My parents wanted to send some stuff to my brother, who is studying abroad. However, they always hesitate to go with it once they calculate the total price they will be charged. This has led them to conclude that international shipping will create a hole in their pocket. It took me a lot of time to help them understand that it’s not always the case.
Let me tell you the tips I gave to my parents and how I helped them choose the courier service that will ship internationally, deliver on time, and won’t break their bank.
What Determines Parcel Shipping Costs?
There are a great number of factors that, when combined and looked at together, determine the total shipping costs. But what exactly are those factors? Here’s an overview
Destination (Domestic vs International)
Local deliveries are naturally cheaper than international shipments due to reduced distance, less handling, and fewer customs procedures. However, not all international destinations cost the same—shipping to the UK may be different from sending to India or Ireland.
Parcel Size and Weight
Shipping rates are typically calculated by either actual weight or dimensional weight (volume-based pricing). Larger, heavier parcels will cost more, but oddly shaped or bulky items might incur extra charges even if they’re light.
Delivery Speed (Economy vs Express)
| Economy Delivery | Express Delivery |
| It takes longer to ship via Economy deliveries. (May take 10-20 days) | Shipment via express delivery is swift. (May take 3-5 days or even less) |
| The total shipment cost is lower than that of Express delivery. | The total shipment cost is a bit higher than Economy. |
| Better for small, urgent shipments. | Better for not-so-urgent or bulk shipments. |
Urgent deliveries are more expensive. Choosing standard or economy shipping options can drastically reduce costs, especially when timing isn’t critical.
Shipping Method (Air, Road, Sea)
- Air freight: One of the fastest modes of shipment, but also a lot expensive.
- Road freight: Cost-effective for domestic or cross-border land shipments.
- Sea freight: Ideal for large international shipments; slower but much cheaper for bulk.
Carrier Services and Surcharges
Different couriers offer various services, insurance options, and surcharges (like fuel, remote area delivery, or handling fees). Comparing carriers can make a big difference in your final cost.
Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel Locally
Budget-Friendly Services for Domestic Shipping in Australia
If you’re sending a parcel within Australia, you have several affordable options. Australia Post is often the go-to for small parcels, while courier services like DTDC Australia, Sendle, CouriersPlease, and Fastway offer competitive pricing for larger shipments.
Courier vs Postal Services: Which is Cheaper?
In general, Postal services are quite cheaper than courier options. However, it is also important to consider that courier services offer faster shipment with advanced tracking and other significant services. If your shipment is not urgent, you can opt for postal services. It might take a bit longer to deliver, but it won’t cost you a lot.
Tips to Reduce Local Delivery Costs
- Ship during non-peak periods to avoid surcharges.
- Use online booking portals to compare rates.
- Choose parcel drop-off over pickup if possible—it can save $2–$5 per parcel. DTDC Australia provides the Pop and Drop service for you to drop off your packages at the outlets.
- Use your own packaging to avoid “extra services” fees.
Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel to the UK
Cost-Effective Options for Parcels Under 2kg and Over 10kg
Sending a parcel from Australia to the UK can be affordable if you choose the right service:
- For parcels under 2kg: Australia Post Economy Air is cost-effective.
- For 10 kg+: Consider shipping aggregators like DTDC Australia or using sea freight for non-urgent packages.
Importance of Customs Declaration and Delivery Timeline
Customs forms are mandatory for international shipping. Incomplete forms can delay delivery or add fees. Also, plan ahead—choosing economy delivery (10–20 business days) over express (5–7 days) can cut your cost in half. And just to let you know, DTDC Australia is the best in Customs Clearance. That’s not just a claim; it’s a proven record.
Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel to the USA
Low-Cost Shipping Options: Air Economy vs Standard Courier
The USA is a popular shipping destination, and many carriers offer budget options:
- Australia Post International Economy: For non-urgent packages under 20kg.
- DTDC Australia: Cost-effective prices for express delivery, document shipment, excess baggage, and more.
- Sendle International: Competitive flat-rate pricing with tracking.
- DHL eCommerce: Affordable for smaller eCommerce parcels.
How to Save on Bulky Packages
- Break bulk into smaller parcels if the combined weight exceeds 20kg.
- Avoid oversized boxes—carriers charge based on dimensional weight.
