Your guide to Standard International Shipping in 2025

Expanding to global markets can be challenging for Canadian eCommerce businesses due to factors like high shipping costs, complex regulations, and frequent delivery delays, all of which can hinder growth and customer satisfaction.

Without a good shipping plan, businesses may lose sales or upset customers due to customs delays, tracking issues, or damaged packages. That’s where standard international shipping comes in as an affordable, reliable option that balances cost and efficiency.

This blog covers the features, carriers, challenges, and tips for using standard international shipping. Let’s go over some practical insights to help you streamline your shipping processes and expand your global reach.

What is Standard International Shipping?

Standard international shipping is a cost-effective option for delivering packages across borders within a reasonable timeframe. Unlike expedited or express shipping, it prioritizes saving money using shared freight networks and setting delivery routes. This approach makes it ideal for eCommerce businesses that aim to reach international customers while keeping costs low and service reliable.

The biggest advantage of standard international shipping is its competitive rates without major delays. This benefit makes standard shipping international a go-to option for businesses serving cost-conscious customers. While delivery times depend on the destination and carrier, it is an economy international shipping option that delivers goods while keeping operational costs and customer satisfaction in check.

Key Features of Standard International Shipping

Businesses seeking affordable global shipping solutions can explore how standard international shipping meets their needs and customer expectations. Here are some key aspects that make standard international shipping a practical and reliable choice:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most notable features of standard international shipping is its affordability compared to express or fast shipping options. It gives businesses a low-cost way to send products overseas without incurring high shipping costs. This advantage makes it an ideal pick for small and medium eCommerce businesses, especially if their customers are highly price-sensitive.

2. Typical Delivery Timeframes

Standard international shipping usually delivers packages within an estimated 6-10 business days, though the exact timeframe can vary based on the origin and destination countries, customs clearance procedures, and seasonal fluctuations during the holidays or peak shopping seasons.

3. Tracking Capabilities

Standard international shipping tracking features help customers monitor packages using a tracking number and provide updates at key points. Although they may not be as detailed as premium options, international shipping tracking capabilities add transparency and build trust, offering customers greater confidence in the shipping process.

4. Limitations

The main downside of standard international shipping is its slower delivery compared to express or expedited options. Due to regulations or logistics, there may also be limits on package size and weight or restrictions on certain items. Despite these challenges, affordability and reliability make standard shipping a preferred and smart choice for many businesses.

Major Carriers Offering Standard International Shipping in Canada

Canada offers several carriers for standard international shipping, each with their own features, delivery timelines, and coverage areas. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the carrier that best fits their needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major carriers:

Canada Post

Canada Post is a top choice for standard international shipping, known for its affordability and wide reach. Services like Small Packet International and Tracked Packet International cater to budget-friendly shipping needs.

• Delivery Times: 6-10 business days.
• Coverage: Over 190 countries.
• Features: Basic tracking for select services, cost-effective options, and reliable delivery.

Note: There may be restrictions on package weight and size.

UPS

UPS’s Standard Shipping is a reliable and cost-effective option for international shipments, particularly to the US and other global destinations.

• Delivery Times: 5-7 business days within North America.
• Coverage: Extensive network across international markets.
• Features: Detailed tracking, guaranteed delivery dates, and competitive pricing.

FedEx

FedEx offers cost-effective solutions for international shipping with its International Ground and Economy services.

• Delivery Times: 2-7 business days to the US and 6-10 business days for other destinations.
• Coverage: Extensive global reach.
• Features: Robust tracking options, competitive pricing, and insurance for added peace of mind.

DHL

DHL is a leader in international shipping, offering the DHL Express Worldwide service for time-sensitive shipments.

• Delivery Times: 1-3 business days.
• Coverage: Over 220 countries.
• Features: Comprehensive tracking tools, customs expertise, and reliable delivery for global shipments.

Service Comparison:

• Coverage: DHL and Canada Post cover most countries, but Canada Post is cheaper for small packages.
• Delivery Speed: FedEx and UPS usually ship within North America more quickly.
• Tracking: UPS and DHL give more detailed and frequent tracking updates than Canada Post.

How to Choose the Right Standard International Shipping Service

With affordability as your priority, it’s worth exploring the cheapest way to ship internationally from Canada to find options that suit your budget. Beyond cost, here are some crucial points to guide your decision:

1. Evaluate Your Destination Needs:

The destination country and its shipping regulations influence how fast is standard international shipping. Some carriers excel in specific regions- Canada Post suits smaller packages for remote locations, while FedEx and UPS offer faster delivery to North America.

