The Best Shipping to Australia from USA Couriers and Rates 2024

If you want to grow your business, you should have more customers, and increasing your customer base should be your goal. Recently, Australia has fast become the 10th largest customer base for e-commerce businesses. You must include Australian customers in your business plan to avoid losing out big time.

Shipping to Australia from USA is more challenging than it seems because of the distance, customs and regulations, and mode of transportation. Furthermore, you have to contend with the US to Australia shipping cost if you want that. This article shares as much information as possible to help you achieve that goal.

the best shipping to australia from usa couriers and rates 2024
Table of Content

Part 1. 4 Best USA to Australia Shipping Carriers

We start with the best shipping carriers that can help you shipping to Australia from USA and make things easier.

1. USPS

If you aren’t concerned about a little more shipping time and want the cheapest option, USPS is your carrier. Their best bet is their flat rates, which are applied to the weight of your package, especially the USPS mail types.

Service Options

When you opt for USPS, you can utilize their priority mail and express for international destinations and get the best first-class international service. However, once in Australia, you don’t get a tracking number as Australia Post takes over.

USPS also provides drop-offs at the customer’s mailbox or even collects all your packages from their local post office.

When to Choose?

You want to choose USPS for cheaper rates, and express delivery isn’t necessary. 

2. UPS 

If you are more concerned about getting your packages there faster, you should prefer UPS over USPS. UPS is also very reliable, as its delivery times are guaranteed and mainly on time. This allows great communication and relationships with your customers because they are happy with timely and reliable delivery.

Service Options

You can easily track all your packages from the pickup point, shipping, drop off at Australian borders, and finally, at your location. 

UPS offers the option of shipping to Australia from USA with worldwide expedited and saver plans, with priority for your time. Remember that the price can significantly increase if your package is above 10 pounds in weight.

When to Choose?

If you want package tracking even when in Australia, you can prefer UPS over USPS. You will also get quicker delivery time here, but the US to Australia shipping cost will be higher.

3. FedEx

Like UPS, FedEx is another excellent option for quickly and reliably shipping to Australia from USA. Their commitment to delivering the goods on time is fantastic for your customer’s satisfaction and will make them return for other orders. 

The best part about FedEx is that, unlike with USPS, your packages aren’t handed over to other third-party services or Australia Post. Every package is delivered directly to your home through FedEx only. 

Service Options

FedEx also provides real-time package tracking for your orders, even in Australia. It offers both priority and economy packages. The packages are all trackable, even if there is a delay in customs.

When to Choose?

Just as with UPS, FedEx is your go-to courier service if you want quicker times and are willing to pay higher US to Australia shipping cost

4. DHL

If you want faster turnaround times and cheaper prices than UPS and FedEx, DHL is your best courier service. They have one of the best international delivery services, especially for air freight.

Please keep in mind that when you choose DHL, there are certain limitations on the size and shape of your package. Standard packages are the cheapest on our list, but oversized and heavier packages will cost you a premium.

Service Options

If you want your packages shipped from the USA, DHL offers all the options, such as air, sea, or land freight. DHL has a consortium with many companies and can even help you store your products inside Australia in warehouses for faster delivery.

When to Choose?

They are the best for international delivery and thus shipping to Australia from USA because of the fastest times and cheaper delivery options. 

Part 2. How Much Does Shipping from US to Australia Cost?

how much does shipping from us to australia cost

Shipping Fee

The following table shows the service charges for the different couriers and their shipping times according to their service. This table can give you a comprehensive overview of important information when you are looking for a service for shipping to Australia from USA.

CourierUSPSUSPSUSPSUPSUPSFedExFedExDHL
ServicePriority Mail Express InternationalPriority Mail InternationalFirst-Class International ServiceWorldwide ExpeditedWorldwide SaverInternational PriorityInternational Economy International Express
Price (in USD)~$47~$33~$15~$72~$63~$71~$64~$65
Delivery Time3-5 business days6-10 business days11-20 business days2-5 business days6-10 business days3-5 business days6-10 business days3-6 business days 

In this table, you can observe how different price points change against the services provided by each courier mentioned above. The cheaper the service, the longer it will take. USPS is the cheapest for 3-5 business days, while overall, USPS is the cheapest if you can wait 20 days. USPS is also the cheapest when you have to choose 6-10 days for delivery.

The only issue, as mentioned with USPS, is that there is no tracking when USPS shipping clears customs as it hands over packages to Australian posts. In such scenarios, choosing other services for tracking ease is better, but the price point is higher.

Customs Fees and Taxes

Even though there are quite a few agreements for trade between USA and Australia, your packages are still subject to customs regulations. The duty applied to your packages will be at most 5% of your item’s value.

Part 3. How Long Is Shipping from Australia to USA?

how long is shipping from australia to usa

If you look at the comparison table, the shortest time is 3-5 business days without accounting for any custom delays. The US to Australia shipping cost is also higher for faster times, even if you choose DHL. DHL gives 3-6 days delivery but will cost you up to $65 for the same service that FedEx might charge $71. The longest duration on the list is 6-10 days first for UPS and USPS while 11-20 days for USPS first class service. The First-Class International Service from USPS is the cheapest for only $15.

Your delivery can take 3 to 20 business days, depending on the service you choose and the US to Australia shipping cost you are willing to pay. Therefore, it is imperative that you share all these dates and prices with your Australian customers. 

The only delay that might increase even the fastest time can be due to 2 conditions.

  1. Due to some issues, such as wrong documentation or restricted products, the custom will take more time to process.
  2. There can be severe weather, and it takes longer for the shipping to arrive at the ports.

Part 4. Shipping to Australia from China Directly

If you want better product details and options, shipping to Australia from USA is not the best option. You have the Chinese market to choose from, as they have a massive variety and the cheapest products. So why first deliver to the US and then ship to Australia?

For shipping directly from China, NextSmartShip is your best companion. It offers much better rates for the same products and delivers quickly.

NextSmartShip Fulfillment

The three most suitable options for shipping to Australia directly from China are as follows:

  1. NSS Eco – The pricing starts at $4.9, and you can get your package within ten days.
  2. NSS Expedited – The pricing starts at $7.02, and you can get your package within eight days.
  3. NSS Express – The pricing starts at $24.54, and you can get your package within three days.

Conclusion

In this article, we discuss growing your business by shipping to Australia from USA, as you get to play in the 10th largest e-commerce market. You have a few of the best couriers that you can choose from with the best rates and delivery duration. But why would you pay extra and wait longer if you can get the same products from China with shorter delivery times?

Yes, that’s true. You should look into NextSmartShip and its superb packages, such as Eco, Expedited, and Express, which are far cheaper and faster than others.Visit the NSS website today, get in touch with one of their representatives, and discuss which of the delivery plans works best for you.