How to ship Internationally and calculate international shipping costs

If you are looking to shipping packages internationally, there are rules to follow when packaging and sending. To learn how to ship a package from the USA to another country with these easy to follow directions.

You will also find tips on how to calculate postage and information on the different shipping options.

Things You'll Need

• Packing material
• Packing Tape
• Customs label

Instructions

1. First step is to package your item properly. Items for overseas shipping will be in transit longer than a normal package, so you need to make sure it is packed safely. You should be able to shake the package and be confident the item is not moving around inside. Include the destination address on a card inside the package as well.

2. Address your package properly. Address should be on the right side of the package, with plenty of space for postal notations and labels. If the address is handwritten, it needs to be in ink and written in all capital letters. The address should have no more than 5 lines, with the last line being the country's full name with no abbreviations. Make sure to include your return address in the upper left corner.

3. A customs form must be completed with your package or envelope. There are 2 types of forms, 1)form 2976 -for packages weighing under 4 pounds 2)Form 2976-A for a package weighing over 4 pounds. You can get the forms for free at the post office when you mail the package, or the custom forms can be ordered at www.shop.usps.com, with no additional cost.

4. To fill out the customs form, just answer the questions and attach it to the address side of the package. If you need assistance filling it out, the post office is always ready to help, they can add some questions in for you, such as weight if you do not have a scale.

5. Choose from the following 4 basic postal services, to ship overseas. Find international shipping costs after choosing one of these services.

6. Global Express Guaranteed - Fastest service. Good if your items are perishable, such as food. Free insurance up to $100 is included. If item is not delivered in the time specified, you get refunded. Very expensive.

7. Express Mail International- Not as fast as Global, but less expensive. Also includes the free $100 insurance if your package is damaged and time deliver guarantee. Is expensive.

8. Priority Mail International- Economical if your package is heavy, but you still need fast shipment. Flat rate packages are available with a weight limit of 4 pounds.

9. First- Class Mail International- Most cost effective, and probably the one you will use the most. Also has Flat rate option that cost the same no matter what destination, but it must be under 4 pounds.

10. Now to estimate postage. The best way to calculate postage is to go to www.ircalc.usps.gov. Here you can get estimated delivery times and international shipping costs. You can save money by printing your shipping labels directly from Usps.

Resources

• Us Postal Service
• Direct link for calculating International Postage