When shipping a parcel to the USA from the UK there are many options, rules, and considerations. Whether you’re sending a gift to a loved one, fulfilling an e-commerce order, or shipping business goods, understanding the process is key to ensuring your package arrives safely, on time, and within budget. This comprehensive guide dives deep into everything you need to know about sending a parcel to the USA, from choosing the best courier to navigating customs and ensuring eco-friendly practices. Let’s break it down step-by-step to make your shipping experience smooth and stress-free.

An Intro into Sending Parcels to the USA

Sending a parcel across the Atlantic doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can choose a shipping option that fits your needs, avoid unexpected costs, and overcome common hurdles. The USA is one of the most popular international shipping destinations from the UK, thanks to strong trade ties, family connections, and the rise of e-commerce. But shipping overseas comes with extra considerations, such as customs rules and regulations, transit times and cost.

The good news? You have Worldwide Parcel Services to help you navigate through the shipping process from start to finish. Costs vary based on factors like parcel size, weight, and urgency, while challenges like customs delays or improper packaging can trip up even the savviest shippers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through it all, offering practical tips to ensure your parcel reaches its destination without a hitch.

Shipping Options & Carriers for the USA

When it comes to sending a parcel to the USA, the courier you choose can make or break your experience. Let’s explore the top players in the game and weigh the pros and cons of economy versus express shipping.

Best Courier Services for Shipping to the USA

The UK is home to a robust network of couriers, each offering unique strengths for shipping to the USA. Here are the three best options:

• DHL: Known for its global reach and reliability, DHL excels in express shipping to the USA. With services like DHL Express Worldwide, your parcel can arrive in as little as 1-3 days.
• UPS: A powerhouse in logistics, UPS offers a range of options from UPS Expedited, UPS Express Saver to UPS Express with transit times of 1- 5 days. It’s a go-to for businesses and individuals alike.
• DPD: While better known for European deliveries, DPD partners with global networks to offer reliable USA shipping, often at competitive rates.

Shipping Costs & Delivery Time

Understanding the costs and timelines of shipping to the USA helps you plan effectively. Let’s dive into the details.

How Much Does It Cost to Send a Parcel to the USA?

• Prices for a 1kg parcel start from £23.84
• Prices for a 10kg parcel start from £58.64
• Prices for a 50kg parcel start from £286.71

You can send heavy parcels to the USA up to 300 kilos in weight for an individual item.

How Long Does It Take to Deliver a Parcel to the USA?

Delivery times depend on your chosen service and external factors:

• In General: Delivery services to the USA are generally very quick, 2 to 3 working days is standard but of course it can take a few days longer depending on flight connections, remoteness of delivery area and customs clearance.
• Peak Seasons and Delays: Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas) and events like Black Friday can slow things down due to extra volumes. Try to plan ahead at these times and ship a day or two earlier when possible. Inaccurate completion of customs information is the biggest factor in delivery delays when shipping to America.

Packaging Guidelines & Weight Limits

Proper packaging is your parcel’s first line of defense. Here’s how to get it right.

How to Properly Pack a Parcel for the USA

• Choosing the Right Box or Envelope: Use a sturdy, double-walled cardboard box for heavier items or a padded envelope for lightweight goods. Avoid reusing old boxes with worn edges.
• Cushioning Fragile Items: Bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam inserts protect breakables. Fill empty spaces to prevent items moving within the box..
• Labelling Requirements: Print the shipping label and attach to the box. Ensure that you do not cover any part of the address or barcodes.
• Tape it up generously—four strips of strong packing tape in a “Union Jack” pattern keep the box secure.

Weight & Size Restrictions for Different Couriers

Each courier has its limits:

• DHL: Handles individual items up to 300kg on Air service. Packages over 25 kilos incur a surcharge. Packages over 70 kilos must be palletised and incur a further surcharge. Parcels over 99cm in length, also incur a surcharge and the maximum length allowed is 300cm.
• UPS: Accepts parcels up to 70kg; Packages over 25 kilos incur a surcharge as do parcels exceeding 99cm. A surcharge is also applied if 2 sides exceed 76cm. Maximum length is 270cm. Maximum Girth (girth is : length (2x width 2x height)) is 380cm. Girth exceeding 290cm incurs a surcharge.
• DPD: Maximum weight 25 kilos, maximum length 165cm. Maximum Girth 280cm.

