What are the differences between international express and domestic express?

There are significant differences between international and domestic express delivery in many aspects. The following is a detailed summary of these differences:

1. Transportation method

Domestic express delivery: There are many domestic express delivery companies, with dense outlets and a wide range of services. Common domestic express delivery companies include SF Express, ZTO Express, YTO Express, STO Express, Yunda Express, etc. They have a large number of outlets and logistics centers in China and can provide fast and convenient domestic transportation services.

International express delivery: There are relatively few international express delivery companies, and common ones include DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and EMS. These companies usually have a global logistics network and advanced logistics technology, and can provide cross-border transportation services. However, they have relatively few domestic outlets, and some outlets may not be open to personal business.

2. Transportable items

Domestic express delivery: The scope of domestic express delivery is relatively wide. As long as it is not dangerous goods or flammable and explosive goods, it can basically be transported. In addition, different items can be mixed in one package and sent out.

International express delivery: International express delivery involves customs nuclear inspection and quarantine of both countries, so there are many restricted and prohibited items. Different categories of items cannot be mixed and must be packaged separately for customs declaration. Prohibited items usually include those involving brand infringement, cultural infringement, intellectual property infringement, important national information, flammable and explosive items, fragile and perishable items, and illegal and prohibited items.

3. Billing method

Domestic express: The billing method for domestic express is usually based on actual weight. Some express companies will also charge extra fees based on factors such as the size, distance, and timeliness of the package.

International express: The billing method for international express is relatively complex, and is usually based on gross weight or volume weight (the larger of the two). The volume weight is usually calculated as (length × width × height) / fixed value (such as 5000). In addition, the transportation costs between different countries will also vary, so the destination is also an important factor affecting the international express charges.

4. Fill in the mailing list information

Domestic express: The filling of domestic express orders is relatively simple, usually only need to write the delivery address, telephone number, contact person and approximate item name.

International express: The filling requirements for international express orders are more stringent, need to be filled in English, and include the specific product details in the package. This helps customs to carry out customs clearance and inspection.

V. Packaging requirements

Domestic express delivery: Domestic express delivery has relatively low requirements for packaging, mainly strong outer packaging, such as cartons, woven bags, wooden boxes, etc.

International express delivery: International express delivery has stricter requirements for packaging, usually requiring carton packaging, and cannot use wooden packaging, iron packaging, glass bottle packaging or plastic packaging. In addition, the inner packaging must be filled fully, and there must be no sound when swinging in the box.

VI. Transportation time

Domestic express delivery: Domestic express delivery has a relatively short transportation time, usually 2-4 days to sign for.

International express delivery: International express delivery has a relatively long transportation time because it involves cross-border transportation and customs clearance. Although the flight time of international routes may be only 1-2 days, it is also necessary to count the time for domestic customs clearance, warehousing and customs clearance and delivery in the destination country. Therefore, international express delivery usually takes 3-5 working days to sign for (calculated by working days, not days).

VII. Customs clearance methods and taxes

Domestic express delivery: Domestic express delivery does not need customs clearance and tax payment because it only circulates domestically.

International express delivery: International express delivery must truthfully declare the contents of the package to the customs of the destination country when entering the country, and the international express delivery company will declare it on its behalf. If there are taxes and fees, the express delivery company will pay the customs first, and then the recipient or sender will pay the express delivery company.

There are significant differences between international express delivery and domestic express delivery in terms of transportation methods, transportable items, billing methods, mailing form information filling, packaging requirements, transportation time, customs clearance methods and taxes. Therefore, when choosing express delivery services, you need to choose the appropriate express delivery method and express delivery company according to your specific needs and circumstances.