Expedited International Shipping

The intense competition in the Canadian market sees nearly 472,000 eCommerce companies compete with one another and sustain in the long run. 

This is why eCommerce businesses need to focus on providing faster shipping. It will help them keep up with customers’ demand for same-day and next-day delivery. 

In a cluttered eCommerce marketplace, quick and efficient delivery can make your business stand out from the rest and win your customers’ loyalty.

For faster shipping, expedited international shipping is crucial since it offers a competitive advantage.

International expedited shipping also reduces cart abandonment. When customers see a fast delivery option, they may not abandon their shopping carts thinking of long shipping times. As a result, it enhances the customer experience by delivering packages faster.

Additionally, faster delivery times can open up new markets and attract customers from distant regions. 

This article talks about what expedited international shipping means, how it works, advantages, cost, etc. 

What is International Expedited Shipping?

Expedited international shipping is a fast shipping method that delivers orders to customers quickly. 

But how long does expedited international shipping take? Well, expedited shipping delivers packages in 1 to 3 days, or even on the same day depending service types carriers offer.

As an eCommerce business, it is not always easy to implement expedited shipping. A few questions will crop up in your mind, such as “How fast this shipping is?” “Do my customers need this?” You will get answers to these questions.

Fast expedited international shipping time not only makes customers happy but also enhances their overall shopping journey. When customers know they can get a fast shipping option, they are more likely to come back for repeat purchases. 

Customers often tend to buy more items to qualify for expedited shipping. For example, you can offer free expedited shipping on the order amount of $300. It will incentivize larger purchases.

Understanding Expedited Shipping Services

Each carrier in Canada offers various expedited shipping options that can fulfill your eCommerce shipping needs. Here are a few of them:

FedEx

Some of the expedited shipping options for international shipments for FedEx are:

• FedEx International Priority Shipping: Delivers packages in 1 to 3 business days;
• FedEx International First: Delivers packages before 9:00 am of the next possible business day;
• FedEx International Economy: Delivers packages in 1 to 3 business days.

UPS

UPS offers the expedited shipping options for international shipping as below:

• UPS Express Plus: For time-sensitive delivery by morning, noon, or end of the day; 
• UPS Express Critical: The fastest service of UPS. You can order it by calling 1-800-714-8779 or sending an email to [email protected]. 

Canada Post 

Canada Post offers expedited international shipping including:

• Xpresspost USA: Delivers packages in 2 to 3 business days; 
• Expedited Parcel USA: Delivers packages in 4 to 7 business days, with up to $1,000 additional liability coverage. 
• Priority Worldwide: Delivers packages by 10:30 am on the next day.

Purolator

• Purolator Express International 9:00 am: Delivers packages by 9:00 am on the second business day.
• Purolator Express International 10:30 am: Delivers packages by 10:30 am on the second business day.
• Purolator Express International 12:00 pm: Delivers packages by 12:00 pm on the second business day from select points.
• Purolator Express International: Delivers packages the second business day to most overseas destinations.

DHL

• DHL Express Worldwide: Delivers packages the next possible business day all over the world. 
• DHL Express 12:00: Delivers packages by 12:00 pm the next possible business day;
• DHL Express 9:00: Delivers packages by 9:00 am the next business day;
• DHL Express 10:30: Delivers packages by 10:30 am to various international destinations.

Other Expedited Services of DHL are:

• DHL Same Day: A same-day service that picks up and delivers packages on the same day.
• DHL Economy Select: Day-definite delivery.

You can check out the eConomy International shipping options here

How Expedited International Shipping Works

Expedited international shipping involves prioritizing a package for faster delivery to overseas destinations.

Expedited shipping typically utilizes air freight for long distances, ground transportation for shorter distances, and express courier services for door-to-door delivery. Due to this, faster delivery of shipments is possible. 

The shipping rates of expedited shipping are usually higher. 

Key Points about Expedited International Shipping:

Faster Delivery Time: Mainly uses air freight for long-distance shipments for the fastest delivery times. 

Dedicated Transportation: This type of shipping often involves dedicated trucks for ground transport, minimizing stops, and optimizing delivery speed.

Priority Handling: Packages that come through expedited shipping gets priority treatment throughout the shipping process, including quicker processing, sorting, and loading. 

The Steps of Expedited Shipping: 

Placing an Order: The sender chooses expedited international shipping when placing an order. 

Package Pickup: The shipping carrier picks up the package. 

Processing and Labeling: Processing and labeling of packages are done quickly for priority handling. 

Air Freight Transportation: For long distances, the package is transported via air cargo. 

Customs Clearance: The shipping carrier manages customs clearance procedures faster customs clearance. 

Delivery: The carrier delivers the package to the recipient via ground transportation or express courier service. 

Cost Factors in Expedited International Shipping

The cost factors of expedited international shipping include:

Distance: Longer distances results in higher airfare costs, leading to a higher shipping cost. 

Package Weight and Dimensions: Heavier and larger packages need more space on the aircraft, affecting the cost. 