2. Assess Package Specifications:

Think about your package’s weight, size, and value. Some carriers, like DHL, have better rates for heavier packages, while Canada Post is cheaper for lighter shipments. Additionally, check for package restrictions and ensure your items don’t break any shipping restrictions.

3. Compare Costs:

Get quotes from multiple carriers for your shipment. Most providers offer online tools to calculate shipping costs based on destination, weight, and dimensions. Choose a service that is affordable and reliable.

4. Evaluate Delivery Times and Tracking Options:

Compare how long is standard international shipping for each carrier and their tracking features. UPS or DHL offers detailed tracking for high-value goods, while budget-friendly options like Canada Post or FedEx Economy may suffice for less urgent shipments.

5. Prioritize Customer Experience

Customers value clear shipping policies and timely delivery. Choose a service that balances these with your budget. Analyze your needs, compare carriers, and select an efficient, cost-effective option to satisfy customers.

Understanding Tracking for Standard International Shipments

Tracking is a key part of standard international shipping, providing visibility into your package’s location as it travels from origin to destination. The carrier assigns a unique tracking number to each shipment, allowing customers to monitor its status online.

How Tracking Works:

• Scans at Key Transit Points: Carriers scan packages at various checkpoints, such as warehouses, customs facilities, and delivery hubs, updating their status.
• Tracking Information: Updates typically show when the package departs, when it arrives at intermediate locations, customs clearance, and final delivery.

Common Tracking Issues and Solutions:

• Delays in Updates:

Tracking systems may not always show real-time movement, especially during customs clearance. In such cases, check the carrier’s estimated delivery window and wait for the next update.

• Inconsistent Updates Between Countries:

International shipments often involve multiple carriers, causing gaps in tracking information. Using services like DHL or FedEx that partner with global logistics networks can minimize this issue.

• Lost or Delayed Shipments:

If no updates appear for an extended period, contact the carrier’s customer service with the tracking number for assistance. Some carriers also let shippers file claims for delayed or lost parcels.

Factors Influencing Delivery Times for Standard International Shipping

Understanding how long does international standard shipping take is key to anticipating potential delays and applying proactive strategies to minimize them effectively. Here are some key factors and mitigation tips to streamline your shipping process:

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is often the most time-consuming part of international shipping. Delays frequently occur due to incomplete documentation, restricted items, or shipments with high declared values.

Mitigation Tip: To ensure smooth processing, ensure that customs documentation, such as invoices, item descriptions, and HS codes, is accurate and complete.

Transit Routes and Carrier Schedules

Delivery timelines heavily depend on efficient transit routes and carrier schedules. Longer distances, limited flight availability, or delays in ocean freight can also impact shipping times.

Mitigation Tip: Partner with carriers with reliable routes and strong networks in your target destination to avoid unnecessary issues and ensure timely deliveries.

Peak Shipping Seasons

High-demand periods like holidays or sales events like Black Friday can overwhelm shipping networks, causing bottlenecks and longer delivery times.

Mitigation Tip: Plan shipments early before peak seasons and inform customers in advance about expected delays to set clear expectations.

Weather and Unforeseen Events

Natural disasters, political unrest, or strikes can disrupt global supply chains and cause unexpected shipping delays.

Mitigation Tip: Choose carriers that provide contingency plans or alternate routes in case of disruptions.

Regional Regulations and Restrictions

Certain countries impose specific restrictions, additional inspections, or extra regulatory requirements that slow down deliveries.

Mitigation Tip: Research the regulations of your destination country thoroughly and include them in your delivery estimates to avoid surprises.

Tips for Optimizing Standard International Shipping

Optimizing your standard international shipping process helps boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Streamline operations and ensure a more reliable and effective shipping experience as you:

1. Use Proper Packaging

Securely package your goods to withstand the bumps and handling during transit. Use strong materials like corrugated boxes and add protective padding. Add waterproof layers to guard against moisture and clearly label fragile items if needed.

2. Address Clearly and Accurately

Proper addressing is key to ensuring your shipment arrives on time. Always double-check the recipient’s name, address, postal code, and phone number. Use address labels with large, legible fonts, and include a return address.

3. Opt for Insurance

Standard international shipping doesn’t always cover lost or damaged items. Adding insurance helps protect the value of your shipment. Select insurance based on the package’s value and any risks associated with the destination.

