# Travel >> Transportation >> Travel & Transportation

How to Ship Packages From Europe to the United States

In our increasingly global and interconnected world, it has become relatively easy (yet often costly) to ship packages internationally from Europe to locations in the United States. International mailing protocol and options will vary based on the starting destination country, but you have several shipping options at your disposal including the local post office within your city, as well as many of the large mail carriers we are familiar with in the United States such as DHL, FedEx and UPS. Navigating the international mailing system is much like domestic mailings, but there are a few things that you should take into consideration to ensure your package arrives safely and in a timely fashion in the United States.

Sturdy cardboard box
Packing materials (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, plastic foam)
Packing tape

Instructions

- 1
  Carefully wrap and package the articles that you are sending to ensure safe transit. International shipping will require many stops and transfers to trucks, planes, etc., so it is important that the items are wrapped and padded with bubble wrap or packing paper. Thoroughly seal the package with sturdy packing tape to stand up to the rigorous international shipping process. Consider reinforcing the seams and sides of your cardboard box to ensure its durability.
- 2
  Clearly label the box with your shipping address in Europe as well as the destination address in the United States. Ensure that you include all of the pertinent information including city, state, postal code, country, and room or apartment number if applicable. Returned packages due to incorrect or incomplete addresses can be costly, especially in the realm of international shipping.
- 3
  Choose the mail carrier that best suits your needs. Packaging Price, a shipping website, recommends choosing your international mail carrier based on the importance you put on each of the following criteria: cost, weight limitations and speed of delivery. Larger international companies such as FedEx or DHL, which according to its website offers same-day and expedited international shipping, may not be as convenient to find a European location as it is to find a local post office. If you are unwilling to spend a lot of money, you can opt for a slower service that will be less costly than companies such as DHL, UPS and FedEx.
- 4
  Drop your package off at a convenient location (i.e. local post office or shipping center) or arrange for a pickup if you are using a larger carrier and do not live or work close to a location. Be sure to keep any receipts and confirmations regarding your shipping in the event of any problems down the line.
- 5
  Purchase shipping insurance if the item is something of high value or if it will be difficult to replace in the event of loss. Also, consider insurance if the article you are shipping is fragile or breakable. Insurance will help give you peace of mind that your package will successfully make the trek over the ocean to the United States.
- 6
  Consider paying the extra cost to have package tracking and delivery confirmation, so you can be sure your package has arrived at the final U.S. destination on time.