The ultimate guide to ePacket shipping to the US

ePacket shipping has taken the eCommerce world by storm in recent years. It’s easier than ever to effectively mail things internationally to the US. 

In the past, shipping goods internationally required big bulk orders so that you could make the most of your expensive shipping costs. After shipping, the wait for the package to arrive could take weeks or even months.

But not anymore. The nature of eCommerce has had a direct impact on shipping options around the world. Now, ePacket shipping is available for smaller packages.

Discover what defines ePacket shipping, the ePacket shipping process, and how it can benefit your eCommerce business.

What is ePacket shipping?

ePacket shipping was developed in 2011 as an alternative shipping method, mainly to optimize the mailing process between the US and China. 

While previous international shipping methods were unreliable and could take several months with expensive shipping fees, ePacket shipping is quick and cost-effective. It is an option for smaller, lighter packages and provides online tracking to inform the sender and receiver about the supply chain process. 

Since 2011, this shipping method has expanded to over 40 countries, including Australia, Japan, Mexico, and Switzerland. ePacket shipping is typically an option on eCommerce platforms such as eBay and AliExpress.

ePacket package dimension and weight restrictions

Because ePacket shipping is designed for smaller, lighter packages, it has specific guidelines and restrictions.

Size – standard

• Minimum length: 5.5 inches

• Minimum width: 3.5 inches

• Maximum length: 24 inches

• Maximum total length + height + thickness: 36 inches

Size – rolled packages

If you’re sending a rolled package containing something like posters, artwork, or cloth samples, different dimension requirements apply:

• Minimum length: 4.3 inches

• Maximum length: 35.4 inches or (diameter X 2) + length >104cm

Weight

• Maximum weight: 4.4 lbs

Note: The total weight includes the packaging and the item.

Value

The total value your ePacket contains cannot exceed $$400.

How ePacket shipping works

The process for shipping ePackets to the US involves several steps. 

The first step involves shipping the parcel directly from the merchant. It will travel internally through the origin country via local carriers and then be sent to the US through an international carrier. Then, a local USPS carrier will deliver the ePacket shipment to its final destination.

What is ePacket tracking?

What makes this international shipping method extra helpful is the tracking ability that comes with the ePacket service.

Each delivery sent via ePacket comes with its tracking number, similar to those found when you use USPS or FedEx. The ePacket tracking number, in this case, can be tracked using any country’s domestic mail carrier. For the US, it is managed through the USPS.

This tracking number allows the sender and recipient of the goods to monitor the ePacket’s journey from start to finish. The number also provides updates on estimated arrival times and notifies if there has been a delay. 

If your package cannot be delivered for some reason, ePacket will return it to the sender free of charge, making it a no-risk option for merchants when a package becomes “lost.”

How to track an ePacket

If you want to track the route and delivery schedule of your ePacket, log in to the USPS website, Worldwide Express Mail Service, China Post website, or any other local carrier where your package is destined and enter the tracking number. Third-party tracking tools also exist if these sites cause issues with tracking the ePacket.

What are the benefits of using ePacket tracking and shipping?

ePacket shipping was created to help eCommerce merchants ship small and medium-sized goods internationally, which makes it perfect for small online businesses.

Find out more about ePacket shipping, tracking, and delivery benefits below.

Fast shipping times

We’ve all been there. You order something online, and by the time it finally arrives, it has been so long you’ve forgotten all about it. 

While that might be a fun surprise occasionally, ePacket shipping ensures prompt delivery with no guesswork. Delivery time is typically within 20 days. However, that may seem like a long time, compared to traditional methods of international delivery, three weeks is quite efficient.

Inexpensive shipping fees

ePacket shipping provides lower shipping rates than traditional shipping, so you can offer better prices to your customers. And better prices? That means more incentive for customers to shop your store over the competition. 

Free returns

Your business should never be penalized if a customer gives you the wrong address. ePacket delivery guarantees that any incorrectly labelled items will be returned at no extra cost to you. 

This makes ePacket shipping a low-risk method, and as an added bonus, you can provide a full refund to the customer without paying out-of-pocket.

End-to-end tracking

From start to finish, you and your customers can track exactly where your package is on its journey. Simply log onto USPS or another third-party tracking website with the ePacket tracking number to see where your goods are.

Peace of mind

With free returns, tracking, and a faster turnaround, one of the vast benefits of ePacket delivery is the confidence you get when you send and receive using it. The tracking element gives everyone peace of mind.

How long does ePacket shipping take to deliver to the US?

On average, a package sent using ePacket shipping takes about 10 to 20 days to arrive at its destination in the United States. However, expect delays during holidays and peak periods. Depending on transit routes, other countries may see similar or slightly longer shipping times.

For those interested in the nitty-gritty, different processing, handling, and customs steps take up around half of this shipping time. In comparison, the travel portion of your actual package is pretty quick.

Customs and taxes for ePacket delivery

All packages arriving in the US internationally are considered imported goods and are screened by the US Customs and Border Protection. They’re assessed for the following:

• Community protection risks

• Any import or permit requirements

• Taxes, duties, or other charges

• Anything illegal is not allowed in the country

Since your delivery won’t be valued at over $400, you won’t have to pay any duties or taxes, but GST will usually be charged when you pay for your items. If you’re sending alcohol, however, you may need to pay delivery charges.

Countries that accept ePacket shipping

There are currently 44 countries that support ePacket shipping, including:

1. Australia

2. Austria

3. Belgium

4. Brazil

5. Canada

6. Croatia

7. Denmark

8. Estonia

9. Finland

10. France

11. Germany

12. Gibraltar

13. Great Britain

14. Greece

15. Hong Kong

16. Hungary

17. Ireland

18. Israel

19. Italy

20. Japan

21. Latvia

22. Lithuania

23. Luxembourg

24. Malaysia

25. Malta

26. Mexico

27. Netherlands

28. New Zealand

29. Norway

30. Poland

31. Portugal

32. Russia

33. Saudi Arabia

34. Singapore

35. Spain

36. South Korea

37. Sweden

38. Switzerland

39. Thailand

40. Turkey

41. Ukraine

42. United Kingdom

43. United States

44. Vietnam

Airwallex makes eCommerce easy

While Airwallex doesn’t have any direct partnership with ePacket shipping, we are doing everything possible to simplify how you purchase and ship products internationally. Airwallex wants your eCommerce business to grow and thrive. 

With a range of tools and products designed for international transactions, you can buy and ship your goods at the click of a button while keeping costs to a minimum.

Sign up today to see how we can help your eCommerce business succeed!

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