What actually drives the price — and how to find the cheapest carrier for your parcel
An international rate isn't a single number — it's built from a base rate (zone + weight) plus surcharges. Two parcels of the same weight to the same country can cost very different amounts depending on size, service, and fees. The rate tables on this site are reference estimates reviewed periodically; carriers change published rates at least once a year, so always confirm with a live quote before you ship.
Carriers group countries into zones. Canada and Mexico are cheap nearby zones; Asia-Pacific and remote regions are the most expensive.
The greater of actual weight and dimensional weight. A big, light box is billed on its size, not the scale.
Express air (1–5 days) costs several times more than economy postal. Speed is usually the single biggest lever on price.
Fuel surcharge (often 10–25%), residential delivery, remote-area, oversize, and peak-season fees stack on top of the base rate.
Walk-up retail rates are the highest. Business accounts, online labels, and negotiated contracts cut 20–60% off list price.
Import duty and VAT/GST are charged to the recipient by customs, separate from shipping — see duties & taxes.
Indicative published prices for a parcel to a mid-distance destination. Use these to compare tiers, not as a quote:
| Carrier & service | Starts around | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS First-Class Package Intl | $15–30 | 1–3+ weeks | Light parcels under 4 lb, lowest cost |
| USPS Priority Mail Intl | $40+ | 6–10 days | Flat-rate boxes, mid-weight |
| DHL Express Worldwide | $45+ | 1–4 days | Fast to Europe & Asia |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | $45+ | 2–5 days | Heavier business shipments |
| FedEx International Priority | $50+ | 1–5 days | Time-sensitive, broad reach |
Prices vary widely by weight, size, zone, and account. The country guides carry fuller per-weight tables.
Carriers publish a General Rate Increase most years (commonly 5–7%), and the fuel surcharge floats monthly with oil prices. Currency, peak-season demand surcharges, and new remote-area definitions also move prices during the year. That's why a rate you saw six months ago may be off today — confirm with a live quote.
See dimensional weight for why box size drives price, flat rate vs weight-based for when fixed pricing wins, and duties & taxes for the costs the recipient pays on top.