Delivery

1. USPS

USPS is a great option for UK shipping due to its flat rate shipping so you can easily forecast shipping costs. Similar to other carriers, USPS rates depend on the weight of the package and delivery timeline. 

There is one major con to using USPS for shipping to the UK: tracking packages no longer works once they leave the US. USPS packages are transferred to Royal Mail once they reach the UK. This may take anywhere from a few hours to days or even weeks and can delay delivery times.

USPS pros:

• Flat rate shipping
• Many locations in the US for dropping packages off
• Ability to transport larger parcels cost-effectively
• No pickup fees

USPS cons:

• Packages are transferred to Royal Mail once they arrive, which can add a few extra days for delivery
• Your tracking number no longer works once the package leaves the US
• Tracking options are limited 

Read more: USPS UK Country Conditions

2. UPS

UPS is a great option for shipping to the UK because of its worldwide logistics network. They can pick up packages in the US and deliver them in the UK in as little as three days. Unlike USPS, the packages are tracked from pickup to delivery through UPS’s tracking system.

However, UPS can also be an expensive carrier if you’re sending heavier items that are over 10 pounds. 

UPS pros:

• Significant presence in the US to make picking up or dropping off packages easier
• Work with many shipping partners to reduce shipping costs
• Can pick up packages at your location
• Ability to transport packages of all sizes
• Great package tracking capabilities 

UPS cons:

• Generally higher shipping costs
• Can get a little fee-heavy

3. FedEx

FedEx is another option for shipping to the UK. Because their biggest competitor is UPS, they offer the same services and comparable shipping costs. They can also pick up packages in the US and deliver them to addresses in the UK in as little as 3 days. FedEx is a good option if you’re shipping large amounts of packages.

FedEx is generally more expensive than the USPS but offers competitive pricing with UPS and DHL. If you’re shipping a small amount of packages, USPS is often a better choice due to cheaper pricing. 

FedEx pros:

• Significant presence in the US to make picking up or dropping off packages easier
• Many shipping partners to reduce shipping costs
• Can pick up packages at your location
• Prices can be good if shipping in bulk

FedEx cons:

• They may have a lot of fees 
• Customs can slow down package delivery times

4. DHL

DHL is well known for its expertise in international shipping for US-based businesses. They have an HQ in Germany, so they are closely located to the UK which makes transportation even easier. If you want to ship overseas, DHL is your go-to carrier. 

However, they don’t have as big of a presence in the US compared to UPS and FedEx, so you might have to go out of your way to find a DHL location to drop off packages. The shipping costs can get somewhat pricey due to some higher fees.

DHL pros:

• Expansive international presence
• Express delivery for many countries
• Cost-effective air and sea delivery options
• No pickup fees

Disadvantages of DHL:

• Limited US presence, so drop-off locations are harder to find compared to USPS, UPS, and FedEx
• Generally higher shipping costs due to international focus
• Typically more fees compared to other carriers