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Venturing into the global market is an exciting step for any e-commerce business, but it often brings the challenge of managing high shipping costs. These costs not only deter potential customers but can also significantly impact your profit margins.

But fear not, we're here to help you tackle this with 3 effective strategies, to help you reduce these expenses and boost your global sales.

1. Pack Smart to Reduce Weight and Dimensions

Optimising your packaging is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to cut shipping costs dramatically. It's crucial to consider both the actual and the 

 of your parcels to determine the most cost-effective way to optimise each package.

For items requiring cushioning without significantly increasing package size, dense foam inserts are an excellent choice. They provide superb protection and are designed to be compact, which helps keep the volumetric weight low—a key factor in managing shipping costs.

For less fragile items where reducing actual weight is more critical than minimising dimensions, lightweight materials such as air pillows or packing peanuts can be effective. These materials are ideal for filling empty spaces in boxes without adding significant weight, thus optimising the actual weight of the shipment.

For non-fragile items, polymailers offer a great alternative to boxes; they are lightweight and significantly reduce both weight and volume during shipping.

We recommend you tape all loose ends of the polymailer tightly to maintain the most compact dimensions for your shipment. This approach helps minimise the volumetric weight and can further lower your shipping costs.

Choosing the right shipping service is crucial for e-commerce businesses looking to balance cost and customer satisfaction. Different customers have different needs: some prioritize speedy delivery even if it costs a bit more, while others prefer a more economical, slower service. The value of the items being shipped also plays a big role in deciding which option to choose.

For high-value items, opting for premium shipping services might be more cost-effective in the long run. These services often come with better handling, insurance, and tracking capabilities, reducing the likelihood of lost shipments and ensuring customer satisfaction. This approach not only secures your products but can also build trust with your customers, encouraging repeat business.

On the other hand, for less expensive products, economising on shipping costs can be more appropriate. Cheaper shipping options can significantly reduce overheads without compromising the delivery experience, especially if customers are not in a hurry.

It's important to analyse your product range and shipping history to determine which strategy aligns best with your business needs. Implementing a flexible shipping strategy that adapts to both the value of the goods and customer preferences can lead to substantial savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.

 and returns charges can quickly add up and make international shipping much more expensive than anticipated.

Utilise tools to pre-screen your shipments for compliance issues. For instance, JustShip's AI Shipment Review tool can help identify potential problems before shipments leave your warehouse, reducing the risk of costly delays.


Our shipment form also alerts you to possible taxes and duties, allowing you to budget more effectively and avoid surprises.

By ensuring upfront compliance, you can reduce costly returns and keep your customers satisfied.

Reducing international shipping costs is crucial for maintaining profitability and competitiveness in global markets.

By implementing the strategies outlined above, not only can you reduce overheads, but you can also enhance the satisfaction of your customers. These adjustments to your shipping strategy are essential in fostering a competitive edge and driving your business's growth.

Ready to optimise your shipping processes? 

 today and start transforming your international shipping strategy for better efficiency and cost savings.

Discover how e-commerce sellers can slash international shipping costs with smart packaging, the right shipping services, and tools to avoid unexpected fees. Boost your profits now!

How Can E-commerce Sellers Reduce the Cost of International Shipping?

! Whether you're taking the leap for the first time or returning home after years abroad, moving isn't just about changing locations—it's about recreating a sense of home thousands of miles away.

Whether it's a beloved piece of artwork from Haji Lane or a family heirloom that has travelled the world with you, these items aren’t merely possessions; they are memories and echoes of your life in Singapore, helping you feel at home wherever you are.


We understand that the thought of shipping your precious belongings across oceans can seem daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

This guide offers essential tips and insights to help you move your valuables safely and efficiently to your new or familiar home in the USA.

Before you start packing, take a moment to decide what really needs to make the journey with you to the USA.

Start by evaluating the sentimental and financial worth of each item against the shipping costs.

High-value, irreplaceable items like family heirlooms or essential documents are definite candidates for shipping, but what about bulky furniture or everyday appliances? Purchasing these anew in the States might be more cost-effective.

Also, consider your immediate needs upon arrival to ensure essential items are readily available.

Make a clear list, categorising items into 'must-haves' and 'replaceables'. This not only eases your packing process but also helps you manage your budget.

Here’s a heads-up: the USA has specific rules on what can or cannot enter its borders. Be sure to check the 

 to ensure compliance and verify that your items are shippable to avoid delays or penalties.

For more detailed guidance on preparing for your move, visit our 

2. Air vs Sea Shipping: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between air and sea shipping is a critical decision in your moving process.

Air freight, while faster, tends to be more expensive. It is ideal for transporting essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival or high-value items that require less handling.

On the other hand, sea shipping is more economical and better suited for bulkier, less urgent items. This option, although slower, can significantly reduce your shipping costs.

When deciding, consider factors like cost and timing. What’s your priority: speed or budget?

