What Is The Cheapest Carrier For International Shipping?
The cheapest carriers for international shipping are usually DHL and USPS, but for certain items (like storage boxes or heavy items) there are other cost-effective options available.
When deciding the best method for international shipping, you need a balance of efficiency and affordability. Some services can promise fast delivery but at a high cost; whereas the lower-priced services can sometimes take weeks to arrive.
If you’re heading abroad (or heading back home) - whether for a new job, university or just something new - you want the cheapest international shipping option possible.
Whatever your reasons for international shipping, we can make the process simple and affordable. At the Box Co., we can ship internationally between the UK and over 150 countries across the globe. Get in touch with the team today to get a free quote!
Which Carriers Have the Lowest Rates for International Shipping To and From The UK?
For international shipping from the UK, Royal Mail Economy, FedEx, DHL and UPS are commonly used options and can offer low rates depending on what you are trying to ship.
The Royal Mail Economy option is one of the cheapest ways to send letters and smaller parcels. However, for shipping large parcels internationally FedEx, DHL and UPS are world-renowned for offering reliable delivery services. The exact price will depend on what you are shipping, the weight of the package and the delivery route - some routes are cheaper than others.
If you are relocating and looking for international shipping from the UK for all your belongings, there may be more cost-effective ways. For example, choosing a specialised international shipping company like The Box Co. could offer you the most competitive prices while still facilitating simple, flexible door-to-door service.
In fact, many of these services will handle a lot of the logistics for you. So whilst they might not always be the cheapest options, they can certainly be the most reliable.
What Factors Affect The Price Of International Shipping?
When choosing a carrier for international shipping, these factors will impact the price:
Destination - Depending on the destination country, shipping costs can vary significantly. In general, the further the destination, the higher the cost.
Package size and weight - Smaller, lighter packages will be cheaper than larger, heavier packages.
Speed of delivery - If you are in a rush to get your items, express delivery can get you your stuff more quickly but for a higher cost. If you’re willing to wait, you could choose a standard or economy option or explore even slower methods like sea freight.
Additional services - Extra services such as tracking your shipping or insuring the contents could add to the cost. Check whether your delivery service includes these services in the price or how much they would be as an additional service. At The Box Co. our boxes include insurance, so we promise never to lump you with hidden fees!
What Is The Cheapest Method Of International Shipping?
Sea freight is usually the cheapest method of international shipping, especially when it comes to larger, bulkier items that need to be shipped over a long distance. Using sea freight can be significantly cheaper - up to 70% - than air freight. However, it is also a much slower method.
For smaller packages, it may be faster to explore rates with services like UPS and DHL.
If you do have a larger, bulkier item you want to ship internationally, look at a specialised international shipping company like The Box Co. for the cheapest rates. We regularly ship large items like suitcases and storage boxes for the most affordable prices with flexible delivery times.
How Do I Choose a Shipping Carrier?
When choosing an international shipping carrier, you should take into account the following questions:
How much will it cost?
If you know what you need to send and where you want to send it to, you can get an exact quote of how much it will cost. This price will depend on the weight of the package, the final destination and the level of service that you choose.
How long will it take?
Consider when you need your items to arrive as this could significantly affect the cost. If you need your items fast, you may need to pay extra for express delivery service. For those willing to wait, you can choose a slower service at a lower cost.
What do the prices include?
Check what the prices include; for example, you will want to know if you are able to track your package, if your items are insured, what level of service the price includes, etc.
Where do they ship to?
Make sure the international shipping company actually ships to where you need your items delivered. Some companies may only offer services to specific destinations or may have higher costs for certain countries.
Are they a reliable shipping carrier?
You will want to work with a company who has had demonstrable success in the past and has a good reputation. Check reviews and legitimacy of the company before paying for any services.
Are there tracking services?
Being able to track your package gives you greater peace of mind, but sometimes comes at a higher cost. See what tracking services are included in the price or how much it would be as an additional cost.
Affordable International Shipping with The Box Co.
At The Box Co., we are professional movers offering affordable solutions when it comes to international shipping. With us, you only pay for the space you use - by the box, rather than a whole shipping container. The result? Optimised space and cheaper prices.
Just tell us how many boxes you’ve got and we’ll come straight to your door to collect them. We ship to over 150 countries at the most affordable prices around. And, with £100 of insurance included per box, you can rest easy knowing your items are in safe hands.
Whatever your international shipping needs, we can help. Get in touch with our team today for a quote.
