Cheapest way to ship internationally from US?
 

I have to send something from the US to Singapore. I looked at some of the quotes on the USPS site and the prices made me go :eek:

It doesn't need to go super fast, but a couple of weeks would be nice. The package is probably only 2 or 3lbs, but too big to fit in a 9"x12"priority mail envelope.

Anyone with some international shipping experience have any advice? Preferably, I'd like to keep it under $20.

I suspect you've already seen the lowest prices available by checking with USPS.

If you find a less expensive way than USPS to ship a single package of that size, then please, let me know!

Have you checked with DHL? I used to use them a lot. At the time they seemed to be less expensive for overseas shipping of small packages.

Yep........USPS is always going to be the cheapest. The package services usually start at about $100.

Hell, I just sent a letter internationally..........cost $52. with DHL.:eek:

You're not shipping 3 lb. for $20.........those days are long gone.

Along with cheap gas and diesel fuel . . .

Oh, that's not good news... I have had things shipped to me from asia with shipping charges of like $12-$20, so I assumed it would be possible the other way around.

The least expensive service from USPS would be "First-Class Mail International Package". That service is priced by weight, in 4-ounce increments. If I read it correctly, one could send something weighing 2-1/2 lb for $19.45, assuming it meets the dimensional requirements for that service. No insurance, tracking, proof of delivery, etc. for that price.

Delivery time, according to the USPS, "varies". I don't know what that means, in practical terms, for a shipment to Singapore.

If the dimensions are 12"x12"x12" or any variation thereof (not more than 36" total), then your cost is significantly less than if the package is larger. I shipped a package a few weeks ago to Indonesia for around 20 or 25 dollars if memory serves correct.
USPS is usually the cheapest. I would DHL if I wanted negative feedback.

If you know any Filipino ask them where they send their Balikbayan from. They get the absolute lowest rates due to volumes and they regularly send stuff to ME and SE Asia. Usually any Filipino grocery handles Balikbayan so take a look there.

Check prices from USPS on "First Class Mail International", should be a good deal.

Gilly

$22.65 from my zip code. Here are the max dimensions, and I used 3 pounds to calculate:
http://ircalc.usps.gov/popups/FCMI_Parcel_help.htm

Take it to the USPS office and ask about "Book Rates". Some may refer to it as a "Red Bag Rate".

It will be far cheaper than anything you've found on their web site.

Only problem is that it could take 6 weeks or more to get there.

Usps
 

Hard to answer your question without giving us the exact dimensions.
LengthXwidthxdepth. Postal rates are based on weight AND size.

I ship around the world every week. And I use only USPS.
With a three pound package, best to send in a plain box and ship it First Class International. USPS estimates 6 to 10 business days to the point of entry. From there(depending on the country) there is no guarantee.
You will need to fill out the green customs form. Cost? I need all dimensions.

Depending on "size" you may be able to "fit" the item into a Priority Mail Flat Rate box. Weight is limited to 20 pounds. Cost is about $38 for 4 to 6 business day delivery. With this route you will need to fill out the white customs form.

I did a little shipping to Canada and China when I was selling on Ebay. One thiung I learned is that there are widely varying customs charges for the recipient. For example, if you ship USPS then the customs charge to the recipient is very low. But if you ship UPS then they hire a broker and the recipient gets a hefty customs bill. I forgot the specific amounts but it was a big difference.

beat this
 

:)

We had a benzworld W126 moderators and friends meeting in Los Angeles last month and one person flew in from Australia.


After we went junkyarding (MUCH more productive if you can speak Spanish btw!!) he had a HUGE box of Mercedes parts to take back to Australia.


I put them in my car and drove them up to Sacramento to the house of an airline pilot for a large airline.


He shipped it to Australia for the employees rate, under his name.


For the princely sum of TEN DOLLARS.


It was there in less than a week.