Selling to international markets is one of the fastest ways to grow your customer base. Your most loyal customers may come from across the border or the ocean. For many, the biggest blockers to adopting this strategy is the cost of international shipping and the complexity that comes with it. Insert FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP).

For low-weight and nonurgent packages, it’s hard to beat FICP as an option. This is especially the case when you use this service through Shippo. FICP is now available to all users without the need to create your own FedEx account. Best of all, generating an FICP label only takes minutes and comes with customs clearance.

Below, we’ll explain why you should consider this service level if you’re considering or already shipping outside the country.

What is FedEx International Connect Plus?

This service level provided by FedEx can be used for shipments that weigh up to 150 pounds (although ideally under 70 pounds), measure up to 130 inches in length plus girth, and do not contain hazardous materials. To find out how to ship hazardous materials with FedEx visit here.

This means products such as apparel, jewelry, electronics, etc., can be shipped with FICP. You can also use your own custom packaging with FedEx® International Connect Plus.

Where does FedEx® International Connect Plus Deliver?

FedEx® International Connect Plus can deliver to people in 198 countries around the world, including popular destinations for international shippers based in the US, such as Canada, Mexico, the UK, and Australia. FICP’s reach makes up roughly 95% of the world's GDP. It’s safe to say that you can deliver to customers almost anywhere.

How Long Does FICP Take?

The length of time it will take your FICP package to arrive at your customers' doorsteps will depend on a couple of factors. Mainly, the total distance the package is traveling, as well as ensuring you have input all the correct information in your customs invoice, so the package doesn’t get held up at the customs agency of the country you’re delivering to.

However, in many cases, you can expect packages to be delivered in as little as 2-5 business days. For example:

• U.S. to Canada can be delivered in 2-3 days
• U.S. to Mexico can be delivered in 2-3 days
• U.S. to U.K can be delivered in 3-5 days
• U.S. to China can be delivered in 3-5 days

How Much Does FedEx® International Connect Plus Cost?

Like any package, the total cost of FedEx® International Connect Plus will take into account the size, weight, and distance a package has to travel. To give you an example of the rates you can expect in Shippo, let's try to ship a 5-pound package, measuring 8x6x5, from New York City to London, England. In this example, we’ll look at each carrier's lowest rates.

As you can see, FICP is the clear winner for this low-weight package. Discounts like these can also be found when shipping to other places in the world. Here are a couple of other examples:

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Keep in mind that the transit times for FICP can be longer than other options which may affect what your customers want or choose. But, when it comes to price, you’ll want to check on these rates before creating your next international shipping label.

How do I ship FICP Packages?

When you’re trying to ship FedEx® International Connect Plus packages with Shippo, you’ll take much of the same steps as other international shipments. You won’t need to create your own FedEx account to take advantage of these discounts either.

You’ll simply need to input the delivery address, then a brief description of the item along with the value and quantity (this is for customs clearance), and then select FICP from the drop menu.

Keep in mind you will have to add the phone number of the recipient to the order for FedEx rates to populate.

One other important note is that if you’re shipping to countries in the EU, you will need to include the HS code for each item within your package. This isn’t unique to FICP but has become a requirement for all international shipments there.

Perks Of Shipping with FICP through Shippo

Along with the deep discounts highlighted above, there are also several other major reasons to try shipping internationally with FedEx through Shippo. Some of the biggest perks are:

• Residential surcharges are completely waived
• Customs clearance is included so your customers can get their orders faster
• 24-hour shipment tracking so you and your customers are always informed
• Allow for customers to make specific delivery instructions (where available)
• Redirect shipments to convenient pick up locations (where available)
• Day-definite service so customer can plan ahead

To start printing out discount FedEx labels, sign up to Shippo for free today!