Shipping To Austria: Costs And Tips

Shipping to Austria can be a complex process, with many factors influencing the final cost. The weight and dimensions of the package are key considerations, as larger and lighter packages tend to be more expensive to ship due to taking up more space. Shipping options, such as express or economy, and the carrier chosen will also impact the price. Additionally, the country of origin, destination, shipment date, and any applicable taxes or duties based on the value of the goods can affect the overall shipping cost. To simplify the process, online shipping cost calculators can provide accurate quotes by considering these variables.

Shipping costs from the US to Austria

Shipping companies such as Planet Express, UPS, MyUS, Parcel Monkey, and Easyship offer a variety of shipping options and rates. Planet Express, for example, offers prices starting at $10 for small packages, while MyUS offers rates as low as $11.38 for its members. UPS, on the other hand, provides a shipping cost calculator that considers the origin, destination, and weight of the shipment to determine the cost.

Parcel Monkey also offers a price comparison service, allowing customers to compare shipping rates from different courier services such as DHL and USPS. They offer a range of services to match different budgets and delivery time frames. Similarly, Easyship provides pre-negotiated rates from various couriers, allowing customers to find the fastest, cheapest, and best-value delivery options.

In addition to weight, the dimensions of a package can also impact the shipping cost. This is known as volumetric or dimensional weight, which takes into account the space a package occupies in relation to its physical weight. Larger but lighter packages may be charged based on their dimensional weight rather than their actual weight.

When shipping from the US to Austria, it is important to consider the shipping method and delivery time. Economy or budget shipping options typically take 4 to 10 business days, while express shipping can arrive in as little as 1 to 4 business days. Generally, longer delivery times result in lower shipping costs. It is also worth noting that additional fees may apply for fuel, residential or peak season delivery, or handling oversized or hazardous materials.

Shipping costs from the UK to Austria

Mode of Transport

When shipping freight to Austria, you can choose between sea, air, and road freight. Sea freight is the most popular option due to its lower cost and improved carbon footprint, but it takes longer than air freight. The majority of UK ports, including Manchester, London, and Belfast, offer shipping to Austria. The airports that ship to Austria from the UK include London Heathrow, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Delivery Service

There are various delivery services to choose from, each offering different prices, delivery times, and weight allowances. For example, Royal Mail's International Tracked and Signed service is the fastest option, delivering across Europe within 3-5 business days, but it is more expensive than their International Economy service, which takes 2-5 weeks. Parcel Monkey offers delivery from the US to Austria from as little as $25.90, with standard or express services taking 5-6 business days and economy services taking 14-21 days. MyUS offers shipping from the US to Austria for as low as $11.38, with economy or budget shipping options taking 4 to 10 business days and express shipping options taking 1-4 business days. FedEx is priced significantly higher but offers next-day delivery for packages up to 68 kg. USPS offers international shipping starting at $17.85 for packages up to 4 lbs in weight and $59.50 for packages up to 20 lbs.

Weight of Package

The weight of the package will also impact the cost of shipping. Lighter packages are typically cheaper to ship, and some services have weight restrictions. For example, USPS's First-Class Package International Service is for packages up to 4 lbs, while their Priority Mail International service allows packages up to 20 lbs.

Additionally, it is important to consider any taxes and duties that may apply. As of July 1, 2021, a 20% import Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on all goods imported into Austria, excluding gifts under £40 (€45) in value.

Shipping carriers and delivery times

When it comes to shipping carriers and delivery times, there are a few options to consider when shipping to Austria. The specific carrier and delivery time will depend on factors such as the origin of the shipment, the weight and dimensions of the package, and the destination within Austria.

Major shipping carriers that offer services to Austria include UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, Aramex, Hong Kong Post, Singapore Post, and more. These carriers offer a range of services, from standard shipping to expedited options, and the delivery time will vary accordingly. For example, UPS provides a shipping cost calculator that considers factors like origin, destination, and weight to provide an estimated delivery time.

Some shipping carriers, like MyUS, offer exclusive low rates and fast delivery times, as well as door-to-door tracking. MyUS also provides members with a US shipping address, allowing them to shop US stores online without paying US sales tax. MyUS then consolidates purchases into a single package for cost-effective shipping, which can save members up to 80% on standard international shipping rates. With MyUS, delivery to Austria can take as little as 2 to 4 days.

When shipping from the United States to Austria, the average transit time can vary depending on the port of origin. For example, shipping from the Port of Los Angeles to Austria can take around 40 days, while the average transit time from the US to Austria is between 18 and 25 days. Shipping from Europe to Austria is generally faster, with an average transit time of 2 to 25 days. Shipping from China to Austria can take longer, with an estimated average transit time of 25 to 42 days, and shipping costs from China are also higher, ranging from $1550 to $3850.

It's important to note that shipping rates and delivery times can vary based on additional factors such as fuel surcharges, residential or peak season delivery fees, and handling oversized or hazardous materials. Volumetric weight, which considers the dimensions of the package, may also be used to determine shipping costs, especially for larger but lighter packages.

Customs charges and regulations

When shipping to Austria, it is crucial to be aware of the applicable customs duties, import VAT, and excise taxes. The Austrian Customs regime is based on the European Union's TARIC system, which is determined in Brussels. The specific tariff rates for goods and special duties applicable in Austria can be found through the Central Information Office.

Before shipping, it is important to check the list of restricted items, as it changes frequently. Some items cannot be legally shipped to Austria due to customs laws and delivery company or airline restrictions. Additionally, ensure that the goods are securely packed to avoid damage before clearing customs.

When ordering goods, pay close attention to the shipping costs and service charges of the delivery service for the customs declaration and the advancement of duties. These charges can significantly increase the total cost. It is recommended to order goods at the net price to avoid paying double tax, which includes both the foreign value-added tax and the Austrian import VAT.

Shipping cost calculators

There are several shipping cost calculators available online that can help you estimate the cost of shipping items to Austria. These calculators take into account various factors such as the origin, destination, weight, and dimensions of the shipment to provide you with accurate quotes. Here are some details about a few shipping cost calculators:

Easyship

Easyship is a top-ranked shipping software that offers a free shipping cost calculator for businesses of all sizes. They partner with major couriers to negotiate volume discounts, which are then passed on to their customers. You can link your own courier account or use their pre-negotiated rates to find the fastest, cheapest, and best-value delivery options. Easyship's calculator considers factors such as parcel weight, dimensions, country of origin, and destination to determine the shipping cost.

UPS

UPS also provides a shipping cost calculator for Austria. To get the most accurate rate and delivery time information, you need to log in and select a UPS account. You will be required to provide information about your shipment, including origin, destination, shipment date, and weight. With this information, UPS will help you compare service details and sort your results by time or cost to find the most cost-effective option.

Freight Calculator

Freight Calculator offers cost-effective international moving solutions for individuals or families relocating to Austria. They provide various options, including ocean container shipping and Less Than Container Load (LCL) ocean consolidations. Their International Moving Cost Calculator can provide an estimate for shipping personal items to Austria, including household goods, personal effects, and furniture. The calculator considers all dimensions and weights, converting measurements to cubic meters. It also includes relevant charges for palletization if required.

MyUS

MyUS is another shipping service that allows you to ship products from the US and UK stores to Austria. As a MyUS member, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred carrier and delivery time. However, specific details about their shipping cost calculator are not readily available.

Frequently asked questions