Economy International Shipping

Economy international shipping is the most affordable delivery option for sending parcels to overseas locations. Although this method is particularly optimized for cost-effectiveness, you need to compromise delivery time for that.

This is why unlike standard and express shipping services, international economy shipping takes longer to deliver packages to their destinations. 

Despite the longer delivery time, the cost-saving would make it worthwhile. It is the ideal delivery option if you are looking to ship bulky items or fragile products to international locations without burning a hole in your pocket. 

In today’s competitive market, customers not only consider the product quality, but they also prioritize the shipping cost and delivery speed. 

In this article, we will talk about economy international shipping, its benefits, cost, delivery time, comparison between economy international and standard international shipping, and more. 

Economy vs. Standard Shipping: Which One to Choose?

The main difference between economy international shipping and standard international shipping is the delivery time. Economy international shipping time is longer than standard shipping service. 

Economy International Shipping	Standard International Shipping
Most low-cost option	Higher shipping cost than the economy international service
Affordable rates for bulk shipments	Provides a balance between affordability and faster shipping.
Slower delivery than Standard shipping	Faster delivery than economy shipping
Suitable for sending low-value items	Suitable for sending fragile items
Ideal for non-urgent deliveries	Ideal for time-sensitive deliveries
Has standard packaging services	More robust packaging
No proactive tracking options	More frequent tracking updates

Benefits of Economy International Shipping

Economy international shipping is a common shipping service available with Canadian carriers.

It is also a cost-effective option. However, it is a slow and steady shipping method instead of express speed. Here are the key benefits of economy international shipping:

Low Shipping Cost

After navigating a website and browsing product categories, most consumers abandon their shopping carts due to the higher shipping charges. 

Are you aware that nearly 69.57% of online shoppers abandon their shopping carts when they see high shipping charges?

Regardless of how attractive and desirable an item looks, high shipping charges are always a turnoff for customers. 

If you have a limited budget for your order fulfillment, and you also need to retain customers in the long run, opting for economy international shipping is your best solution to affordable shipping. 

Best for Non-Urgent Deliveries

Economy international shipping time is usually slower and delivers orders in 7 to 21 days. This type of shipping is ideal for non-urgent deliveries. 

Although the delivery delays are worth it due to the cost you save. For sending gifts during the holiday season and other non-urgent items, this shipping method is ideal. 

Ideal for Bulk Shipping

Economy international shipping allows businesses to ship bulk packages to overseas destinations. Although this type of shipping is not time-sensitive, its low cost will enable you to ship more packages internationally.

Sturdy Packaging

Although economy shipping is a budget-friendly option, it does not mean that the packaging is low-quality. 

Even with shipping affordability, the packaging of your shipment will be sturdy enough to keep your items safe during transit. However, you need to comply with those international packaging rules to ensure your packages reach their destinations securely.

Wider Market Reach 

Economy international shipping can help you reach wider overseas markets by expanding your business and attracting customers from different regions.

Top Carriers for Economy International Shipping in Canada

The following are the top carriers that offer economy international shipping in Canada:

ShippingChimp 

ShippingChimp is Canada’s No.1 eCommerce shipping platform that offers economy shipping as a low-cost option for sending packages:

• Delivery timeline: Takes 3 to 5 business days
• Shipping cost starts from $7.42
• Shipping tracking feature: Integrated tracking is available on the website

Shipping costs vary based on the destination and the weight of the package.

Canada Post 

Canada Post is a federal government-owned corporation that offers affordable shipping rates for international shipping. 

• Delivery timeline: Delivery of small packages via air takes 6 to 10 business days. Delivery to small packages via surface takes 4 to 12 weeks.
• Shipping costs for small packet international air starts from $50.75. Shipping charges for small packets international surface start from $46.66
• Shipping tracking feature: You can track your shipment by entering the tracking number on the Canada Post website

Purolator 

Purolator is a reputable shipping carrier that is 91% owned by Canada Post. The carrier offers exceptional domestic and international shipping services, including economy international shipping. 

• Delivery timeline: between 2 days and 4 weeks
• Shipping cost depends on the package weight, distance, delivery speed, etc.
• Shipping tracking feature: Tracking facility available on the website

FedEx 

FedEx offers its economy shipping service via FedEx Ground, which is an affordable way to ship packages for small businesses. 

• Delivery timeline: between 2 and 7 business days
• Shipping cost starts from $9.25 (3-pound parcel)
• Shipping tracking feature: FedEx tracking included

UPS 

UPS offers economy shipping through UPS Worldwide Economy service. It is a low-cost international small parcel service ideal for low-weight, low-value packages.

