What is the difference between international express and domestic express?

There are significant differences between international express and domestic express in many aspects. The following is a comparison:

I. Transportation requirements

1. International express:

Strict sorting: mixed mailing is prohibited, and separate declarations are required according to the type of goods (such as documents, parcels, dangerous goods).

Compliance: It must comply with the customs regulations of the destination country (such as prohibited goods, declared value, certificate of origin, etc.).

Special packaging: International standard packaging (such as waterproof cartons, shockproof fillers) must be used, and wooden packaging (fumigation certificate required) or fragile goods are prohibited.

2. Domestic express:

Flexibility: Mixed mailing is allowed, and packaging requirements are relatively loose (such as woven bags and wooden boxes).

Simplified process: No customs declaration is required, only domestic logistics orders need to be filled out.

II. Transportation time limit

1. International express:

Time limit range: usually 3-15 working days (affected by the destination country, customs clearance speed, and flight arrangements).

Working day calculation: weekends and holidays are not included in the time limit.

2. Domestic express delivery:

Time range: 1-2 days in the same city, 3-5 days across provinces, 5-7 days in remote areas.

All-weather service: Some express delivery companies provide expedited services such as "next day delivery" and "same day delivery".

III. Charging method

1. International express delivery:

Charging standard: The larger value of actual weight and volume weight (length × width × height/5000) is charged.

Additional fees: fuel surcharge, remote area surcharge, tariffs and value-added tax (paid by the recipient).

2. Domestic express delivery:

Charging standard: Mainly charged by actual weight, some express delivery companies charge by volume for large packages.

Additional fees: insurance fee, over-length and overweight fee (such as a single piece over 30kg).

IV. Transportation method

1. International express delivery:

Carriers: Mainly FedEx, DHL, TNT, UPS, EMS, and a few regional carriers.

Transportation network: Relying on air transportation (mainly) and sea transportation (large cargo), and terminal delivery relies on local express companies.

2. Domestic express delivery:

Carriers: SF Express, ZTO Express, YTO Express, STO Express, Yunda Express, etc., with outlets covering the whole country.

Transportation network: Mainly land transportation (road, rail), and air transportation is provided in some areas.

V. Packaging requirements

1. International express delivery:

Mandatory standards: Waterproof cartons must be used, and the fillings must ensure that the goods do not shake. It is forbidden to use naked packaging for fragile goods.

Label requirements: Shipping marks must be affixed (Shipping Mark, indicate the recipient information, product name, weight, volume, etc.

Domestic express delivery:

Flexibility: As long as the outer packaging is strong, woven bags, wooden boxes, etc. can be used, and there is no mandatory requirement for fillers.

VI. Customs clearance process

1. International express delivery:

Customs clearance responsibility: The carrier or recipient is responsible, and invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and other documents must be provided.

Taxes: The recipient needs to pay customs duties and value-added tax (some countries provide DDP service, that is, paying customs duties on behalf of the recipient).

Inspection risk: It may be checked by customs Unpacking and inspection lead to delays.

2. Domestic express delivery:

No customs clearance: Goods are only circulated domestically, and no declaration or tax is required.

VII. Service scope

1. International express delivery:

Coverage: 200+ countries and regions around the world, and surcharges may be required for remote areas.

Value-added services: Provide collection of payment, return management, insurance, etc.

2. Domestic express delivery:

Coverage: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, some express delivery companies provide cross-border parcel services.

VIII. Risks and responsibilities

1. International express:

High risk: There are high risks of cargo loss, damage, customs clearance delays, policy changes, etc.

Insurance: It is recommended to purchase full insurance, and the premium is usually 1%-3% of the value of the goods.

2. Domestic express:

Low risk: The main risk is transportation delay, and the probability of cargo loss or damage is low.

IX. Customer support

1. International express:

Multilingual service: Provide multilingual customer service in English, Spanish, Chinese, etc.

Tracking system: Real-time tracking of cargo status and proof of receipt.

2. Domestic express:

Localized service: Customer service is mainly in Chinese, and some express companies provide WeChat and APP orders and inquiries.

Summary suggestions

International express: Suitable for scenarios with high timeliness requirements, high cargo value, and global distribution (such as cross-border e-commerce and foreign trade companies).

Domestic express: Suitable for domestic daily logistics needs, high cost-effectiveness, and flexible services.

For further consultation or sending international packages, it is recommended to contact a professional international express agent, which can provide value-added services such as free packaging, warehousing, and reinforcement.