10 Best Shipping Companies
Here is a rundown of the best international shipping companies to consider when shipping overseas. The best service for shipping packages internationally depends on the needs and location of your customers.
Top 10 best shipping companies are as follows:
1. DHL
DHL is a top international shipping company that strikes a delicate balance between fast and cheap international shipping services. It is regarded as one of the best international shipping companies with an extensive logistical network to get your shipments to hundreds of different countries across the world overnight.
DHL is best for…
- They handle small parcel express delivery worldwide
- When your shipments fall under dangerous goods that require special handling and documentation, DHL is a strong contender
- Options like road & rail freight, as well as air & ocean international standard shipping
- Expedited air shipping options
- Remote area deliveries
However, DHL doesn’t deliver domestically within the US, and they don’t ship live animals.
2. FedEx
FedEx is among the largest and most competitive international shipping companies. This may be your go-to carrier when you need to ship between the US and another country
FedEx is best for:
- Delicate and fragile international shipments
- Climate-controlled shipping services for temperature-sensitive and perishable products
- Faster shipping times, such as overnight and two-day international delivery services at affordable prices
- Priority and economy freight shipping options for LTL shipping
- Pallet-level tracking that maintains visibility for each pallet in your shipment
- Unlimited total shipment weight, except for skids above 2,200 lbs, requires special approval.
- Customer service
- Saturday deliveries
3. DB Schenker
DB Schenker is one of the largest international companies with its headquarters in Germany and over 2000 locations worldwide. This international courier offers land, air ocean freight, and parcel delivery services, and is an excellent option for all your shipping needs within Europe or freight shipping internationally.
DB Schenker is best for:
- Parcel services throughout Europe
- Less than load (LTL) shipping services across 720 branches throughout Europe
- Fastest international ground freight shipping with fixed delivery time options
- Worldwide shipping through ocean freight and air freight shipping
- Cheapest international shipping through economy air freight shipping
- Seamless international package tracking and fixed transit times
- Shipping solutions for perishable food beverage products
While DB Shenker is a great option when shipping air or ocean freight, it is not a great option for LTL and parcel services outside of Europe, and you may need to find another international courier for these services if your target market is not in Europe.
5. R+L Carriers
This company is excellent for both full truckload (FTL) and LTL shipping, operating a fleet of about 13,00 tractor-trailers. R + L also provides air and ocean international shipping.
R+L Carriers is best for:
- High-value or high-risk shipments
- Shipments that need temperature control
- LTL shipments between the US and Mexico
- Fast international freight shipments through expedited shipping options such as R+L Business Critical Guaranteed AM, R+L Business Critical Weekend Express, and R+L Business Critical Guaranteed Hourly Window.
Although R+L Carriers are excellent for sensitive international freight shipments, they don’t offer small parcel shipping services.
6. UPS
UPS shouldn’t fly under your radar. Apart from being a household name within the US for its fantastic domestic services, this international courier has a vast logistic network in over 220 countries and territories worldwide and is versatile enough to handle almost all types of shipping needs.
UPS is best for:
- Shipping live, domesticated animals
- Carrying hazardous goods
- Delivering all parcel packages within five days of receiving them
- Overnight and two-day delivery options for rush services at an additional cost
- Ocean and air freight shipments worldwide
- Expedited ground freight services for shipments from the US to Mexico
- Website tools to help you fill customs paperwork and schedule shipments
- Advanced online tracking capabilities
6. YRC Freight
If you want to send large shipments internationally or domestically within North America, YRC Freight is a top competitive option to consider.YRC Freight is excellent for LTL shipping, but their freight services are limited to within North America.
YRC Freight is best for:
- Two-day and overnight deliveries
- Temperature-controlled shipments
- Best international rates for freight shipments to Canada or Mexico from the US
- Expedited air freight options for on-time critical shipments
- No size or weight restrictions, making it good for large shipments
7. DTDC
Based in Mumbai, DTDC has an extensive network and extends its shipping services to over 240 countries worldwide. If you are looking for the best international courier to cater to your customers in India, you won’t go wrong with DTDC.
DTDC is best for:
- Prompt mail and package delivery services across India
8. Blue Dart
Based in Chennai, this international courier company extends its services to over 220 countries across the world and has channels across 33,739 areas. It is famous for both domestic and international shipping services across Asia.
Blue Dart is best for:
- Transporting electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewelry, auto parts, and apparel
- Shipping in Asia
9. PostNL
Based in Europe, PostNLoffers its international courier services in countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and the UK. If you want to offer your customers in the Eurozone a streamlined shipping experience, PostNL may be one of the go-to shipping couriers.
PostNL is best for:
- Small packages, envelope-sized mail, and eCommerce
- Shipping between European countries
10. Royal Mail
Royal Mail is an international shipping company owned by the UK government. Founded in 1516, Royal Mail is regarded as one of the safest and most trusted international carriers as it offers excellent, transparent international courier services.
Royal Mail is best for:
- Shipping in the UK
- Daily deliveries, aside from Sundays and Bank Holidays