• Delivery timeline: Between 5 and 8 business days
• Shipping costs from Canada to other countries are often between CAD 25 and CAD 100 for parcels weighing from 45g to 9kg 
• Shipping tracking feature: UPS offers a global tracking facility for packages

DHL 

DHL offers economy shipping through DHL Express and DHL eCommerce. Especially, DHL eCommerce provides an affordable option with slower shipping time.

• Delivery timeline: DHL eCommerce international parcel direct takes 3 to 10 business days. DHL eCommerce packet international takes 4 to 8 business days
• Shipping cost depends on the package weight, dimension, distance, etc.
• Shipping tracking feature: DHL tracking feature is available

Cost Factors for Economy International Shipping

The following factors affect the cost of economy international shipping:

Weight and dimensions: The weight and dimensions of a package can increase or reduce shipping costs.

Distance: The distance between the point of origin and destination determines the shipping cost, the higher the distance the higher the shipping cost. 

High Demand for Freight: When the demand for shipping space is high, carriers can charge higher prices.

Fuel costs: Carriers add a percentage of fuel cost to the total freight charge to protect their profitability.

Port Congestion: If your shipment goes through some of the busiest ports in the world, they could be obstacles in the supply chain. As a result, fuel costs will increase and package delivery will be delayed. 

Some of these ports are in Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore, as China and other Asian countries have increased their domestic production and exports. 

If you ship through one of these busiest ports, there is always a possibility that your shipping cost will likely go up and deliveries will take longer. 

Customs: International shipping requires complying with customs regulations and paying taxes, customs duties, and clearance procedures. 

Misc. fees: There could be various miscellaneous charges such as residential deliveries, private gate entries or redelivery requests that can add to shipping costs. 

Other factors that can also affect shipping costs are:

• Delivery speed
• Routes 
• Mode of transportation
• Warehouse processing
• Special handling fees
• Surcharges
• Transshipments

How to Choose the Right Economy International Shipping Option

In this time of globalization, choosing the ideal economy international shipping method for your business can be daunting. It is a crucial decision that can significantly affect your business operations. 

Whether you are planning to expand your business to a new country or sending items regularly to international markets, understanding various aspects of economy shipping is essential to integrate it successfully with their process. 

There are key factors to consider while choosing between air and ocean freight, allowing you to make an informed decision that aligns with your business objectives, priorities, and requirements.

To choose the right economy international shipping option, consider the following factors:

Delivery Time: Economy international shipping usually takes longer than express services. This is why only choose it if your shipments are not time-sensitive and your customers don’t mind waiting. 

Package Size and Weight: Bigger and heavier packages may get more benefits from economy international shipping because of potentially reduced per-unit costs. 

Destination Country Regulations: Check customs regulations, duties and possible delays in the destination country, as these can affect the delivery time and cost. 

Tracking Option: Most economy shipping comes with a basic tracking facility. However, you need to compare how many detailed updates each carrier provides to keep your customers happy.  

Insurance: Assess the insurance options available for your shipment value, especially if you are shipping fragile items. 

Carrier Comparison: Compare shipping costs and estimated delivery times of multiple carriers to identify the one that offers value to your business.  

You can choose economy shipping in the following cases:

Bulk Shipping: When sending large quantities of non-urgent items.

Low-value Items: For items with a relatively low price tag where faster shipping might not be justified. 

Cost-conscious Customers: If your primary concern is price and customers are willing to wait for delivery.

Preparing Your Package for Economy Shipping

Here are the primary types of packaging materials that are used for making packages:

Air Pillows & Bubble Wrap

Various air pillows and bubble wrap products are available on the market for packaging. Some of these products come with biodegradable and recycled film. 

It is possible to reuse and even recycle biodegradable cushions in 12 to 24 months.

Besides, shipping carriers also use recycled insulated box liners, bubble wrap, and content pillows to protect temperature-sensitive and perishable items that are in transit for up to 48 hours.

Recycled Paper, Cardboard

Shipping companies also use shopping bags, recyclable boxes, paper, inner packaging materials, wraps, tape, twine, etc. for packaging shipped items. 

Padded Divider Sets

Shippers often use sectioned, cushioned boxes or ‘padded sets’ to package shipping items. These boxes provide cushioned coverings and surfaces on all sides for support. It is possible to send two incompatible goods in the same packaging using padded divider sets.

