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Send a Parcel to the US: Your Complete Guide
Sending a parcel to the US from the UK is an easy process, thanks to smooth logistics and loads of flights between the two countries. However, there are a number of options when deciding how to send your parcel. And for each shipping method there are documents and paperwork required for each. But there’s no need to be overwhelmed.
In this article, we’ll help you sort through the requirements to send your parcel to the US, and show you what documents and paperwork you’ll need. We’ll also help you determine if you will owe customs fees. Read on for all you need to know to make it simple and straightforward to send a package to the US.
Need to Send a Parcel to the USA?
So you’ve wrapped up your items and you’re ready to send your package to the USA. What’s next? The first thing to do is choose a carrier. Parcels from the UK travel to the US by air or sea carriers, and can be sent via a local carrier, like the Royal Mail, or by an international express delivery company like DHL, FedEx or UPS. The best carrier to ship a parcel to the US depends on how large your parcel is, how much it weighs and how quickly you need it to reach US shores.
You can use our shipping calculator to see shipping offers depending on your parcel’s weight and size. Then select the option that is best for you.
With Happy Post, we make sending parcels to the US a breeze for you. Here's how we simplify your international parcel shipping experience
Effortless Customs Clearance
Every package entering the US must go through US Customs and Border Protection, ensuring it complies with regulations.
With Happy Post, you won't have to worry about the intricate customs paperwork. We handle it for you, avoiding delays that can hold up your parcels.
Hassle-Free Commercial Invoices
For shipping to the US, you need a commercial invoice – a crucial document for customs clearance.
We ensure your commercial invoices are correctly filled out, including essential details like reason for export, parcel contents, HS Code, declared value, and recipient's information, all in English. All you need to do is make sure that the customs details regarding your package is properly filled in when you configure your parcel.
Simplified Air Waybills
Happy Post takes care of air waybills, streamlining the process for you.
This document provides crucial information, including sender and recipient details, shipment specifics, billing, and package tracking, all professionally handled by us.
Guidelines for sending your parcel to the United States
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Proper packaging and labeling will make sure your parcel arrives safely in the US without damage. Always securely wrap contents in plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper, and use a sturdy box that is properly sealed. For more details, check out our tips on preparing your parcel.
How To Address A Parcel To the US
Be careful to make sure the address label is clearly written and affixed to the package.
Restrictions on Sending Parcels to the USA
The US Customs and Border Protection does not allow certain items to be shipped into the country. Be sure that your parcel doesn’t contain any of these items on the list, or it could result in fines.The most common restricted items are:
- Alcoholic beverages or sweets with alcohol
- Perfume
- Weapons
- Tobacco products
- Hazardous goods like batteries, rechargeable batteries and chemicals
- Aerosols
- Animal Products
You can check the USPS website for a more complete list of restricted items. You can also refer to your page on restricted items to consult the list of items we cannot carry for you.
FAQ: Common Questions When Sending a Parcel to the USA
What are the delivery times for sending a parcel to the USA?
Express carrier services offer delivery of a parcel to the US in 2-3 business days. Standard delivery services usually take 5-10 business days or more.Are there any prohibited items when sending a parcel to the USA?
There are many items that are restricted from entering the US. Check the USPS website for more details. In addition to the most common prohibited items listed above (Perfume, alcohol, hazardous items, batteries, tobacco products, animal products and aerosols). here is a more detailed list of restricted items:- Hemp products
- Sweets that also contain something inedible (for example, Kinder Surprise eggs)
- Animals or plants that are under species protection
- Animal products
- Drugs or medications
- Lab agents, cultures or biological specimens
- Fireworks
- Counterfeit products
- Documents with unconstitutional content
- Pornographic materials
- Weapons or ammunition
What Holidays Does the US Not Deliver Packages?
When considering the parcel delivery speed you need, don’t forget to account for holidays when most carriers do not deliver packages. For 2023, the following dates are US public holidays:| Holiday | Day of the Week | Date |
| New Year's Day | Monday | 2 January |
| Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday | Monday | 17 January |
| Memorial Day | Monday | 29 May |
| Juneteenth Independence Day | Monday | 19 June |
| Independence Day | Tuesday | 4 July |
| Labor Day | Monday | 4 September |
| Columbus Day | Monday | 9 October |
| Veterans Day | Friday | 10 November |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday | 23 November |
| Christmas Day | Monday | 25 December |
Happy Post Makes it Easy
Happy Post’s solutions make it painless to send a parcel to the US. Simply bring your parcel to a drop-off point convenient to you and it will be safely delivered to the carrier and on its way to the US.
We offer home delivery with tracking, or with tracking and signature, so you can follow the parcel as it reaches its destination. For faster service, Happy Post offers Premium delivery, where the parcel is delivered quickly and with a signature from the recipient.
Sending a parcel to the USA requires attention to detail in packaging and preparing, as well as in choosing a carrier. By following our guidelines for filling out customs form, labeling, safely packaging your item and making sure you choose the best service for your needs, you will be well prepared to ship your parcel to the US without any delays.
Remember, while aiming for an affordable option is important, reliability and tracking services offered by the carrier are equally critical. Happy Post offers a variety of reputable carriers so you can send your package safely to the US.