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How long does international shipping take, and what factors can delay it?
How long does international shipping take, and what factors can delay it?
Joseph Odera avatar
Written by Joseph Odera
Updated over 3 months ago

Drip is integrated with USPS for shipping out orders. International shipping times with USPS vary depending on the the destination country and USPS shipping service used. For Drip purchases shipping internationally using USPS, the following estimated delivery times apply according to USPS:

  • Priority Mail Express International®: Typically delivers within 3–5 business days to most destinations. This service includes tracking and insurance for added reliability.

  • Priority Mail International®: Generally delivers within 6–10 business days. This option also includes tracking and insurance.

  • First-Class Package International Service®: Delivery times vary by destination and are less predictable, as this is an economical option designed for smaller, lightweight packages (up to 4 lbs). For example, shipping to India can take up to 4 weeks while South Africa can take up to 6 weeks.

It’s important to note that these are estimated delivery times, and actual delivery can vary due to several factors. These estimates may vary - the information above may or may not be correct due to different factors. For more info, please visit the official USPS website

Factors That Can Delay Delivery

Customs processing is one of the most significant factors influencing international shipping times. When a package arrives at its destination country, customs authorities may inspect it to ensure compliance with local laws and verify the declared value and product category. Delays can occur if there are issues with documentation or if the item requires additional clearance.

The destination country’s local postal system also plays a key role in delivery speed. Once USPS transfers the package to the local postal service, the efficiency and processes of that system can impact how quickly the package reaches the recipient.

Transportation disruptions, such as reduced airline availability or rerouted shipments, can also lead to delays. Global events, such as pandemics or natural disasters, further complicate transit times by interrupting shipping routes or reducing resources.

Lastly, peak shipping seasons, such as during holidays or major sales events, often result in higher mail volumes, which can strain both USPS and international postal systems, causing delivery slowdowns.

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