How to Ship from the US to Australia

Virginia Miller

June 11, 2024

In this article

Currently the tenth highest e-commerce market in the world with the aid of revenue, Australia could be either a major help or hindrance for your business. If you aren’t already presenting and shipping your merchandise to Australian customers, you should be. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that shipment isn’t always an easy task.

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Since Australia is a far-flung country, air and sea shipments are going to take some time. It also has additional regulations and rules not found in other countries, making a delivery to Australia from the US an expensive, time-consuming, and difficult process — particularly for small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses. Some shipment options are better than others, though. Keep reading to learn about them, the policies, and the regulations that you should consider when expanding your e-commerce enterprise to Australia.

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How to Best Prepare for Shipping to Australia

When preparing to ship to Australia for the first time, it's important to choose a reliable carrier that can efficiently deliver your packages. We recommend using one of the four major carriers: USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. These companies have established partnerships and infrastructure in place to assist with customs, taxes, freight, and other shipping requirements to Australia.

USPS

USPS is a great budget-friendly option if fast delivery times aren't critical. You'll only pay a flat rate based on the mail type and package weight. USPS also offers convenient drop-off and pick-up locations.

UPS and FedEx

Both UPS and FedEx provide fast, dependable shipping to Australia with guaranteed delivery times. This means you can be confident your packages will arrive on-time. UPS and FedEx also track shipments door-to-door, so there's no need to transfer packages to Australia Post.

DHL

DHL is a top choice for shipping to Australia with very reasonable rates. They match the speed and reliability of UPS and FedEx. For seamless shipping to Australia, put DHL at the top of your list.

Understanding Customs Fees and Taxes

Thanks to the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement, there are minimal additional customs costs involved with shipping to Australia. Some tariffs may lead to small added expenses, but overall it remains affordable to ship from the US to Australia. Don’t worry. Nothing is going to seriously break the bank here. So, go ahead and ship to your heart’s content. Your business and profits will thank you.

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Next article: Shipping From the United States to Brazil

FAQs

What are the best carriers for shipping to Australia?

The most reliable carriers for shipping to Australia are USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. These major carriers have partnerships and infrastructure in Australia to assist with customs, taxes, freight, and delivery.

How long does it take to ship to Australia?

With UPS, FedEx, or DHL, standard shipping times to major Australian cities are about 3-5 business days. USPS can take 5-7 business days for delivery depending on the mail type.

Does it cost more to ship to Australia?

Thanks to a US-Australia Free Trade Agreement, there are minimal customs fees or expensive tariffs. The costs to ship to Australia are very reasonable for US retailers.

What do I need to know about taxes and duties?

You may need to pay some import duties and taxes, but overall costs remain affordable due to the trade agreements between the US and Australia.

How can I track packages shipped to Australia?

UPS, FedEx, and DHL allow you to track shipments online with a tracking number. USPS offers tracking options for certain mail types like Priority Mail Express.

Can I insure packages to Australia?

Yes, all major carriers offer insurance options to cover loss or damage. Valuable or fragile items can have declared value coverage.

What do I need to know about return shipping?

To simplify returns, use a carrier with assets in Australia. UPS, FedEx, and DHL can coordinate package pick-up and return delivery.

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