Shipping to France from the US? Checkout this quick breakdown of the cheapest rates, customs and where to find the best value rates for eCommerce shipping
The French eCommerce market is booming! 2023 eCommerce sales in France were an estimated €160 Billion. This is a huge increase of over 10% compared to the 2022 total of €144.7 Billion! This booming market is showing huge potential for ambitious global eCommerce entrepreneurs!
Navigating the complexities of international shipping can be daunting for eCommerce businesses aiming to ship to France. With the right strategy, however, it's possible to streamline the shipping process, manage shipping costs effectively, and provide value to your customers.
This guide explores cost-effective solutions for shipping internationally, focusing on shipping services that enhance your bottom line while ensuring customer satisfaction.
What is International Shipping, and Why Does it Matter?
International shipping involves transporting goods across borders, from the United States to France, among other destinations. It's crucial for accessing new markets and meeting the growing demand for global products.
Understanding the customs clearance process, shipping restrictions, and import duties is essential for a seamless delivery process, adhering to French customs regulations. In the competitive world of eCommerce, offering affordable and efficient standard shipping options to France is a game-changer.
This is particularly true when leveraging international shipping services like FedEx International Economy, United Parcel Service (UPS), and the United States Postal Service (USPS) for shipping packages. A strategic approach to customs clearance and selecting the right courier services can significantly impact your shipping rates and overall customer experience.
Cheapest Shipping to France From the USA
With a fast-growing eCommerce market, affordable and effective shipping to France can help unlock growth for ambitious online stores based in the USA. However, being over 3,300 miles away from Maine, the closest mainland state to France, getting a single shipment or package delivered can feel complex compared to domestic shipping.
If you are shipping to France from the USA, you might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from New York to the French capital, Paris.
We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:
Weight of package: 2lb
Box Dimensions: 12in x 11in x 1.5in
Contents for customs forms: shipment of books
Origin: New York, USA
Destination: Paris, France
To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each USA to France service for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers. While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.
Courier
Delivery Time
Tracking
Total Cost
Flat Export
10 - 13 working days
Limited
$20.88
OrangeDS - Expedited
13 - 20 working days
Basic
$23.88
Asendia - e-PAQ Plus
6 - 15 working days
Regular
$23.95
Passport - Priority Delcon
17 - 22 working days
Regular
$24.94
Asendia - e-PAQ Standard
6 - 15 working days
Basic
$25.60
USPS - First Class International
8 - 12 working days
Basic
$27.11
UPS Worldwide Expedited®
2 working days
Excellent
$39.21
UPS Worldwide Saver®
2 - 5 working days
Excellent
$40.76
Aramex - Parcel
5 - 8 working days
Basic
$45.85
UPS Worldwide Express®
2 - 3 working days
Excellent
$45.87
Asendia - ePAQ Select
4 - 9 working days
Regular
$58.11
USPS - Priority Mail International
10 - 16 working days
Regular
$66.15
USPS - Priority Mail Express International
6 - 9 working days
Regular
$76.43
Cheapest Service:
Flat Export - $20.88
This option offers the lowest price but has the longest delivery time (10-13 working days) and limited tracking.
Best Value Service: (tie)
Asendia - e-PAQ Plus: $23.95
Asendia - e-PAQ Standard: $25.60
These services offer a balance between price and delivery time (6-15 working days) with regular tracking. They are very competitively priced with a slight difference that might not be a deciding factor.
Consider choosing based on these factors:
Tracking preference: If regular tracking is sufficient, either option works.
Delivery time preference: If a slightly faster delivery is important, consider e-PAQ Plus.
Fastest Service:
UPS Worldwide Expedited® - $39.21
This service offers the quickest delivery (2 working days) with excellent tracking. However, it is significantly more expensive than the cheaper options.
How to Ship to France
1. Choose the Right International Shipping Services
Selecting shipping services that offer competitive pricing and expedited delivery options, such as FedEx International Priority or FedEx International Connect, can enhance your shipping experience. Services like UPS Worldwide Saver also offer cost savings through discounted rates for international shipments.
2. Optimize Shipping Costs
Utilize a shipping calculator to compare shipping rates and find the cheapest way to ship packages. Consider economy shipping options and package delivery services that provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on delivery times. Package weight and package dimensions play a significant role in determining shipping costs.
3. Navigate the Customs Clearance Process
A smooth customs clearance process is vital for shipping to France. Familiarize yourself with customs regulations and import duties to avoid unforeseen circumstances and hidden fees from customs authorities. Ensure your shipment complies with French customs regulations, including restrictions on hazardous materials and prohibited items.
FREE Import Duty Calculator to France
Use this FREE Import Duty Calculator to estimate your tax and duties when shipping from the United States to France based on your shipment value and product type.
4. Leverage Technology for Efficiency
Shipping platforms can streamline the shipping process, offering tracking capabilities in an online portal, discounted pricing structures, and simplifying the customs clearance process. This technology ensures that your shipment arrives and is delivered efficiently to major cities in France.
5. Understand Shipping Internationally
When shipping internationally, it's crucial to account for shipping restrictions, customs value, and potential additional fees from shipping companies. International shippers should know customs requirements and ensure special handling for oversized packages or restricted items.
International Shipping: Beyond France
Expanding your shipping services to France opens the door to further international opportunities. Utilize this guide to navigate international shipping, applying best practices to other markets for continuous improvement.
Remember, successful international shipping is about more than logistics; it's about connecting with customers worldwide and building lasting relationships.
Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship
Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.
Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.
We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:
Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers worldwide
Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process
Free Import Duties & Taxes Calculator: Estimate your tax and duties when shipping from the United States to France based on your shipment value and product type.
Shipping items to France and other international destinations efficiently and affordably is achievable with strategic planning and the right partners. By understanding and implementing cost-effective shipping options, customs procedures, and leveraging express services, you can enhance your shipping experience, meet customer expectations, and drive profitability.
FAQ’s
How much would it cost to ship to France?
Easyship can help you compare rates to France from the largest range of carriers globally (Check our FREE to use Shipping Calculator for the latest rates).
Does USPS ship to France?
Yes, USPS offers international shipping, including France.
What is prohibited to ship to France?
Restrictions apply, check French customs regulations or use Easyship's compliance tools.
Does UPS ship from US to France?
Yes, UPS ships internationally, including France (get a quote on Easyship).
How long is shipping from France to US?
Shipping times depend on origin, service, and customs, Easyship can estimate for you.
What does it cost to ship to France?
Easyship helps you compare rates to France from various carriers.
What shipping service does France use?
There's no single French shipping service, Easyship helps you find the best option.
Does UPS ship to France from USA?
Yes, UPS ships internationally, including France (get a quote on Easyship).
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Key points
Key Points:
This guide explores cost-effective solutions for shipping from the USA to France, including cheapest, best value and fastest options.
Choosing the right service, optimizing costs, navigating customs and leveraging technology are key to successful shipping to France.
By strategically planning your shipping process, you can reach new customers in France and grow your business.