Top 10 International Shipping Services: Everything You Need to Know

Simplify international shipping with this guide to the top services. Learn how to expand globally, reduce costs, and boost efficiency with tools like Easyship. Access discounted rates, automate workflows, and deliver a superior customer experience to grow your eCommerce business.

Key Points:

• These services connect eCommerce businesses with global customers, enabling cross-border delivery and access to the $2.2 trillion global eCommerce market.
• Reliable shipping expands your market reach, boosts revenue, and ensures customer satisfaction with timely, cost-effective deliveries worldwide.
• Learn how to select the best shipping partner, optimize costs, and streamline operations using multi-carrier platforms like Easyship.
• Access discounted shipping rates, automate customs paperwork, offer branded tracking, and enhance customer experience with seamless integrations for eCommerce platforms.

Expanding your eCommerce store to international markets is an exciting opportunity. With the best international shipping services, businesses can reach customers in every corner of the globe. Whether you’re shipping handmade jewelry, eco-friendly products, or custom merchandise, choosing the right shipping partner can determine your success.

In this guide, we have listed shipping services based on the coverage, speed, cost and how quick they deliver. Additionally, we’ve talked about how shipping software takes the hassle out of logistics by connecting you with 550+ couriers worldwide, offering discounted rates, and syncing effortlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms. It’s the easiest way to save money and simplify international shipping.

What Are International Shipping Services and Why Are They Important?

International shipping services transport goods across borders, connecting businesses with customers worldwide. These services allow eCommerce brands to grow their customer base and increase revenue by delivering products to new markets. Without access to reliable shipping, businesses are limited to domestic markets, missing out on the $2.2 trillion projected in global eCommerce sales by 2026.

How to Choose the Best International Shipping Service

Selecting the right shipping service can save time, money, and stress. Consider these factors:

1. Coverage and Reach

Ensure your shipping partner delivers to your target countries. Carriers like DHL and FedEx operate in over 220 countries, providing global access. This coverage ensures your packages arrive on time, even in remote areas.

2. Delivery Speed

Fast delivery is essential for customer satisfaction. It is important to verify the estimated delivery time when selecting shipping options. Options like DHL Express Worldwide or FedEx International Priority offer 1-3 day delivery for urgent shipments. Slower, economical options, such as USPS First Class Package International Service, are better for less-urgent deliveries.

3. Costs and Discounts

Compare shipping rates and check for discounts available through platforms like Easyship. Partnerships with multiple courier services enable these platforms to offer affordable and accessible international shipping rates. Pre-negotiated rates can save you up to 60% on shipping costs.

Top 10 International Shipping Companies for 2024

Here is a rundown of the best international shipping companies to consider when shipping overseas. The best service for shipping packages internationally depends on the needs and location of your customers.

1. DHL

DHL is a top international shipping company that strikes a delicate balance between fast and cheap international shipping services. It is regarded as one of the best companies to ship internationally, with an extensive logistical network to get your shipments to hundreds of different countries across the world overnight.

DHL is best for…

• Small parcel express delivery worldwide
• Dangerous goods that require special handling and documentation, DHL is a strong contender
• Options like road & rail freight, as well as air & ocean international standard shipping
• Expedited air shipping options
• Remote area deliveries

2. FedEx

FedEx is among the largest and most competitive international shipping companies. This may be your go-to carrier when you need to ship between the US and another country. FedEx offers a money back guarantee for certain delivery options.

FedEx is best for:

• Delicate and fragile international shipments
• Climate-controlled shipping services for temperature-sensitive and perishable products
• Faster shipping times, such as overnight and two-day international delivery services at affordable prices
• Priority and economy freight shipping options for LTL shipping
• Pallet-level tracking that maintains visibility for each pallet in your shipment
• Unlimited total shipment weight, except for skids above 2,200 lbs, requires special approval.
• Customer service
• Saturday deliveries

3. DB Schenker

DB Schenker is one of the largest international companies with its headquarters in Germany and over 2000 locations worldwide. This international courier offers land, air ocean freight, and parcel delivery services, and is an excellent option for all your shipping needs within Europe or freight shipping internationally.