Foam Packaging

Various materials may be cut and given shapes appropriate for use in different packaging boxes. This packaging material is comparatively bigger and denser. It is primarily used for international shipping.

Mushrooms & Other Organic Materials

Sustainable packaging suppliers often grow mushrooms and provide packaging items made from them. Their designers work with clients to create custom-molded mycelium (fungus-based) packaging.

Customs and Documentation for International Shipments

The customs and documentation requirements for international shipping are below:

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is used by customs authorities to assess import duties, calculate taxes, and determine the eligibility of the goods for duty and tax purposes. 

Certificate of Origin

The certificate of origin certifies the country where the items were produced. Customs authorities need this document to determine the eligibility of applicable duty rates under the trade policies of the importing/exporting country. 

Customs Declaration Form

A Customs declaration form is needed to declare the contents, value, and price of the imported or exported items. 

Airway Bill (AWB)

The Airway Bill or the ‘air cargo receipt’ is a crucial document that the airline or freight forwarder issues. It works as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier and mentions the terms and conditions of transit. 

Bill of Lading (B/L)

The bill of lading is a legal document that the carrier or freight forwarder issues to acknowledge the receipt of the shipped items. The bill of lading includes details like the origin and destination of the items, the description of goods, etc.

Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Code 

The IEC code is a unique identification number that the trade authorities issue to the importers and exporters. The IEC Code is useful for tracking and monitoring the movement of shipments and allows regulation of imports/exports by the government.

Packing List

A packing list provides a detailed description of the contents of each package or container being shipped. The list includes details such as the list of items, their weight, quantities, dimensions, and more. 

Export and Import Licenses 

The government issues export and import licenses to authorize businesses that import or export specific items. Such licenses are needed for restricted items like military equipment, agricultural products, dual-use items, pharmaceuticals, etc. 

The shipper’s letter of instructions (SLI)

The shipper provides SLI to the carrier or freight forwarder, specifying the instructions for handling, shipping, and delivering the items. 

Hazardous Goods Certificate

The hazardous goods certificate is essential to ensure the shipment has complied with international regulations and is safe to move to the overseas location.

How Long Does Economy International Shipping Take

There is no standard time frame for shipping via economy international services. For this type of shipping, the lead time depends on the factors below:

• Courier company
• Shipping zone or state (or country)

Delivery time will be longer for a package traveling to a far-off overseas destination, and faster for a package shipped to the US. For example, it takes around 1-5 business days to ship a package via economy services within the United States.

The average delivery time is usually 7-21 business days to most major international destinations.

Tracking Options for Economy International Shipping

Most economy international shipping services offer basic tracking facilities, like the parcel’s pickup time and estimated delivery date.

A study has revealed that more than 52% of online shoppers don’t buy or cancel their orders if they don’t know where the parcel has reached or its estimated delivery time. 

The economy international shipping tracking is less efficient compared to standard and other types of shipping due to its limited updates. It could affect your sales and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Economy international shipping is slower than standard shipping, and the main difference between these two types of shipping methods is mainly for international shipping. When shipping abroad, economy shipping takes longer to deliver packages than standard shipping. 

Choosing the right type of economy international shipping depends on your business requirements. This is the type of shipping method that might be ideal for your business if you ship non-urgent items and want to save significant shipping costs. 

Carefully review the pros and cons of economy shipping and how your chosen carrier makes the whole process seamless, which will affect your business and customer experience. 

Another practical option is partnering with a leading shipping platform that offers a range of economy shipping options and deep discounts on international shipping rates. 

FAQs

Q: What is economy international shipping? 

Ans: Economy international shipping is an affordable way to transport packages to international destinations. It’s a good option for shipping non-urgent, bulky, or fragile items.

Q: How long does economy international shipping take? 

Ans: Economy international shipping usually takes 7 to 21 days or more. However, the exact time frame can vary depending on several factors.

Q: Is tracking available for economy international shipping? 

Ans: Tracking is available for economy international shipping, but the tracking update may not be as detailed as standard shipping.

Q: Are there any restrictions on items for economy international shipping? 

Ans: Yes, with economy international shipping, there are restrictions on items you can send, including limitations on hazardous items like explosives, certain chemicals, flammable liquids, etc.

Q: Can I ship to a PO Box with economy international shipping?Ans: Generally, you can ship to a PO Box with economy international shipping. However, it’s important to check with your chosen carrier as not all carriers may deliver to PO boxes in every country.