When you book at worldwide-parcelservices.co.uk, as long as you enter the correct weights and sizes, the price displayed will include the surcharges.

Customs, Duties & Import Restrictions

Shipping to the USA means dealing with customs. Here’s what you need to know.

Customs Rules for Sending Parcels to the USA

The US Customs Service ensures all incoming parcels comply with regulations:

• Customs Clearance Process: Declare the contents, value, and purpose (e.g., gift, sale). Most couriers generate this electronically during booking.
• Who Pays Duties?: If the parcel’s value exceeds $800 (the US de minimis threshold), the recipient typically pays duties and taxes. Below that, it’s usually duty-free unless it’s alcohol or tobacco.
• DDP/DTP: If you want to pay the duties/taxes on behalf of the recipient, Worldwide parcel Services can enable your account to allow you to select this option.
• Customs Paperwork: You will not usually need to print and attach customs paperwork to your parcel to the USA as it is created automatically on our website during the booking process and sent electronically to the couriers.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Not everything can be sent to the USA:

• Prohibited: Hazardous materials (flammables, explosives), aerosols, perfumes, drugs, firearms, and perishable foods like fresh meat or dairy.
• Restricted:. Food items (e.g., packaged snacks) are okay if unopened and labelled, but check US Customs guidelines first.

Please see our prohibited items list for shipments to the USA or the US Customs website.

Tracking & Insurance

Peace of mind comes with tracking and insurance. Here’s how to protect your shipment.

How to Track a Parcel Sent to the USA

At the top of our website is the tracking tab. You just need to enter your invoice number and delivery postcode and the tracking will appear directing you to the information accordingly.

Should You Get Additional Cover on your package to the USA?

The couriers we use have relatively low instances of damage or loss, but additional cover is available for peace of mind.

• Additional cover isn’t mandatory, but it’s worth considering for high value items.
• Worldwide Parcel services offer £100 free cover (subject to terms and conditions) and for an extra cost you can select cover online for up to £10,000.
• Please check the restricted and prohibited items list as these items either cannot have cover at all or or have a reduced level of additional cover.

FAQs & Common Issues

How Can I Avoid Customs Delays When Shipping to the USA?

Ensure your contents descriptions are detailed and accurate and that you have HS codes and values. The form is then made automatically and sent electronically.

Is It Possible to Change the Delivery Address After Shipping?

We can try to do this but cannot guarantee that the change will be effected by the couriers. Also, there may be extra charges.

What Happens If My Parcel Gets Stuck at US Customs?

Customs may hold parcels for incomplete paperwork or random inspections. Contact your courier for updates; they’ll liaise with US Customs. Be patient—it can take a few days to resolve.

Are There Extra Fees for Shipping to Remote US Areas?

Yes, there can be remote area surcharges, but these are detected during booking and you will be advised of the price change at the the time.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send a Parcel to the USA

Ready to ship? Follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Courier: Compare rates and delivery times on sites like Worldwide Parcel Services. Pick economy for savings or express for speed.
2. Package & Label: Use a sturdy box, cushion contents, and attach a clear address label.
3. Book the Shipment Online: Enter dimensions, weight, collection and delivery details. Ensure that you have a local telephone number and email for the recipient. You will need to itemise the contents and provide commodity (HS) codes. Then print your label and attache to the parcels. You do not usually have to attach customs paperwork to your parcels as they are sent electronically during the booking process. If they have to be printed and attached, you will be instructed to do so.
4. Pay Customs (If Applicable): Duties and taxes are payable by the receiver unless you have selected DDP/DTP so that you pay on their behalf.
5. Track the Parcel: Use the tracking number to monitor progress. Share it with the recipient for transparency.
6. Drop off at a local point or schedule a collection—then sit back and relax.

Sending a parcel to the USA doesn’t have to be a headache. With options like DHL, UPS, and DPD, you can tailor your shipping to fit your budget and timeline. Proper packaging, customs know-how, and tracking keep the process smooth. Whether you’re a business scaling up or an individual sending a one-off package, this guide equips you with the tools to succeed. Ready to ship? Start with a quote from Worldwide Parcel Services and get your parcel to the USA on its way today!