When you’re sending a package from Auckland to Berlin, or from Sydney to São Paulo, you don’t just want it to get there-you want it to get there fast, reliably, and without breaking the bank. But with dozens of carriers, customs rules, and delivery options, figuring out the most popular international shipping method isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest quote. The answer isn’t one company or one service. It’s a mix-but one stands out clearly above the rest.
Postal Services Still Lead in Volume
If you count total packages shipped globally, the winner isn’t FedEx or DHL. It’s the national postal services, especially those working together through the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Think of it like a global relay race: your package leaves your local post office, gets handed off to another country’s postal system, and finally reaches its destination. In 2025, international mail volumes hit 18.7 billion items, with over 60% of those moving through postal networks. That’s more than all private couriers combined.Why? Because postal services are the only ones that deliver to every single address in every country-even remote villages without roads. FedEx can’t land a plane in a mountain village in Nepal. But the Nepali Post can walk there. And when you’re shipping a small gift, a document, or a replacement part under 2 kg, postal services like New Zealand Post, USPS, Royal Mail, or China Post are often the only practical option.
They’re not glamorous. Tracking can be spotty. Delivery times range from 10 to 45 days. But for low-value, non-urgent items, they’re the default. Over 70% of small e-commerce sellers on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon Marketplace still use postal services for international orders because they’re affordable and cover everywhere.
Courier Services Dominate High-Value and Time-Sensitive Shipments
Now, if you’re shipping a $5,000 medical device from Singapore to Toronto, or a batch of designer watches from Switzerland to Los Angeles, you’re not using the post. You’re using a courier. And among them, DHL Express leads in market share for premium international shipping.DHL moved 2.1 billion parcels internationally in 2025. That’s more than FedEx and UPS combined outside the U.S. Why? DHL built its network around global trade lanes-especially Asia-Europe and Asia-North America-long before others caught up. Their customs clearance teams are embedded in major airports from Shanghai to Frankfurt. They handle complex paperwork, duties, and inspections faster than anyone else.
FedEx and UPS are strong too, especially in North America and Latin America. But their international reach isn’t as deep. FedEx’s international network is 30% smaller than DHL’s. UPS has the best U.S. domestic system, but its international operations rely more on partnerships than owned infrastructure.
For businesses shipping high-value goods, speed matters. DHL’s Express service delivers 98% of packages within 1-3 business days between major cities. That’s why tech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and luxury brands all use them. They pay more-often $50-$150 per kg-but they get reliability, real-time tracking, and customs handled automatically.
What About Air Freight and Sea Freight?
You might be thinking: what about shipping containers? Air freight? Those aren’t “methods” for individual packages-they’re bulk solutions. If you’re sending 500 kg of electronics from Shenzhen to Rotterdam, you’re using a freight forwarder. That’s a different world.Sea freight is still the backbone of global trade. Over 80% of all goods by volume move by ship. But it’s not for small parcels. A single container can take 30-60 days to cross the ocean. You need warehouse space, customs brokers, and a trucker on the other end. It’s not a shipping method for your online store’s customers-it’s for manufacturers and distributors.
Air freight is faster, usually 5-10 days, and used for urgent bulk shipments. But it’s expensive. You’re paying $3-$8 per kg just for the flight, not counting handling or customs. For a single item? Not worth it. For 100 items? Maybe. But even then, most businesses still turn to DHL or FedEx for consolidated air shipments because they bundle the logistics.
Why Postal Services Win in Popularity, But Couriers Win in Business
Here’s the key distinction: popularity doesn’t mean profitability. Postal services handle more packages, but couriers make more money per package. That’s why DHL, FedEx, and UPS are worth billions. Their customers pay premium prices for speed and reliability. The post office? It survives on volume and government support.For consumers, the most popular method is still the post. You order a $15 phone case from China? It’s coming via China Post or ePacket. You’re not choosing DHL-you’re not even given the option. The seller picks the cheapest way to ship it.