DB Schenker is best for:

• Parcel services throughout Europe
• Less than load (LTL) shipping services across 720 branches throughout Europe
• Fastest international ground freight shipping with fixed delivery time options
• Worldwide shipping through ocean freight and air freight shipping
• Cheapest international shipping through economy air freight shipping
• Seamless international package tracking and fixed transit times
• Shipping solutions for perishable food beverage products

4. R+L Carriers

This company is excellent for both full truckload (FTL) and LTL shipping, operating a fleet of about 13,00 tractor-trailers. R + L also provides air and ocean international shipping.

R+L Carriers is best for:

• High-value or high-risk shipments
• Shipments that need temperature control
• LTL shipments between the US and Mexico
• Fast international freight shipments through expedited shipping options such as R+L Business Critical Guaranteed AM, R+L Business Critical Weekend Express, and R+L Business Critical Guaranteed Hourly Window.

5. UPS

UPS shouldn't fly under your radar. Apart from being a household name within the US for its fantastic domestic services, this international courier has a vast logistic network in over 220 countries and territories worldwide and is versatile enough to handle almost all types of shipping needs.

UPS is best for:

• Shipping live, domesticated animals
• Carrying hazardous goods
• Delivering all parcel packages within five days of receiving them
• Overnight and two-day delivery options for rush services at an additional cost
• Ocean and air freight shipments worldwide
• Expedited ground freight services for shipments from the US to Mexico
• Website tools to help you fill customs paperwork and schedule shipments
• Advanced online tracking capabilities

6. YRC Freight

If you want to send large shipments internationally or domestically within North America, YRC Freight is a top competitive option to consider. YRC Freight is excellent for LTL shipping, but their freight services are limited to within North America.

YRC Freight is best for:

• Two-day and overnight deliveries
• Temperature-controlled shipments
• Best international rates for freight shipments to Canada or Mexico from the US
• Expedited air freight options for on-time critical shipments
• No size or weight restrictions, making it good for large shipments

7. DTDC

Based in Mumbai, DTDC has an extensive network and extends its shipping services to over 240 countries worldwide. If you are looking for the best international courier to cater to your customers in India, you won't go wrong with DTDC.

DTDC is best for:

• Prompt mail and package delivery services across India

8. Blue Dart

Based in Chennai, this international courier company extends its services to over 220 countries across the world and has channels across 33,739 areas. It is famous for both domestic and international shipping services across Asia.

Blue Dart is best for:

• Transporting electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewelry, auto parts, and apparel
• Shipping in Asia

9. PostNL

Based in Europe, PostNL offers its international courier services in countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and the UK. If you want to offer your customers in the Eurozone a streamlined shipping experience, PostNL may be one of the go-to shipping couriers.

PostNL is best for:

• Small packages, envelope-sized mail, and eCommerce
• Shipping between European countries

10. Royal Mail

Royal Mail is an international shipping company owned by the UK government. Founded in 1516, Royal Mail is regarded as one of the safest and most trusted international carriers as it offers excellent, transparent international courier services.

Royal Mail is best for:

• Shipping in the UK
• Daily deliveries, aside from Sundays and Bank Holidays

Cost Comparison: UPS vs. FedEx vs. DHL vs. USPS

Choosing a carrier often depends on cost and delivery time. Here’s a comparison of popular international courier options. To highlight the comparison in indicative rates, we are using the example of an 8.8 lb package being shipped from Rochester, New York, USA to Toronto, Ontario, Canada:

Practical Tips for Reducing International Shipping Costs

1. Optimize Packaging

Use smaller, lighter packages to reduce dimensional weight charges. A clothing retailer saved 20% by switching to vacuum-sealed bags instead of bulky boxes.

2. Use Rate Comparison Tools

Platforms like Easyship allow businesses to compare rates from multiple carriers instantly, saving time and money.

3. Diversify Carriers

Don’t rely on a single carrier. Using multiple services ensures you can choose the best option for each shipment, whether it’s cost, speed, or reliability.

The Role of Technology in Streamlining Shipping

Technology simplifies the complexities of international shipping. Automation tools can integrate with eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, syncing orders and generating labels automatically.

