International Shipping FAQ — Customs, Duties & Carriers
Answers on international shipping from the USA: how customs and duties work, transit times, carrier choice, restricted items, and ShipPrio booking flow.
Common Questions
- How does international shipping from the US work?
- An international shipment is collected or dropped off, transported through a carrier gateway, processed for export, cleared by the destination customs authority, and delivered to the recipient. ShipPrio currently compares eligible FedEx International Priority and DHL Express Worldwide estimates when those services are available for the lane and package.
- Are ShipPrio shipments actually carried by FedEx or DHL?
- Eligible shipments use the carrier and service shown in the selected estimate, such as FedEx International Priority or DHL Express Worldwide. The selected carrier physically transports the shipment and provides applicable carrier tracking. ShipPrio facilitates the reviewed booking process and support; customs authorities control clearance decisions.
- Can I ship to a PO Box internationally?
- PO Box acceptance varies by carrier, service, and destination. FedEx and DHL international services generally require a complete physical delivery address. Use a street address whenever possible and confirm eligibility before booking.
- What is the maximum weight and size for international packages?
- Weight and size limits vary by carrier, service, route, and package type. Shipments above standard parcel limits may require a heavy-freight review. Enter accurate weight and dimensions in the calculator so eligibility and billable weight can be reviewed before booking.
- Do I need to pay customs duties when shipping internationally?
- Duties and taxes may be charged to the importer, recipient, seller, or shipper depending on the sale terms, delivery terms, destination rules, and shipment type. Any customs amount shown by the calculator is a non-binding estimate only; the destination authority determines the final amount, classification, and clearance requirements.