9 Best International Couriers for Small Businesses in Australia (2025 Update)

Sep 25, 2025
9 Best International Couriers for Small Businesses in Australia (2025 Update)

Late deliveries or high courier costs can quickly eat into profits for small businesses. For an online clothing store in Sydney, sending a parcel to the US might cost almost as much as the item itself. And if it arrives late, the customer may never order again. 

Many couriers focus on large-volume clients, leaving smaller retailers and startups with limited and often overpriced options. This is one of the reasons why choosing the right international courier is so important. This guide compares nine of the best providers in 2025, with options that help Australian SMEs ship overseas affordably and reliably.

Top 9 International Couriers for Small Businesses 

Here are the nine best international couriers for small businesses in Australia in 2025. These providers stand out for keeping costs under control, offering reliable delivery times, and supporting small-volume shippers with international paperwork.

  1. DHL Express: Fast global delivery with strong customs expertise.
  2. Australia Post/StarTrack: Affordable parcel services with easy access through local post offices.
  3. FedEx: Wide global reach with guaranteed delivery times.
  4. TNT: Flexible freight solutions for heavier or bulkier shipments.
  5. UPS: Global logistics with advanced parcel tracking and customs support
  6. Aramex: Budget-friendly shipping for smaller parcels and emerging markets.
  7. Toll: Air and sea freight options with scalable solutions.
  8. DPEX: Competitive Asia-Pacific deliveries for e-commerce.
  9. Royale International: Premium courier for urgent or high-value shipments.

With Couriers & Freight, small businesses can compare these couriers side by side on one platform and unlock discounted rates usually reserved for big shippers.

Save on Global Shipping

Compare top couriers in one place and save on global deliveries with Couriers & Freight.

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9 Best International Couriers for Small Businesses in Australia

1. DHL Express

Alt text: DHL Express Homepage

DHL Express is one of the most trusted international couriers for Australian small businesses. It’s known for fast delivery and strong customs brokerage support, helping parcels clear borders quickly and reach customers on time. With services to more than 220 countries, DHL offers door-to-door delivery that suits e-commerce sellers needing global reach.

Pros:

  • Global network covering 220+ destinations
  • Send parcels up to 20kg with DHL Parcel International Direct
  • Discounted rates for frequent shippers
  • 24/7 real-time tracking
  • Shopify and WooCommerce integrations for smoother order fulfilment
  • Typical delivery: 2–4 business days to Europe, 3–5 days to North America

Best for: E-commerce retailers sending time-sensitive or high-value parcels overseas.

2. Australia Post/StarTrack

Alt text: StarTrack Homepage

Australia Post and its courier arm StarTrack are still the most accessible international shipping options for Australian small businesses. With more than 4,000 post offices nationwide, they provide convenient drop-off points, including in regional areas. Their international parcel services are designed for smaller senders, offering a practical entry-level option for global shipping.

Pros:

  • Easy access through local post offices
  • Choice of Economy (slower, lower cost) and Express (faster) services
  • Secure delivery for both single parcels and multi-item consignments
  • Integration with Australia Post Business Portal
  • Cost-effective pricing for small parcels
  • Typical delivery: 5–10 business days Economy, 2–6 days Express

Best for: Small businesses seeking straightforward, widely available international shipping.

3. FedEx

Alt text: FedEx Homepage

FedEx offers comprehensive global coverage with excellent time-definite services. With one of the strongest networks in the United States and Europe, it’s a valuable option for Australian small businesses targeting Western markets.

Pros:

Best for: Small businesses shipping frequently to the US and Europe that need guaranteed delivery times.

4. TNT

Alt text: TNT Homepage

TNT, now part of the FedEx group, specialises in freight and larger parcels. It has strong networks across Europe and Asia, making it a reliable choice for small businesses moving heavier consignments.

Pros:

  • Handles everything from pallets to oversized freight
  • Strong coverage across Europe and Asia
  • Door-to-door express services with set schedules
  • Economy Express option for more affordable international shipping
  • Typical delivery: 4–6 business days to Asia and Europe

Best for: Small businesses with regular heavy or oversized international shipments.

5. UPS

Alt text: UPS Homepage

UPS operates one of the largest courier networks in the world and is a dependable choice for Australian small businesses shipping internationally. Known for reliable delivery times and strong integration with business shipping tools, it’s particularly useful for SMEs managing regular international orders.

Pros:

  • Global delivery network covering 220+ countries
  • Advanced tracking and shipment visibility
  • Express and Saver service options
  • Reliable customs clearance support
  • Discounts for business accounts
  • Typical delivery: 2–4 business days to most major markets

Best for: Small businesses that need consistent, time-definite international delivery.