- Use comparison tools like Interparcel or Transdirect.
Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel to India
Recommended Carriers and Services
Shipping to India can be affordable, especially for regular or business shipments:
- Australia Post Economy Air: Good for light parcels under 2kg.
- DTDC Australia: Send bulk shipments at lower prices, and bulk discounts are available.
- Pack & Send: Ideal for larger shipments; door-to-door service.
Tracking and Delivery Time Comparisons
Economy shipping may take 2–4 weeks, but it costs significantly less than express. Some carriers offer free tracking, while others charge extra; factor that into your pricing. Express delivery will take less time to deliver but, obviously for valid reasons, will charge you more. So, choose express delivery only when your shipment is urgent. For other non-so-urgent shipment, choose economy shipping modes and save money.
Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel to Ireland
Estimated Costs by Weight Category
- Up to 2kg: $20–$30 via Australia Post or Sendle.
- 5–10kg: Expect to pay around $60–$100.
- 30kg+: Freight services like DTDC Australia, DHL, UPS, or sea freight options can be 30–40% cheaper than express.
Courier Options with Parcel Tracking
Reliable choices include DTDC Australia, DHL eCommerce, Interparcel, and Australia Post with tracking. Tracking adds peace of mind and helps avoid lost items.
Small vs Large Parcel: Cheapest Methods Compared
What’s the Cheapest Way to Send a Small Parcel?
- Use padded envelopes for items under 500g.
- Choose postal services like Australia Post or DTDC Australia.
- Avoid couriers for tiny items—they often have minimum weight pricing.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Send a Large Parcel?
- Use freight forwarders or booking platforms, such as DTDC Australia.
- Compare rates across couriers for anything over 10kg.
- Consider road or sea freight if delivery isn’t urgent.
Cost Table by Size (Estimates)
| Parcel Type | Weight Range | Cost (Local) | Cost (International) |
| Small | Up to 2kg | $9–$15 | $20–$40 |
| Medium | 5–10kg | $20–$30 | $60–$90 |
| Large | 30kg+ | $50–$80 | $120–$200+ |
What’s the Cheapest Way to Send a 30kg Parcel?
Use of Freight vs Standard Courier
When dealing with 30kg or more, freight becomes your best friend:
- Standard couriers: Usually charge high premiums.
- Freight companies: Offer better rates, especially for commercial or pallet shipping.
When to Choose Pallet Shipping or Road Freight
- Use pallet shipping if you’re moving multiple heavy parcels. Bulk shipments can go best with a Pallet.
- Road freight is ideal for intra-state or short-distance deliveries within Australia or other nations.
Volume Discounts and Pickup Options
- Business accounts can save 10–20% through bulk shipping deals. When you ship in bulk, you tend to save a lot with discounts and offers, and also, sea freight becomes economical.
- Choose drop-off over pickup to reduce service fees. Courier companies offer both drop-off and pickup facilities for you to choose from.
Tips to Reduce Parcel Shipping Costs
Use Packaging that Minimizes Dimensional Weight
Choose snug, square boxes. Extra air means extra charges. Use bubble wrap sparingly and try vacuum-sealing soft goods.
Compare Rates Before Booking
DTDC Australia has an advanced quote tool that not only makes booking easier for you but also lets you compare rates for different courier companies before booking. Yes, now at one platform, you can compare the rates of the various shipment services around you and choose for yourself the one that fits all your requirements. And not just that, booking for a courier service via DTDC Australia comes with lots of discounts and offers.
Choose Slower Delivery Speeds When Urgency Isn’t a Factor
Standard economy shipping may take longer, but it often saves 40–60% on costs. So if your parcel doesn’t require express shipment, always go for standard or economy options. Every courier company has such options as they are widely used. Do remember to compare the rates beforehand and choose the one that charges the least.
Consider Bundle Shipping for Business Needs
If you ship regularly:
- Negotiate rates with carriers.
- Use fulfillment services for better deals.
- Invest in automation or software tools to manage orders and printing labels.
Conclusion
If you, too, worry about shipping charges like my parents, then I hope I’ve been able to offer you some relief. Follow these tips, research and compare the price rates, and you will surely get the best out of these courier services at as low prices as possible. We will come up with more such tips to make shipment comfortable and affordable for you.
