and is environmentally friendly with a reduced carbon footprint by consuming less fuel.
The main disadvantage is that it takes time to get the goods to their destination, as this can take weeks. Extreme weather conditions may cause delays and you may not be able to track your shipment. In order to reach the final destination, your cargo will need to be loaded onto another land transport vehicle.
Types of sea transport include:
Cargo ships: vary in size, usually with special refrigerated compartments for storing perishable cargo.
Container Ships: Equipped with 20-40ft containers that can be easily loaded and unloaded onto the ship.
Barges: Container ships usually have a barge tow behind to increase storage space.
air transport
You can send international packages by air, but it does tend to be more expensive due to the overall demand and limited space available. However, for lightweight and small items, the price difference is negligible.
There are many advantages to using air freight, including uninterrupted journeys by sea and land, fast and efficient service, and reliable arrival and departure times. Same-day delivery can often be arranged through international parcel shipping companies, and there is an entire network of destinations available worldwide.
Air freight requires less packaging compared to other shipping methods, reducing weight restrictions. This means greater cost effectiveness and efficiency, especially for bulk shipments.
The main disadvantage of an air freight forwarder is usually the cost due to the extra support provided. If shipping valuable or fragile items requires added security through tightly regulated airport security, this may be a wise investment.
Tips for getting cheap international shipping
Create a schedule that includes delivery dates, giving you flexible shipping options. Keep in mind that shipping companies charge for cargo based on the weight of the cargo. Check with your shipping company and ask them to remove the original box and consolidate your product. Look out for offers and discounts from international shipping companies.
Choose the right freight forwarder to significantly reduce your costs.