Save on Global Shipping

Compare top couriers in one place and save on global deliveries with Couriers & Freight.

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6. Aramex

Alt text: Aramex Homepage

Aramex, formerly Fastway Couriers, offers budget-friendly international shipping for small businesses. Its network is strong across Asia, the Middle East, and other emerging markets, making it a useful option where larger couriers often charge higher rates.

Pros:

Best for: Small businesses shipping to Asia, the Middle East, or emerging markets on a budget.

7. Toll

Alt text: Toll Homepage

Toll is an Australian-owned logistics company with strong international coverage, particularly across the Asia-Pacific. It handles both air and sea freight, making it suitable for small businesses that ship anything from parcels to oversized consignments.

Pros:

Best for: Small businesses with mixed shipping needs, from parcels to heavy or oversized freight.

8. DPEX

Alt text: DPEX Homepage

DPEX specialises in Asia-Pacific deliveries, making it a valuable option for Australian businesses selling regionally. It offers competitive pricing and e-commerce-friendly solutions.

Pros:

  • Extensive Asia-Pacific delivery network
  • Services designed for e-commerce businesses
  • Affordable express parcel rates
  • Online parcel tracking
  • Typical delivery: 2–5 business days within Asia-Pacific

Best for: Small businesses shipping frequently within the Asia-Pacific region.

9. Royale International

Alt text: Royale International Homepage

Royale International specialises in urgent shipments and high-value consignments. Its premium services combine speed, personal support, and secure handling, making it a trusted choice for time-critical deliveries.

Pros:

  • Time-critical options, including next-flight-out services
  • Door-to-door international courier delivery
  • Dedicated account managers for complex shipments
  • Fast international reach for urgent deliveries
  • Specialist in high-value logistics requiring extra security
  • Typical delivery: Same-day or 1–2 days for urgent shipments

Best for: Small businesses shipping urgent or high-value parcels that require speed and extra care.

Save on Shipping Costs with Couriers & Freight

When small businesses book directly with big couriers, they often pay full retail prices. Without volume discounts, these costs can quickly eat into already tight margins. Even though couriers advertise affordable rates, the lowest pricing tiers are usually reserved for high-volume shippers.

Couriers & Freight changes this by giving small businesses access to discounted rates normally set aside for large companies. The platform also makes it easier to manage bookings, labels, tracking, and customs support in one place.

Benefits of using Couriers & Freight:

  • Access discounted courier rates without minimum volumes
  • Compare services and book instantly on one platform
  • Create labels, track parcels, and manage documents in one place
  • Get expert help with customs clearance and paperwork
  • Local Australian support team for faster problem resolution

By booking through Couriers & Freight, small businesses can save money, cut admin, and ship overseas with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Courier in 2025

The best international courier for a small business comes down to what matters most: cost, speed, or destination. A local retailer sending handmade products overseas may prioritise affordable parcel rates, while an e-commerce store shipping to the US might need guaranteed delivery times.

Couriers & Freight makes this easier by letting Australian small businesses compare, book, and track shipments in one place. 

With discounted rates, real-time tracking, and expert customs support, it’s a simpler way to manage international shipping. 

Book your next shipment with Couriers & Freight and give your customers the reliable delivery they expect.

Save on Global Shipping

Compare top couriers in one place and save on global deliveries with Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now
robert lynch headshot

Robert Lynch

Founder of Australia’s largest outside hire company Couriers & Freight, Robert Lynch is a seasoned business leader in the shipping industry with over 20 years of experience. His expertise spans from outside hire, taxi truck, and last-mile services to freight management, freight forwarding and warehousing. 

Robert has also incorporated technology into his business through custom software to enhance growth and efficiency. Robert is a valuable resource for business owners looking to improve their logistics operations.

Connect with Robert Lynch on LinkedIn.

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$44.07

$120

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$120

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$250

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$88

$88

$88

$44.07

$120

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$61.50

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$45

$50-$250

$88

$88

$88

$44.07

$120

Won't carry

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$85

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$88

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$88

$44.07

$120

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$61.50

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$88

$88

$88

$44.07

$120

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$61.50

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$250

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$88

$88

$88

$44.07

$120

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$61.50

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$75

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$70

$14.75

$0

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$5.40

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$17

$20

$0

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$0

$11.93

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$15

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$37

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$0

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$11.93

$10

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$0

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$70

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$47

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$61.50

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**Prices correct of 16th September 2024

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