For businesses, the most popular method is DHL Express. Why? Because they need to guarantee delivery. If your customer expects a product in 3 days and it arrives in 3 weeks, you lose trust. You lose sales. You lose your brand. So even if DHL costs 3x more than postal services, it’s the smart choice for anyone selling internationally.
What’s the Best Choice for You?
If you’re a small seller shipping lightweight items under 2 kg, and you’re okay with 10-20 day delivery times, stick with postal services. Use ePacket, China Post Air Mail, or New Zealand Post International. They’re cheap, reliable for small goods, and cover every country.If you’re a business shipping high-value, time-sensitive, or high-volume goods, go with DHL Express. It’s the most consistent, the most trusted, and the most widely accepted across borders. FedEx and UPS are good alternatives, especially if you’re shipping to or from North America.
And if you’re shipping bulk-like pallets or containers-don’t even think about couriers. Hire a freight forwarder. Companies like Kuehne + Nagel or DB Schenker specialize in this. They’ll handle the whole chain: port fees, customs, inland transport. But that’s a whole different system.
What’s Changing in 2026?
Postal services are catching up. Many now offer premium tracked services with 5-7 day delivery for a few dollars more. New Zealand Post’s “Global Express” and Australia Post’s “International Express” now compete directly with DHL on speed for small packages. They’re not as fast or reliable yet, but the gap is shrinking.Meanwhile, DHL is investing heavily in AI-driven customs automation. Their new system predicts duty fees before you ship, auto-fills forms, and even negotiates tax exemptions in real time. That’s a game-changer for sellers who used to get stuck in customs for days.
Also, sustainability is becoming a factor. DHL’s GoGreen program offsets emissions on every shipment. FedEx and UPS are doing the same. Postal services? Most still rely on legacy fleets. That’s starting to matter to eco-conscious buyers.
Final Answer
The most popular international shipping method by volume? Postal services. The most popular by business use, reliability, and global reach? DHL Express. They serve different needs. One moves billions of low-cost items. The other moves millions of high-value ones.Don’t ask which is better. Ask which fits your shipment. If you’re sending a birthday card? Use the post. If you’re sending a prototype for a new product to your European partner? Use DHL. Pick the tool for the job-not the most popular one.
Is DHL the most popular international shipping method?
DHL is the most popular among businesses and high-value shipments, handling over 2.1 billion international parcels in 2025. But by total volume, postal services like China Post and USPS ship more packages overall because they serve small e-commerce sellers and individual senders. So DHL leads in business use, but postal services lead in sheer numbers.
Can I use FedEx or UPS for international shipping?
Yes, both FedEx and UPS offer international shipping, especially strong in North America and Latin America. But their global coverage isn’t as deep as DHL’s. DHL owns more customs hubs and has direct flights to more countries. FedEx and UPS often rely on local partners overseas, which can slow things down. For most international business needs, DHL is still the most reliable choice.
Why is my package taking so long to arrive?
If you’re using a postal service, delays are common. Packages often sit in customs for days, especially if paperwork is incomplete or duties aren’t prepaid. During peak seasons like Black Friday or Christmas, sorting centers get overwhelmed. Tracking updates may also stop for days, especially in countries with less advanced systems. DHL and other couriers rarely have these issues because they control the entire process.
What’s the cheapest way to ship internationally?
The cheapest option is usually your country’s postal service for packages under 2 kg. Services like ePacket, China Post Air Mail, or New Zealand Post Small Packet are designed for low-cost international shipping. Prices start around $5-$10 for lightweight items. But remember: you’re trading speed for savings. Delivery can take 3-6 weeks.
Do I need to pay customs fees when shipping internationally?
Yes, most countries charge import duties and taxes on goods over a certain value-usually $20-$50. With postal services, the recipient often pays these fees upon delivery, which can cause delays or even returns if the recipient refuses to pay. DHL and other couriers offer DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) options. Choosing DDP means you pay all fees upfront, so the recipient gets the package without surprises.
