The Fastest Shipping Methods for International Delivery
Shipping from one country to another has always been challenging and time-consuming. Why is that? Many reasons. Custom clearance, complex documentation, shipping rules changing to every country you enter, and more. What’s more interesting is that the shipping process gets more complicated when international shipping is involved. But as a business owner, you have to deal with all these issues.
Customers today expect lightning-fast deliveries, and you have to meet their timely delivery expectations. In order to do that, you have to look past the old methods of international shipping and adopt the fastest ones. In this blog, we have highlighted some of the fastest shipping methods for international delivery that you can use.
Top Fastest International Shipping Methods
The right shipping method will make a big difference between meeting a client’s deadline and losing them forever. Losing a trusted customer is never ideal for any businessperson. You would always go the extra mile because you know how valuable these customers are to your business. Below are some of the best and fastest shipping methods to use for international delivery and keep your customers satisfied for the long term.
Express Air Courier Services
One of the fastest options for international delivery/shipping is to use express air courier services. There are many companies that have international dedicated air networks, custom clearance teams, and advanced tracking systems. All these to ensure just one thing: “the timely delivery of your shipment.”
How fast can express air couriers deliver? It depends on the country where you are shipping. Ideally, they deliver within 1 to 3 business days. For example, if you send cargo from Dubai to Russia, the sea freight option will take weeks and months. The express air courier services will get your delivery in less than 3 days.
Key Features
- Speed: Deliveries typically arrive in 1–3 business days.
- Tracking: Real-time tracking at every stage.
- Customs: Dedicated teams speed up customs clearance.
- Convenience: Door-to-door delivery, no drop-offs needed.
- Coverage: International network, even in remote areas.
Pros:
- Fastest available option globally
- Hassle-free process
- Reliable delivery windows
Cons:
- Expensive, especially for heavier packages
- Limited for oversized or heavy cargo
International Air Freight (Cargo Services)
Now, the express courier option is the fastest, but when it comes to large bulky shipments, the preferred option is to use air freight shipping. Express courier isn’t suitable for deliveries which are huge in size and bulkier and tonnes of kilos of weight. Air freight handles such deliveries brilliantly.
Air freight uses special commercial and dedicated cargo planes and charters for these deliveries. Delivery times are 2 to 3 days, depending on your shipping destination. The pricing is less compared to express couriers, but many shipping companies don’t handle the customs clearance like they get in express couriers.
Key Features:
- Delivery time: 2–3 business days
- Cost-effective: Cheaper for large shipments
- Managed by logistics companies
- Extra steps: Customs and delivery may need separate handling
Pros:
- Ideal for time-sensitive and heavy shipments
- Scalable for B2B supply chains
- Reasonably fast
Cons:
- Less convenient than express courier (requires more coordination)
- May not offer door-to-door service without third-party logistics
International Priority Mail Services
The third fastest shipping method for international delivery is the international priority mail services. These services are offered by every country’s postal services. For example, USPS offers international priority mail, Canada Post has Xpresspost International and Royal Mail offers Priority Airmail.
Delivery can range from 3 to 10 business days, depending on the destination. While not as fast as express courier or air freight, it’s a good middle-ground option with a balance between speed and price. There are several shipping companies in Dubai that offer these services with advanced tracking, efficient customs handling, and dedicated global air routes.
Key Features:
- Delivery time: Typically 3 to 10 business days
- Affordable pricing: Much cheaper than private courier services
- Tracking & insurance: Often included at a basic level
- Accessible: Easy to use for personal and small business shipping
Pros:
- Cost-effective for small businesses or personal use
- Available in most post offices globally
- Reasonable delivery times
Cons:
- Slower than courier or freight
- Less precise tracking and customer service
- Delays are more common around holidays
Freight Forwarding with Air Priority
Freight forwarders offer a service where they manage your entire shipping process—pickup, packaging, documentation, customs, and delivery. When you choose air priority with a freight forwarder, your goods are placed on the earliest available flights to speed up delivery.
The advantage here is the complete logistics support, which saves time and effort, especially for business shipments. Delivery times are typically 3 to 5 business days, depending on routes and customs clearance speed.
Key Features:
- Delivery: 3-5 business days
- Full service: Pickup, packaging, customs, and delivery
- Save costs: Combine shipments
- Ideal for: Frequent or complex shipping needs
Pros:
- Professional logistics support
- Optimized flight scheduling
- Time-saving and efficient
Cons:
- Slightly slower than express couriers
- Can be expensive for smaller shipments
On-Board Courier (Hand-Carry Service)
This is one of the most premium and fastest shipping methods. An onboard courier personally carries your package on a commercial flight as hand luggage. It’s used for extremely time-sensitive or high-value items that must reach their destination as quickly as possible.
Delivery can happen within 24 to 48 hours globally, depending on flight availability. While very expensive, this method guarantees direct and secure delivery with minimal delays.
Key Features:
- Delivery time: Often within 24 to 48 hours globally
- Security: Extremely secure and monitored
- Speed: Your item is the top priority for the courier
- White-glove service: Personalized, elite-level customer experience
Pros:
- Fastest delivery possible
- Direct, personal handling
- Ultra-secure and traceable
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Limited to small, carry-on size shipments
- Flight availability can affect the timing
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method for Your Business
You have shipments to send, and out of the five above, which is best shipping method to go with? Well, that totally depends on few things like your price, the urgency of your shipment.
If you are into selling fast moving products like fashion accessories, tech gadgets, you have to understand that customer expect quick deliveries. Apart from these, the medical and food industries also require fast deliveries. For such items, you can opt for DHL Express or FedEx International Prirority.
They provide delivery times anywhere between 1 to 3 days maximum. No denying, the pricing for this shipment will be premium, but its the fastest way to make your customers happy by timely delivering your product.
Additionally, For larger, less urgent shipments, like sending 200 units of home appliances from China to Germany, international air freight is more cost-effective than express couriers. Though it takes 2–3 days, it accommodates bulk cargo and keeps shipping costs manageable.
Next, evaluate the size and weight of your packages. A small skincare business in Canada shipping 100g product boxes to customers in Europe can benefit from USPS Priority Mail International or Canada Post International Tracked Packet, which are affordable for small parcels and offer delivery in 4–10 business days with tracking.
Overall, it all depends on your business’s needs, budget, and timeline. If you research different shipping options and compare prices, it will help you to take a better decision.
Documents Required for Fast International Shipping
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Bill of airway bill
- Insurance certificate
- Import license (for restricted items)
- Customs declaration forms
- Letter of credit (if required by buyer)
- Specific permits (for regulated goods)
Final Words
As discussed, fast shipping is the need of the hour. Customers can’t wait months to get their hands on your product. They will easily shift and buy something from your competition, sending them their goods within days. As a business, you have to compete and go for the abovementioned options in this blog. They are costly options; you can charge and accommodate the shipping fee in your final price. Lastly, you will decide which method is suitable for your products. So, consider all the factors before making a decision.
