Waiting for an international package can be nerve-wracking—especially when it seems stuck somewhere between countries. Whether you're a business expecting supplies or a shopper awaiting an overseas order, it's natural to wonder: how long do international shipments really take?The answer depends on many factors: the shipping method, the carrier, the distance between countries, customs procedures, and even weather. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know and show you how tools like xpackage.me can help you track your delivery every step of the way.
Average International Shipping Times
Typical delivery times for major international routes using the standard shipping option:
| Origin & Destination | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| USA to UK | 5–10 business days |
| USA to Canada | 3–7 business days |
| USA to Australia | 7–14 business days |
| China to USA | 10–20 business days |
| Germany to Japan | 7–15 business days |
| UK to South Africa | 10–25 business days |
Note: Express services like DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and UPS Worldwide Saver can reduce shipping time to just 2–5 business days.
Key Factors That Influence International Delivery Times
1. Shipping Method
The service level you select plays a major role:
Economy shipping (e.g., China Post, USPS First-Class Intl): Slow but cheap.
Standard shipping: Balance of price and speed.
Express shipping: Fastest, with real-time tracking, but also the most expensive.
2. Carrier Performance
Private couriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx usually have faster customs clearance and more predictable delivery than postal services like USPS, Royal Mail, or La Poste.
3. Customs Clearance Delays
All international packages go through customs in both the exporting and importing country.
The customs form is incomplete.
Import taxes or duties must be paid.
The package is selected for a detailed inspection.
4. Transportation Modes
The method of transportation affects overall speed:
Air transport: Fast, used for express or light shipments.
Sea transport: Cost-effective for bulk shipping, but slow (up to 8 weeks).
Road transport: Used for final delivery or regional cross-border shipping.
Rail transport: Growing in use, especially between China and Europe.
5. Geopolitical or Weather Conditions
Conflict zones, trade restrictions, or political sanctions can block certain routes.
Severe weather (hurricanes, blizzards) can shut down ports, airports, and warehouses.
Global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic or Suez Canal blockage had a huge impact on delivery times.
Case Study: China to USA via ePacket vs DHL
Let’s say you order a phone case from China. Here’s how the delivery timelines might differ:
ePacket (via China Post/USPS): 10–20 business days
DHL Express: 3–5 business days
AliExpress Standard Shipping: 15–30 days, depending on carrier
If you need faster delivery, it's worth paying more for premium shipping options.
How to Track an International Shipment
Tracking a package across borders can be tricky. Many shipments pass through multiple carriers, and the original tracking number might stop updating once the item leaves the country of origin.
That’s where xpackage.me comes in:
✅ Automatically detects the shipping carrier based on tracking number format.
✅ Consolidates tracking info even when the package changes carriers (e.g., DHL → USPS).
✅ Supports hundreds of global couriers, including FedEx, 17TRACK, Royal Mail, SF Express, and more.
Simply enter your tracking number on xpackage.me to see the real-time delivery progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My tracking hasn’t updated for several days—should I worry?
Not necessarily. International shipments often have long gaps in updates, especially while in transit or during customs processing. Wait at least 7–10 days before assuming there’s a problem.
Q: Can international packages get lost?
It’s rare, but possible—especially with untracked economy shipping. Use tracking-enabled services and insurance for valuable shipments.
Q: Why is sea freight so slow?
Ships move slower than planes and make multiple port stops. Also, sea freight usually waits for containers to fill before shipping, causing extra delays.
Pro Tips to Speed Up International Deliveries
✅ Choose express shipping when speed matters.
✅ Include complete address & contact details to avoid failed deliveries.
✅ Declare items accurately on customs forms.
✅ Track your package regularly with xpackage.me.
Summary: What to Expect
Shipping Type Delivery Time Best Use
Economy Shipping 10–45 business days Non-urgent, low-cost items
Standard Shipping 7–20 business days General online orders
Express Shipping 2–7 business days Time-sensitive or valuable goods
International shipping doesn’t have to be a mystery.
By choosing the right shipping method, tracking your package through xpackage.me,
and understanding what delays may occur, you can take the stress out of waiting—and ensure your package arrives safe and sound.