Manufacturer - International shipping is draining my budget!

Sound familiar? 

Whether you're a small business trying to stay profitable or an importer/exporter handling global orders, high shipping costs can hurt.

In this blog, we’ll show you the cheapest international shipping strategies, including how to find the cheapest way to ship a package internationally, reduce carrier fees, and avoid hidden charges.

Common Pain Points That Increase International Shipping Costs

Factor

Estimated % Contribution

Details 

1. Weight & Dimensions

30%

Affects pricing through actual vs. dimensional weight. Bulky but light packages can be expensive. Optimizing packaging is key to finding the cheapest way to ship a package internationally, especially through courier or air freight.

2. Distance Between Countries

15%

The farther the shipment (e.g., USA to UK or USA to India), the higher the transport cost. 

3. Shipping Mode (Air, Sea, Courier)

30%

Air shipping is fast but costly. Ocean freight is best for bulk and is the cheapest way to ship large packages. Choose based on need and budget.

4. Customs Duties, Taxes, and Fees

25%

Import duties, VAT/GST, and customs broker charges vary by country and product. 

5. Port and Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

15%

Incurred at both departure and arrival ports/airports. Includes loading/unloading, storage, and documentation. Comparing cheap shipping companies can help offset these operational fees.

6. Fuel Surcharges & Carrier Fees

10%

Fluctuations in fuel prices and peak season surcharges affect rates. Choosing providers that offer cheap shipping for small businesses needs to better manage these variables.

7. Nature of Goods (Special Handling)

10%

Items that are fragile, hazardous, perishable, or high-value need special care or certifications. The more complex the cargo, the fewer cheapest shipping options available.

8. Insurance & Packaging

15%

While optional, insurance protects against damage or loss. Smart packaging can reduce dimensional weight — a key tactic for cheapest shipping from the USA to the UK and beyond.

6 smart ways to reduce international shipping cost 

6 ways to reduce international shipping cost

Better packaging strategy 

Always have an optimized packing strategy, because the fees for your shipping depends primly on the dimensional weight(volume vs. actual weight) of your goods

For example, a bulky but lightweight comforter may cost you more than a small box of books because of its size.

Points to keep in mind while packing 

  • Use custom-sized boxes to eliminate empty space
  • Avoid over-padding unless necessary
  • Ship flat or vacuum-sealed items when possible
  • More details read

Compare Multiple Carriers and Shipping Modes

The cost of shipping the same weight of the goods may vary from one shipping company to another. So it's better to get rates from cost effective freight forwarding companies.

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Points to remember

  • Compare between ocean freight and air freight 
  • Transit Time – How fast do you need the goods delivered?
  • Service Type – Port-to-port, door-to-door, or consolidated LCL/FCL?
  • Reputation & Reviews – Look for reliable carriers with positive customer feedback.
  • Included Services – Are customs clearance, pickup, insurance, or tracking included?
  • Hidden Fees – Check for extra charges like fuel surcharges, documentation, or terminal handling.
  • Support & Communication – Do they offer clear updates and responsive customer service?

🔑 Pro Tip: If you’re a small business, you may qualify for discounted rates with cheap shipping companies like AIR 7 SEAS.

Consolidate Shipments

Sending multiple packages to the same region? Combine them into one larger shipment to reduce the shipping costs.

Example: Let’s say you run an online store in the USA selling handmade goods to customers in Australia. Instead of shipping 5 small parcels every week, you work with your freight forwarder to consolidate all weekly orders into one LCL shipment every two weeks.

Result: 

You pay for 

  • One customs clearance
  • Fewer handling fees
  • Cost effective freight rates due to higher volume.

Prove fact: Freight forwarders offer cost-effective freight rates for consolidated shipments, because it keeps logistics efficient for them and way more affordable for you.

Choose the Right Time to Ship

Shipping rates fluctuate throughout the year, and timing your shipments strategically can make a significant difference in cost. 

During peak seasons, demand surges, carrier capacity tightens, and prices can increase dramatically—sometimes by 15% to 30% due to surcharges and limited space.

If you're shipping from or to the USA, it’s important to avoid key peak periods such as:

  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November)
  • Christmas and New Year holidays (December to early January)
  • Back-to-school season (July to August)
  • Memorial Day and Fourth of July sales periods
  • Chinese New Year (January–February) – this global holiday slows down exports from Asia, which impacts U.S. import timelines and costs.

Still if you are in need to ship during the peak seasons, then consider booking your shipments early to secure better rates and avoid last-minute premium charges

MIssed Labeling, Tracking & Customs Filing

When it comes to international shipping, customs clearance plays a major role. If you fail to do it then you will have to pay a hefty fine and shipment holds.

Example: Miss the ISF deadline when importing into the USA, and you could be hit with a $5,000 fine. A reliable freight forwarder automates this filing, reducing risk and saves you from expensive penalties.

That’s why it pays to work with a freight forwarder who automates and manages key shipping processes for you.

  • They generate accurate shipping labels based on your order data
  • They file Importer Security Filing (ISF), Automated manifest system(AMS) and customs documents electronically and on time
  • They provide real-time tracking integrations so you and your customers stay informed

Port & Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

When your goods reach at origin or destination—they go through several processes like loading, unloading, documentation, container handling, and temporary storage. All these services fall under Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and can vary widely based on location and carrier.

For example, You get a quote of $1,900 to ship a 20’ container from Los Angeles to Nhava Sheva, India. Sounds good—until your consignee is hit with $500+ in THC and delivery charges at destination that weren’t disclosed earlier. Now your "affordable shipment" is no longer so cheap.

This is where working with an experienced international freight forwarder makes all the difference.

Here’s how they save you money and stress:

  • They offer all-inclusive pricing—so THC, documentation, and destination fees are transparent
  • They work directly with port operators and shipping lines to keep costs predictable
  • They help choose ports and carriers that offer lower terminal and congestion fees
  • They consolidate cargo when possible to reduce per-container THC costs
  • They identify the cheapest shipping from USA to UK, India, or other destinations, factoring in port costs upfront

Closure 

By implementing these six smart strategies, you can dramatically lower your international shipping expenses and improve your bottom line. 

In fact, businesses that optimize packaging see up to 15% savings on dimensional‐weight fees, those that consolidate shipments cut freight costs by as much as 25%, and early‐booking during off-peak periods can avoid surcharges that spike rates by 30%. 

Automating customs filings with international freight forwarders like AIR 7 SEAS not only prevents penalties of up to $5,000 per missed ISF deadline but also frees you to focus on growth rather than paperwork.

Take charge of your shipping budget today—get a free, no-obligation quote from Air7Seas and see how much you could save on your next international shipment.