We just had a very interesting question about International Shipping. We ship all of our international packages through the USPS. We have done very little international shipments through, FedEx, UPS, and DHL. The times we compared them they seemed to be much higher than the USPS. The paper work also seems to be a bit more difficult to figure out. 

Lets talk about the US Postal Service International Shipping services. Many of our shipments are less than 64 ounces or 4 pounds. Because of that we like to use the USPS First Class International Services. It seems to be the least expensive way of shipping items internationally. Again, the maximum weight allowed for that service is 4 pounds. For example, a package that weights 4lbs, shipped to Canada from any ZIP code in the US to any ZIP code in Canada costs $16.61.

Here is more information from USPS.com

Please keep in mind that this service is only available at your local  Post Office. This service is not available online. Depending on your local Post Office, the type of package you are shipping and the relationship they have with you, they might allow you to ship the international packages from your house. We used to live in a smaller town. There the Post Master would not allow us to leave the package for the Mail Delivery Person for Pick Up. We used to have to drive to the Post Office every time.  We then moved to a different town, here the Post Master allow us to put the prepaid First Class International Package with our other USPS National Package for pick up. You might ask your self how do we prepaid a package if the this service is not available online? We just buy large denomination stamps at USPS.com

Here is Link to the USPS.com stamps store.

If this service works for you. You can buy the stamps in different denominations up to the amount needed. People that ship similar weight products can take advantage of this service just fine. Folks that ship different size packages might have a bit of a harder time. Even if your local Post Office does not allow you ship from home, it is a time saver to have the package ready to ship when you go to your Post Office.

It is always advised to talk to your Post Master and let him or her know what you do. We learned tremendously from talking to USPS Clerks and Employees.

Here is more information:

First Class Mail International

	Ship virtually anywhere at reasonable prices.

The most economical way to send letters, large envelopes, small packages, postal cards, printed matter, and small packets 4 pounds and under, worldwide. Outstanding Value - Postage starts as low as 72¢ for a one-ounce letter or postcard to Canada or Mexico. This service lets you communicate through the mail with letters to customers, businesses, and loved ones across the world. Extra Services - Registered Mail service without insurance is available for a fee. Resource Center Print customs forms online, check out Extra Services like insurance and Registered Mail™, and follow mailing conditions with Service Updates. Additional information about First Class Mail International is available in the online International Mail Manual.