How to choose a carrier
The carriers you can use depend on the Tiptrans warehouse, the destination and what is inside your package. How to compare options in the shipping calculator and in your account, weigh price against speed, and pick a service for special needs.
Four things decide which carrier suits your shipment: the warehouse your package ships from, the destination, what is inside, and whether price or speed matters more. Compare the options in the shipping cost calculator before you buy, and on the package's Shipping method tab once the package is in your account.
1. Start with the warehouse
Each Tiptrans warehouse works with its own carriers, so the same destination can have different options and prices from each warehouse. We ship only with the carriers in the shipping calculator: if a carrier isn't listed for your warehouse and destination, it isn't available on that route. For the carriers at each warehouse, see Which carriers ship from each warehouse?
2. Compare the services offered
- Before you buy: enter the warehouse, destination, weight and size in the shipping cost calculator. It lists each service with its price and delivery time. See How to get a shipping quote.
- For a package in your account: the Shipping method tab lists only the services available for that package. Prices are based on its measured weight and size and on your shipping address. You select the carrier there. See How to dispatch a package.
The delivery time shown is the carrier's estimate in days, not a guarantee. See How long does delivery take?
3. Check what's inside
Under each service, No: and Yes: show whether it takes these contents:
- Built-in battery (a device with a battery inside)
- Stand-alone battery
- Liquid
- Leading brands
Choose a service that accepts everything in your package. Our rates apply to common goods. If the package contains restricted items, the carrier may refuse it or charge a surcharge, and we may ask you to confirm a different price or choose another carrier. Which items each warehouse and carrier restricts is explained in Prohibited and restricted items and, for batteries, in Can I ship batteries or devices with batteries?
4. Choose between price and speed
| What matters | Postal services | Express couriers |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | China Post, Hong Kong Post, Czech Post, Royal Mail | DHL, UPS, FedEx, SF Express |
| Price | Usually lower, especially for small, light parcels | Higher |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Tracking | Updates are slow and may stop when the parcel crosses the border | Detailed tracking until delivery |
| Customs | Cleared by the destination's postal service | Usually fewer customs problems and smoother clearance |
5. Consider special needs
- Proof of delivery: choose an express courier for full tracking and a delivery confirmation.
- Large or heavy shipments: each service has a weight limit, listed on Delivery methods. Check the calculator with the real weight and size. For pallets and freight, see Oversize packages, pallets and freight
- Prepaid duties and taxes: by default, the recipient pays them on delivery. You can prepay them (DDP) from any warehouse, and from Hong Kong to the USA you must. See Prepaid duties and taxes (DDP).
- Insurance: every rate includes basic cover, which refunds the shipping cost if the package is lost. Full cover of the value is optional. See Shipping insurance explained.
- Your own carrier: you can have your own courier or forwarder collect the package from the warehouse. See Can I collect my package in person or with my own carrier?
You can change the carrier on the Shipping method tab as often as you like until you request dispatch.
Still not sure?
Contact us and include:
- the warehouse you use or plan to use,
- the package ID, if the package is already in your account,
- what is inside, including any batteries, liquids or branded goods,
- the destination country,
- the weight and size, if the package isn't in your account yet.