How to Calculate International Shipping Costs
Shipping a package internationally is not particularly difficult; in fact, sometimes an international label can be printed from your own computer, saving you a trip to the post office. Before printing any labels or heading to the post office, use the USPS website to help you calculate the shipping rates.
- Box your item securely using a sturdy box. If you are planning on shipping express or priority international, the USPS has boxes you can use for free. Order them from the USPS website or stop by your local post office to see what is available. Most post offices carry only limited supplies but items ordered online are delivered usually within the week. Use padding, such as bubble wrap, to make sure your item ships securely.
- Weigh and measure your package.
- Go to the USPS website and click the tab that says "calculate postage." Locate the international shipping tab and click. Search for the country you are shipping to in the pull down box. The site will prompt you for information, like the weight of the package and the measurements. Rates are lower for packages that are smaller and lighter. Anything over four pounds, for example, cannot be shipped First Class International, the least expensive international rate. There are also regulations regarding the size of the package being shipped.
- Make sure you are not violating any international shipping laws. Each country has specific rules and regulations. You can check for this information on the website. Italy does not allow the import of baseball hats or leather goods, for example.
- Download the free USPS label printing program to print the label from home. Be sure you read all requirements carefully. Goofs may hold your package up indefinately in customs. Put the label on the package and do not cover the bar code with tape. Hand off to your postman.