Shipping items in the physical world sometimes feels more difficult than it really should be. You'd think that in the day and age that we can deliver videos at the speed of light, that sending your family something special from abroad would be simple; and turns out it really can be if you know how to do it.
As many of you have discovered, shipping packages back to Australia can be expensive and somewhat confusing when it comes to all the package shipping options there are!
But there are tools available that allow you to ship things more conveniently and easily
How does PirateShip work?
So basically the long and short of how PirateShip works is that the big shipping companies like USPS and UPS offer discounted rates to individuals and companies who ship things all the time, and for those companies that they have relationships with.
I'm someone who only ships a couple of packages per year (if that!), and so this obviously doesn't apply to me, but PirateShip joins me together with all the other Josh-like-senders in the world and makes us look like one mega-sender!
They also have a long and existing relationship with these sending companies, so they can therefore work with them more closely to offer better and better deals.
How much does it cost to send a package to Australia with PirateShip?
My advice is generally: Always go to the source. Whether it's the information I post about immigration, or in this case, when a third party is involved in a transaction, it's always good to find a point of reference. PirateShip don't have an affiliate or referral code that I can give you, so know that this is just coming from me trying to find good options!
So I decided to send my Mum and Dad something nice in Australia, for a package totaling 3 pounds, and with dimensions of 20in x16in x16in from 10065 (New York, USA) to 5066 (South Australia).
So, using this package that I sent the other day to South Australia, here's how the pricing compared:
Through PirateShip the cheapest total cost to ship with UPS Worldwide Expedited was $49.68. There were also options for USPS which started at $76.85 and UPS Worldwide Saver which was $263.99.
The quote I got for the same service (UPS Worldwide Expedited) directly through UPS was $1,010.26 (!?) which was somehow cheaper than UPS Worldwide Saver which was $1,116.81 (not really sure what we're “saving”)
Obviously, this is a massive difference and the other thing that's worth mentioning, as you can see above, is that you're getting the premium service in terms of speed, while still saving money.
How to ship something with PirateShip (e.g. Shipping gifts to Australia for Christmas and the Holidays)
So here's how to do it, here's how to ship your items back to Australia (or anywhere in the world):
- First things first, check that all the items you want to ship are not restricted or prohibited
- Assuming you're all good, get all your items together, find a scale, and weigh each of them separately, and then weight them together, noting everything (as you're going to want this later). While you're at it, it's also worth taking a photo of each, and finding the value for each item as you're going to need each of those later too.
- Find a box that is as small as possible but will fit everything in and put all your items in the box. Be sure that the box doesn't have other stickers on it, or other barcodes or anything, and be sure to pack it so things don't bounce around too much.
- Don't seal the box just yet!
- Find a scale whether it be a kitchen scale or a bathroom scale and weigh the box to the nearest pound or kilogram, write it down, which will be the combined and final weight of what you're shipping. Ultimately, this one is the most important.
- Find a tape measure and measure the box you're shipping in, write that down too
- Now you need a link: https://www.pirateship.com/
- Click through the Create a FREE Account link and create an account
- Enter shipping FROM and TO and enter all the information from above. Give a reason for shipping and detail carefully what exactly you're shipping, and be sure to be accurate (this changes customs rules)
- Describe what's in the box and the value of every item
- Enter the box measurements you recorded before
- Go through the options to pick the best solution for you (sometimes the first selected isn't ideal for shipping times, or insurance, or something else, so read through your options by pushing the down arrow on the right)
- Proceed to payment and pay
- Now, you will need to print out a whole stack (five of them!) of customs declerations and a shipping label (if you don't have a printer, that's fine, you get details on how to send it to the local UPS or USPS and they can print it for you as a label!)
- You put four of them (who knows why) inside the box, and keep one at hand
- If you do have a printer and everything is done, seal the box to make sure all your things stay safely inside (if you don't have a printer, take the open box with you)
- Cut out your shipping label, and stick it on the side
- Carry the box to the USPS or UPS location closest to you (they tell you how to find one), and get a customs sticker folder (they'll help you put it on)
- Hand it over, and wait!
You'll get a tracking number handed to you when it's all finalized, and you're good to go. PirateShip also allows you to login to their service and track everything in one place, in addition to doing bulk shipping and secret shipping services.
How to get a discount with PirateShip
You can't! There's really no spot to put in a discount, and I'll let you know if I find anything different.
How long does PirateShip take to ship
The times vary depending on which of the services you select. You can see in the screenshot above that I had the options of UPS Worldwide Expedited (about 8 days), USPS Priority Mail International (6-10 days), Priority Mail Express International (3-5 days), and UPS Worldwide Saver (somehow faster than Expedited and 6 days).
My package took 3 business days to get from the drop-off point in New York City to my parents' front door in Adelaide, South Australia, which honestly still feels like magic.
My experience is only one, and if there are customs issues or just general logistical issues, it may take much longer so be prepared!
Why am I recommending PirateShip?
Because they're the most widely used and highly reviewed. I get nothing from them!
Hi Josh,
I love that you’ve shared this, Thank you so much! I’m keen to try it out. One question though – Does it have to be a boxed package, or will they also handle a satchel/padded post bag type package?
Thank you!!
You’re so welcome but I’m sorry I don’t know. I think it needs to be boxes as it uses FedEx or UPS.
Wow this worked out great. I was quoted $180 at USPS and paid $50.12 with package hopper. The only thing I can say went wrong was that the drop off location has to be a FedEx Store. You can’t drop an international package off at a DeEx drop off location. In my case that was the local Walgreens store. Other than the extra drive, it was so easy and saved a ton of money. Thanks Josh
I’m so glad!!
I dropped off my package at FedEx on Jan. 17 and I’m told it’ll get to Melbourne on Jan. 31. That’s quite a lot more than what they advertise! On the one hand, it is going; on the other, it’s taking twice as long as advertised for $55.
Keep us posted when it arrives, Elisabeth! My estimated date was way off.
okkk thanks much again Josh!! too easy!
Hi Josh, thank you for the add! I am about to ship my first package with Package Hopper!!! Now how do I attach the label? Do I print it on to an Avery label or do I print it on paper? Thanks much!!!
Hi Robbie! I just printed it on my lase printer and stuck it on with tape!
Thanks Josh, really useful article and bozo-proof step by step instructions. I always procrastinate about shipping things home because it was tedious enough pre-covid and now is just a nightmare. I will see if in 3-5 days it arrives but so far, an extremely easy to use service and the if the coupon saves me money and makes you some, then GREAT!
Thanks for all your work on this site and community, it really is a wonderful resource.
Thank you, Bec! I’m really so glad it was easy and thank you so much for the kind words!
The fastest and cheapest way to send a SUITCASE full of items home is – https://www.mybaggage.com
Ive used this service twice now, 3 day delivery turnaround, and 25 kilos for about $300 USD. By far the best kept secret!
FYI: Not for India
Is there the option coming back the other way? Looking for a similar solution for family sending it the other way
Will look into options for you, Jason! I don’t know sorry.
Thanks Josh!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am so grateful that I found your post! I have a backload of packages to send to Aus and I sent one off as a trial run and WOOHOO! It got there in three days and the cost was way less than what I usually spend. You are amazing–thanks Josh!
Oh I’m so glad, Lisa!! Thank you so much!!
Do I have to go to ups or FedEx store. Or can I drop off pkg at one of there drop off locations
You can drop it off at their drop off locations!