Delivery Speed: Despite higher shipping costs, expedited shipping delivers packages much faster than standard shipping. 

Special Handling: There may be additional fees for items that need special packaging, temperature control, or fragile handling. 

Customs Clearance Fees: Charges for customs procedures at the destination country can vary depending on the type of items and regulations.

Air Freight Charges: The air transportation cost, which is often the main expense in expedited international shipping. 

Surcharges: For peak seasons, carriers may add surcharges, remote areas, or specific cargo types. 

Origin and Destination: Shipping costs may be higher in some countries due to infrastructure or regulatory factors. 

Read more on cheapest way to ship internationally from Canada.

Key Things to Consider:

Select Carrier: Different carriers offer varying service types and pricing, so comparing charges is crucial.

Optimize Packaging: Proper packaging can minimize shipping costs by reducing weight and volume.

Incoterms: Understanding the Incoterms (international commercial terms) used in the shipment clarifies the parties responsible for costs. 

Tracking Expedited International Shipments

Most expedited shipping services offer efficient tracking features to monitor the whereabouts of the package.

Expedited international shipping tracking is the same as tracking other packages. Most shipping carriers offer a tracking system that shippers or business owners can access via their website or a dedicated mobile app.

Generally, the following are the steps for shipment tracking:

• When you book an expedited shipping service with a carrier such as Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, DHL, or any other provider, you will receive a tracking number. A tracking number or ID is a combination of numbers and maybe letters that uniquely identifies your shipment for international tracking.

• Go to the carrier’s website you are using or download their mobile app. Mostly all the major carriers have a ‘Track’ or ‘Track Your Shipment’ option visibly displayed on their homepage.

• Enter your tracking number in the given field and click ‘Submit.’ 

• A page will come up and show the current status of your shipment. It will also show other details such as the point of origin of the package, its estimated delivery timeline, and its last known location. Some carriers may also provide tracking updates via email or SMS.

The tracking facility is particularly useful for packages shipped expedited shipping that need to reach their destination in a short time period.

Customs Considerations for Expedited Shipping

For expedited international shipping, the customs requirements are mostly the same as standard shipping. However, there is a strong attention on accurate and complete documentation to expedite the clearance process and to avoid delays at customs. 

Key Things to Remember for Expedited Customs Clearance:

Accurate Product Descriptions: Specify the type of your goods, including model numbers and other specifics to avoid misclassification. 

Proper Valuation: Do a correct valuation of your item and declare the value on the commercial invoice to avoid customs bottlenecks.

Correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HS) codes: Use the appropriate HS code for your products. It will help customs officials quickly identify the applicable taxes and duties. 

Pre-clearance Procedures: Some countries allow pre-clearance procedures where customs officials review documents before a shipment arrives, and speed up the process. 

Customs Broker services: Utilizing a customs broker with expertise in the destination country can streamline customs clearance, especially for complex shipments. 

Electronic Submission of Documents: These days, many countries allow submitting customs documents electronically, which can significantly reduce processing time. 

Compliance with Import/Export Regulations: Be aware of any specific regulations related to the type of items you are shipping, including restricted items. 

Important Documents for Expedited International Shipping:

Commercial Invoice: A document containing all the details, including description, quantity, unit price, and total value of the goods. 

Packing List: An item list in the shipment, matching the details on the commercial invoice. 

Bill of Lading (or Airwaybill): A document with the shipping details, such as origin and destination. This document serves as a contract between the shipper and carrier. 

Certificate of Origin: This document states the country where the items were manufactured, often required for certain types of goods 

Export Declaration Form: A document needed by the exporting country to track exports.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Expedited International Shipping

Advantages of Expedited Shipping:

• Faster Deliveries: Expedited shipping delivers packages faster, fulfilling time-sensitive delivery needs. 

Customers appreciate receiving their orders quickly, especially when they need their packages urgently. It makes expedited shipping a valuable service.

• Guaranteed Delivery: Due to expedited shipping, customers can receive their packages on specific delivery dates, providing convenience for urgent shipments. 

This feature ensures that customers know when to expect their orders, which is beneficial for time-sensitive items.

• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Quick shipping options make customers happy by meeting the demand for fast and efficient delivery services. 

When customers receive their orders promptly, they have a positive impression of the business and become loyal to it. 

• Extra Freight Security: Expedited shipping reduces the number of touchpoints during transit. This way, it minimizes the risk of goods getting damaged and improves overall security. 

• More Visibility: Expedited shipping offers efficient tracking and visibility, allowing customers to monitor their packages. 

Higher visibility enables customers to stay updated about the status of their orders and ensures a smoother delivery process.

Disadvantages of Expedited Shipping:

• Increased Cost: The cost of expedited shipping is higher compared to standard delivery options. High shipping fees may turn away budget-conscious customers and reduce profit margins. 

• Logistical Challenges: Providing expedited shipping can pose logistical challenges for businesses. There will be a need for additional resources and processes to meet customers’ demand for faster delivery. 

