Do you have an international package to ship? Here at OptimalShip, we've partnered with DHL to help you get your package where it needs to go. And through our partnership, we offer exceptional rates and excellent service. But we recognize that you have options when it comes to shipping internationally. 

There are many variables involved with international shipments. The cost and benefits will differ from one shipment to another, so it is important to know what shipping companies offer what services. 

So, is it a good idea to ship internationally with USPS?

Reasons You May Choose to Ship via USPS

International service is one of USPS's options. They offer both domestic and international shipping services. You can ship across the country or across the world.

You can also "Click N Ship." This means you can prepare your international label on the USPS website. You'll also get your quote/price here. 

Multiple Shipment Options

Second, USPS offers the following types of shipments:

• Global Express Guaranteed
• Priority Mail Express International
• Priority Mail International
• First-Class Mail International
• International Insurance & Extra Services

Extra services include proof of mailing, certificate of mailing, and delivery confirmation.

Tracking Services

There are USPS tracking services. Need to know that your package will arrive safely? You can request one of the following services:

• Return receipt
• Electronic delivery confirmation
• Certificate of Mailing

Reasons You Should Ship with OptimalShip Instead

USPS Gets Expensive

For international shipping, USPS gets expensive. You may think that your local post office is the best, cheapest option but there’s a good chance that isn’t accurate. Many times the post office ends up being the most expensive shipping option. 

Through us, you'll have a DHL account. It will come with OptimalShip's discounted rates. The website is very user-friendly. You can also call us if you need help setting up your account. 

Our Simplified Process

Confused by all of USPS's options? That's understandable. There are a lot of options to sort through. But DHL offers the same great service with less complicated names.

In fact, if you contact OptimalShip, we can schedule your shipments for you. We'll ask you specific questions to determine how to ship your package. We can even prepare DHL shipping labels for you. This eliminates all your stress and gets your package shipped quickly.

Plus, for OptimalShip clients,  DHL offers free package pickup. You can ship up to 660 pounds per piece and up to 2200 pounds per shipment. You can schedule a pickup for the following:

• Large flat rate boxes
• Large boxes
• Flat rate envelopes
• Small flat rate boxes
• And more

Get Your Exact Quote Quickly

You can get an immediate and accurate quote for your shipment online or by calling OptimalShip. We'll help you right away, so you can get on with your day.

So, who should I ship with?

Shipping with OptimalShip

We highly recommend shipping with OptimalShip via DHL. USPS is an option, but you won't get the same highly discounted rates that you get with us.  The services and rates we provide for your mail are unbeatable. Our dedicated customer service team is here to help with all your shipping needs. If you live near Allen, Texas, the staff at our brick-and-mortar location will be here to assist you in person. Otherwise, you can visit our website or call us. Contact us today to get started.

FAQs:

How long does it take to send a shipment via USPS?
How long your package takes to arrive depends on what kind of shipping option you choose. Here is what USPS has to offer:

• Global Express Guaranteed; starts at $67.80; best for packages that need to arrive within a few days.
  
• Priority Mail Express International; starts at $45.95; best for packages that need to arrive in under a week.
• Priority Mail International; starts at $28.50; best for packages that weigh over 4 pounds. 
• First-Class Package International Service; starts at $14.25; best for packages that weigh under 4 pounds and are worth less than $400
• First-Class Mail International; starts at $2.60; meant for an envelope full of documents that weighs under 1 pounds.
  
• Airmail M-Bags; starts at $51.70; meant for international students in the US who need to send heavy items home. Textbooks would be ideal for this kind of shipment. 

Lately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, packages are moving slower than usual. There are delays by air, land, and sea. This means that packages are taking longer to arrive at their final destination.

How much does it cost to ship to Asia using USPS? What about other continents?

You can use USPS's online calculator to determine how much a package will cost. It will cost at least $40 to ship a small box internationally to Japan. Prices are around the same for New Zealand.

Do shipping rates for USPS international ever change?

Yes, shipping rates for USPS change. International mail is always more expensive than domestic mail.

Flat rate and small packages will be different from flat rate boxes and large envelopes. Prices will always vary based on what size package you're shipping.

Prices will also vary based on supply and demand. Right now, COVID-19 is causing some trade lane obstacles. Air freight is much slower than normal, causing prices to inflate.

Sometimes prices simply go up. The government increases prices from time to time. An example of this would be stamps. The price of stamps has slowly increased over the years.

What do I do if there are missing contents in my internationally-shipped package?

You'll need to contact USPS. You can send them an email or go to a USPS location.

There's also general information available on the USPS website. If your package is insured, you'll be reimbursed for what's missing. Or for the insured worth of the contents.

There is no money back guarantee, though.

If your package isn't insured, you might be out of luck. It's possible that you'll pay full price again for what you need delivered. This includes waiting for it to arrive again, too.

Do all post offices provide overseas shipping?

Yes, all post offices ship internationally. Certain locations, like remote areas, might take longer to get on an airplane. Because of this, delivery speed may vary.