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.
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.
With Couriers & Freight, small businesses can compare these couriers side by side on one platform and unlock discounted rates usually reserved for big shippers.
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:
Best for: E-commerce retailers sending time-sensitive or high-value parcels overseas.
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:
Best for: Small businesses seeking straightforward, widely available international shipping.
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.
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:
Best for: Small businesses with regular heavy or oversized international shipments.
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:
Best for: Small businesses that need consistent, time-definite international delivery.
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.
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.
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:
Best for: Small businesses shipping frequently within the Asia-Pacific region.
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:
Best for: Small businesses shipping urgent or high-value parcels that require speed and extra care.
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.
By booking through Couriers & Freight, small businesses can save money, cut admin, and ship overseas with confidence.
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.
MHP
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$14
$15.50
$0
$15.50
$14.75
$0
$0
$0
$0
MHP Large Item
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$75
$62
$62
$60.10
$14.75
$0
$0
$0
$0
Residential Pickup
No Surcharge*
$6
$0
$9
--
$9
$10.60
$0
$0
$0
$38.50
Reidential pick up 30-99kgs
No Surcharge*
$63
$0
$9
$0
$9
$74.15
$20
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential pick up 100kgs+
No Surcharge*
$198
$0
$9
$0
$9
$158.87
$50
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential Delivery up to 29kgs
No Surcharge*
$6
$0
$9
--
$9.00
$10.60
$0
$0
$0
$38.50
Residential Delivery up 30-99kgs
No Surcharge*
$63
$0
$9
$0
$9
$74.15
$20
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential Delivery 100kgs+
No Surcharge*
$198
$0
$9
--
$9
$158.57
$50
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Tail Lift Pick up 50-99kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$45
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 100-299kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$85
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 300-499kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$120
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 500kgs + Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$250
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 50-99kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$45
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 100-299kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$85
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery300-499kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$120
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 500kgs + Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$250
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Dead weight over 32KGS carton freight
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$75
$70
$70
$70
$14.75
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.20 - 1.54
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$5.40
$10
$15
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.55 - 1.85
No Surcharge*
$17
$20
$0
$0
$0
$11.93
$10
$15
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.86 - 2.20
No Surcharge*
$37
$40
$0
$0
$0
$11.93
$10
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Pallet Surcharge
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Hand Unload Fee Carton
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$70
$70
$70
$47
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Western Australia Regional Surcharge
No Surcharge*
%10
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
*Surcharges may apply to areas/deimensions not listed
**Prices correct of 16th September 2024
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