4. Provide Accurate Documentation

Incomplete or incorrect customs documentation is a leading cause of delays. To avoid issues during customs inspections, include all necessary forms, such as commercial invoices, HS codes, and certificates of origin. Also, clearly describe the package contents and their purpose.

5. Leverage Tracking Options

Offer tracking services to customers so they can see where their shipment is at any time. This transparency reduces the need for frequent inquiries, keeps things clear, and helps build trust. Real-time updates make the shipping process smoother and leave customers feeling more satisfied.

6. Choose Reliable Carriers

Work with carriers that know how to handle standard international shipping. Check reviews and see how often they deliver on time. A good carrier makes shipping smoother, helps avoid delays, and keeps customers happy with reliable service.

7. Optimize Shipping Strategies

Look for ways to improve your shipping efficiency. You can consolidate multiple shipments into one to save money. You can also partner with fulfillment centers closer to your biggest markets to deliver faster. These strategies can lower expenses, improve delivery times, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Standard international shipping has its challenges, but by spotting problems ahead of time and implementing practical solutions, businesses can improve shipping and build trust. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:

Lost Shipments

Lost packages are common during international shipping, especially with handoffs between carriers. Always choose a reliable carrier with good tracking systems. Purchase shipping insurance to safeguard against financial losses and ensure customers receive a replacement soon.

Customs Holds

Packages can get stuck in customs because of missing or incorrect paperwork, prohibited items, or unpaid duties and taxes. To avoid shipping prohibited items or surprise fees, provide detailed and accurate customs forms with descriptions, values, and HS codes for the shipped items. Familiarize yourself with the destination country’s import regulations.

Managing International Returns

Dealing with returns for international orders can be complex and expensive. Explain your return policy to customers,  including who will pay for return shipping. Consider offering prepaid return labels for valuable customers or creating local return hubs to make the process easier.

Damaged Goods

Poor packaging often damages products during transit. Invest in sturdy, high-quality packaging materials and add protective padding. Clearly label fragile items so carriers can handle them with care during shipping.

Unexpected Delays

Bad weather, strikes, or route problems can slow down deliveries and frustrate customers.  To avoid major delays, inform customers beforehand and update them with new delivery dates. Choose carriers with contingency plans to handle such disruptions and avoid major delays.

To summarize, standard international shipping gives Canadian eCommerce businesses an affordable and reliable way to sell to customers worldwide, helping them expand their market reach and effectively meet global demand.

Businesses can streamline shipping, enhance customer satisfaction, and expand their international presence by choosing the right carriers, packing shipments properly, handling documentation, and addressing delays or customs holds.

Ready to take the hassle out of international shipping? Start streamlining your shipping today with ShippingChimp.

FAQs

1. What is standard international shipping, and how does it differ from express shipping?

Standard international shipping focuses on cost-effectiveness, which comes with longer delivery times, while express shipping prioritizes speed at a higher cost. Standard shipping is ideal for non-urgent shipments, especially when saving money is a priority.

2. How long does standard international shipping typically take from Canada?

Standard international shipping typically takes 6-10 business days. However, delivery times on how long does standard international shipping take can vary based on several factors, such as destination, carrier, and customs clearance.

3. Can I track my package with standard international shipping?

Yes, most standard international shipping services offer tracking options, but updates may be less frequent than express options. Customers can monitor their package’s progress using the tracking number provided by the carrier responsible for the shipment.

4. Are there weight and size limitations for standard international shipping services?

Yes, carriers have specific restrictions on package weight and dimensions. Carriers impose limits based on the service type. These limits vary by destination, shipping method, and the type of items you send. So, remember to check the carrier’s guidelines before shipping.

5. How do customs procedures affect standard international shipping times?

Incomplete documentation or flagged items during customs clearance can impact standard international shipping time and delay shipments. Accurate customs forms and understanding country-specific regulations can minimize delays.

6. What should I do if my standard international shipment is delayed or lost?

If your standard international shipment is delayed, contact the carrier with your tracking number for updates and assistance. If your shipment is lost, initiate a claim and consider insurance for future shipments to cover potential losses.

7. How can I find the most cost-effective standard international shipping option?

Use online tools from various carriers to compare shipping rates based on your package’s weight, dimensions, and destination. Factor in delivery times and features like tracking, insurance, and customs support to choose a service that offers the best value for your needs.

8. What are the best practices for packaging items for standard international shipping?

Use durable packaging materials, such as sturdy boxes, to secure the items with cushioning and seal the package properly. Clearly label the package with the recipient’s address and a return address to prevent delivery issues, and include waterproofing for added protection.