Tracking systems provide customers with real-time updates, reducing inquiries and enhancing their experience. Easyship’s platform integrates seamlessly with 60+ eCommerce platforms, automating label generation, syncing orders, and providing branded tracking updates to enhance the customer experience and reduce operational workload.

Challenges and Solutions in International Shipping

Customs Compliance

Each country has unique customs requirements. Customs forms are crucial in international shipping, ensuring compliance with specific requirements for detailed content descriptions, especially for packages sent to EU countries. Signing up with a shipping software company like Easyship can help automate the tax and duties paperwork for international shipments.

Shipping Restrictions

Some items, like batteries or hazardous materials, have shipping restrictions. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid unexpected issues.

Remote Deliveries

Not all carriers serve rural or remote areas. DHL’s extensive network is a reliable option for reaching less-accessible locations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting the Right Shipping Partner

1. Define Your Needs

Identify your target markets, average shipment weight, and preferred delivery times. Knowing these details helps you align your shipping strategy with customer expectations.

Easyship’s platform allows you to filter options by region, package size, and delivery speed, ensuring you find carriers that fit your specific needs.

2. Research Carriers

Compare services from carriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS to evaluate their coverage, rates, and tracking capabilities. Consider the unique benefits each carrier offers for your shipping destinations.

With Easyship’s rate calculator, you can instantly compare rates and delivery times across 550+ global couriers, helping you make informed decisions.

3. Test Services

Start with smaller shipments to evaluate delivery speed, tracking accuracy, and overall reliability before committing to a single carrier.

Easyship enables you to generate labels, track shipments, and test multiple couriers—all from a single dashboard, making it easy to assess their performance.

4. Monitor Results

Gather feedback from customers about their shipping experience, including delivery times, package condition, and branded tracking updates. Use this information to refine your shipping strategy.

Easyship’s analytics tools give you actionable insights into carrier performance, delivery success rates, and costs, so you can optimize your shipping processes effectively.

Benefits of Multi-Carrier Shipping Platforms

Using a platform like Easyship simplifies the shipping process. You can compare rates, print labels, and track packages from one dashboard. For businesses shipping to multiple countries, these platforms save time and ensure you always choose the best carrier for each shipment.

International Shipping Trends for 2025

Sustainability

Carriers are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as carbon-neutral delivery options. This appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Tech-Driven Solutions

AI is enhancing logistics by optimizing delivery routes, predicting delays, and reducing inefficiencies. These advancements improve both speed and reliability while lowering costs. Easyship’s platform leverages automation and data-driven insights to streamline shipping operations, helping businesses efficiently manage logistics and avoid potential delays.

Customer Expectations

Consumers now expect faster, more affordable shipping, with real-time tracking and flexible delivery options. Businesses that meet these demands gain a significant competitive advantage. Easyship enables real-time tracking for customers and provides businesses with access to discounted shipping rates, ensuring an optimal balance of speed and cost.

International shipping services remain a critical component of global growth for eCommerce businesses. Easyship’s tools empower businesses to embrace these trends, meet customer expectations, and expand their reach profitably.

International Shipping Services FAQs

How do I select the best international shipping partner?

Evaluate carriers based on coverage, rates, speed, tracking, and customer service. Use platforms like Easyship to compare options, access discounted rates, and ensure your shipments meet your business needs and customer expectations.

How can I reduce international shipping costs effectively?

Optimize packaging to lower dimensional weight fees, compare courier rates using Easyship, diversify shipping partners, and use automation to reduce errors and operational inefficiencies, all of which help save money on shipping.

What are the main challenges in international shipping?

Common challenges include customs compliance, shipping restrictions, high costs, and serving remote areas. Easyship simplifies compliance, offers diverse carrier options, and helps you overcome these obstacles to ensure smooth, reliable deliveries worldwide.

How does Easyship help with international shipping?

Easyship simplifies shipping with discounted rates, multi-carrier comparisons, automated workflows, branded tracking, and accurate tax/duties calculation, making it easier for businesses to ship internationally while saving time and money.