Here's a comparison to help you understand the differences:

For a more tailored approach, consider a 

: ship essential and high-value items via air for speed and security, and opt for sea shipping for less urgent, bulkier items to optimise cost and efficiency.

3. Preparing Your Belongings for Shipment

The right packing can make all the difference. Use suitable packing materials like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, crates, and packing peanuts to protect your items during their journey. Label each box clearly with contents and handling instructions—it’s a lifesaver for customs and unpacking!

Not confident about packing? JustShip offers 

 exclusively for our shippers to ensure your valuable items are well-protected for the journey.

Accidents happen. Opt for comprehensive insurance to cover your belongings against loss or damage during transit.

JustShip offers insurance at a fee set at 2.4% of the declared value of your items. For more information about the insurance we provide, please visit our 

A precise customs declaration is essential to avoid delays and penalties.

Please ensure you provide a comprehensive list of the categories of items you are shipping using our shipment form. Here’s an example:

JustShip’s shipment form: sample of a detailed description

customs authorities may request information about the material composition of your items

, especially for clothing. Therefore, it's important to be specific when declaring your items on our form.

Some countries are particular about whether items in a shipment are new or used. Clearly marking this distinction in your declaration can ensure clarity at customs and expedite the clearance process. So, separate and identify new items from used ones in your declaration.


A little extra effort now can prevent potential customs issues and delays later in the process.

No one likes surprises when it comes to fees. Here’s the scoop on what to expect for 

No Additional Taxes: Good news! Your shipments to the USA won’t attract any extra taxes.

Duty-Free Threshold: Items valued under about 800 USD (that's roughly 1000 SGD) enter duty-free. So, if you’re not shipping very expensive items, you likely won’t pay any duties.

But, what if your items are above this value? Using 

, you can get a rough idea of any potential charges.

 option, pre-pays all the duties upfront, so there are no hold-ups at customs.

Have questions about shipping personal effects? Check our 

Personal Effects Shipping: Your FAQ Answered

The US customs authority may require additional documents to allow your items through. Familiarising yourself with these forms will ease your entry into the USA:

CBP FORM 5106 (Create/Update Importer Identity Form)

CBP FORM 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles)

Fill out these forms if customs requests them from the recipient via email. Be aware that incomplete submissions could lead to shipment rejection.

Moving to the United States from Singapore

 is a significant step, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be daunting.

Assessing what to take, choosing the right shipping method, packing securely, and preparing for customs are all steps on the path to a successful relocation.

At JustShip, we’re here to help you make

as smooth as possible. Ready to start your journey? 

Whether you’re an experienced international mover or making this big leap for the first time, our guide aims to simplify your transition, ensuring you can begin your new chapter in the USA with confidence.

Planning your move to the USA from Singapore? Discover insider tips on shipping your valuables safely and cost-effectively with our essential guide!

Moving to USA from Singapore: Tips on Shipping Your Belongings to USA

Every day, we get requests from different customers on whether they can ship their items. Before I explain more, let’s jump straight to the point: usually, the question is not “Can I ship the item?” – most items can be shipped. The real question you should be asking is: “What permits/approvals do I need to ship the item?”.

In this article, I will be going through the difference between restricted and prohibited items. Think of it this way – if your item is prohibited, there is no way you can ship it; if your item is restricted, you can ship it… with some extra paperwork.

Licenses, permits, or approvals are required to ship items in.

i.e To ship a laptop to Malaysia, you will need a SIRIM permit

i.e E-cigarettes and vapes into Singapore

Chances are unless you’re trying to ship items that are obviously illegal as prohibited items (for example: 

shipping dangerous toys, bush meat, or illegal substances to the USA

However, restricted items require paperwork to get the necessary approvals. Without these approvals, there is a high chance that your item might be seized or sent back.

If your item is restricted, you need to get permits or approvals from the relevant authorities. This can vary in many ways. For example, if you’re shipping an electric skateboard that contains over 20kg of Lithium Batteries, you will need a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods from IATA.

Similarly, you may need a CITES permit if you are shipping a guitar that is made from the wood of an endangered tree.

Understandably, this might be a tiresome process. But Google is truly your best friend, and every country’s various Customs’ Website should have the necessary information. One resource we love to use at JustShip when shipping from Singapore to US is the 

Avoid shipping prohibited items. If you’re shipping restricted items, make sure that they comply with the relevant regulations. No one likes paperwork, but no one likes wasting time and money on failed shipments.

Know the difference between Restricted & Prohibited Items? Find required information on Customs website for eligibility on items to ship.

Blog

The Difference Between Restricted and Prohibited Items

Restricted and Prohibited Items

What do I do if my item is Restricted?

Conclusion

Related posts

How Can E-commerce Sellers Reduce the Cost of International Shipping?

Moving to USA from Singapore: Tips on Shipping Your Belongings to USA