From managing inventory to coordinating with shipping carriers, businesses need to streamline their operations to efficiently fulfill expedited orders.

• Inconsistency: External factors such as poor weather conditions or transportation delays can affect delivery times. It may result in inconsistencies and disappoint customers. 

Despite the best efforts of eCommerce businesses to expedite shipments, unforeseen circumstances can affect the reliability of expedited shipping services.

Best Practices for eCommerce Businesses

For eCommerce businesses, the best practices for expedited international shipping are below: 

Market Research and Insights:

• Identify international markets for your business, their specific shipping needs, and regulations. 
• Review customer expectations about delivery speed and cost. 

Selecting a Logistics Partner:

• Select a reputable international shipping carrier with a strong network and expertise in expedited shipping. 
• Consider the carrier’s experience in your target markets and their customs clearance capabilities. 

Optimizing Packaging:

• For packaging, use lightweight, durable materials to minimize shipping costs while ensuring product safety. 
• Label packages appropriately according to international standards. 

Free Shipping Thresholds:

Encourage customers to buy larger orders by setting free shipping thresholds. It will motivate customers to spend more to be eligible for free shipping.

Shipping Method and Cost:

• Offer several expedited shipping options to fulfill different customer needs and budgets. 
• Highlight shipping costs, including any potential customs fees. 

Efficiency in Order Fulfillment:

• Streamline the order processing workflow to minimize delays in picking, packing, and shipping. 

Transparency and Communication:

• Provide a real-time tracking feature to update customers throughout the shipping process. 
• Notify customers about potential delivery delays proactively. 

Customs Compliance:

• Understand and adhere to all customs regulations in your target markets, including documentation requirements. 
• Properly classify your products for customs clearance. 

Inventory Management:

Maintain sufficient inventory levels to meet demand and avoid stockouts 

Technology Integration:

• Utilize shipping management software to automate label generation, tracking, and customs documentation. 

Calculate Costs:

• Calculate shipping costs accurately, considering weight, size, packaging, destination, and potential customs fees. 

Conclusion

Shipping is a stressful aspect of an eCommerce business. This is because the process involves substantial budgets, responsibility, and unpredictability of relying on your shipping partner. If everything does not fall into place, things can go haywire. 

You need to do a lot of research and background checks in the shipping industry to identify the right shipping partner. 

Most importantly, if you frequently send packages to overseas destination, your shipping part should be capable of managing it efficiently. For example, to meet customers’ fast shipping needs, you should be able to offer expedited international shipping to fulfill your orders. 

This guide will help you understand the various aspects of expedited shipping and the actions you should take. It will help optimize your shipping process, reduce fulfillment costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

FAQs

Q: What is expedited international shipping, and how does it differ from standard shipping?

Ans: Expedited international shipping is a faster delivery option for international packages. It will arrive at the destination much quicker than standard international shipping. However, the costs of this type of shipping are usually higher due to priority processing and quicker transit times. Conversely, standard shipping is a more affordable option that takes longer to deliver packages.

Q: Which carriers offer expedited international shipping services from Canada?

Ans: Some carriers that offer expedited shipping from Canada are FedEx, UPS, Canada Post, Purolator, DHL, etc.

Q: How are shipping costs calculated for expedited international deliveries?

Ans: Shipping costs for expedited international deliveries are calculated based on a few factors including package weight, dimensions, destination country, chosen shipping type (speed), or any additional services like insurance. During the calculation, often the “dimensional weight” is considered, which include the package size alongside its weight to determine the final shipping cost

Q: How can I track my expedited international shipment?

Ans: To track an expedited international shipment, go to the carrier’s website, navigate their tracking page, and enter the tracking number. Most carriers provide real-time updates on the order status, including location, and estimated delivery time.

Q: Are there any size or weight limitations for expedited international shipping?

Ans: Expedited international shipping services largely have size and weight limitations. Typically, the maximum weight limit is around 150 pounds (68kg) for most carriers. There are also limitations on the combined length and girth of the parcel depending on the destination country.

Q: How do customs procedures affect expedited shipping times?

Ans: Customs procedures can significantly affect expedited shipping times by causing delays due to necessary document checks, inspections, and potential issues with paperwork accuracy. Although some expedited shipping services include dedicated customs brokers to streamline the process, delays can still happen if documentation is not ready or if the items require further scrutiny from customs authorities.

Q: How can I choose the best expedited shipping service for my specific needs?

Ans: To choose the best expedited shipping service, consider factors such as delivery speed, shipping cost, coverage area, package size and weight limitations, and reliability of the carrier. Based on your specific needs, you can compare options from leading carriers like Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Purolator, and others to find the best fit for your business.

Q: What documents are required for expedited international shipping?Ans: For expedited international shipping, necessary documents usually include a commercial invoice, bill of lading (or airway bill), certificate of origin, customs declaration, packing list, shipper’s letter of instruction (SLI), and an export license, depending on the items.