Comparison of cross-border logistics services: analysis of timeliness, weight limits, advantages and disadvantages of UPS, Ruston, SF Express and FedEx

UPS cross-border logistics service features

Tariff standards and calculation methods

UPS’s tariff standards are subject to the information published on its official website. The billing method is calculated based on the larger of the volumetric weight of the package and the actual weight. The calculation formula of the volumetric weight is: length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm)/5000.

Reference timeliness

• North America: 2~3 working days.
• Asia: 2~3 working days.
• Western Europe: 3~5 working days.
• Central and South America: 3~5 working days.
• Middle East: 4~6 working days.
• Africa: 4~6 working days.

Volume and weight limits

• The weight of each package should not exceed 70kg.
• Maximum length is 270cm.
• The maximum size is: length + circumference (width × 2 + height × 2) = 330cm.
• If the limit is exceeded, UPS will charge an overweight and overlength fee of RMB 378 per package.

Advantages and Disadvantages of UPS

Advantages

• Fast speed and high quality service.
• Especially suitable for American routes, especially small express items in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
• The query website information is updated quickly and problems are solved in a timely manner.
• Provides online delivery services and door-to-door pickup services in 109 cities across the country.

Disadvantages

• The freight cost is higher and it is more suitable for sending goods of 6~21kg or more than 100kg.
• Restrictions on checked items are stricter.

Features of Ruston’s cross-border logistics services

Tariff standards

Ruston’s price is 85 yuan/kg plus 8 yuan registration fee.

Packaging and weight requirements

• The maximum size of a square package is length + width + thickness 90cm, and the longest side is less than 60cm.
• The maximum size of cylindrical packages is 2 times diameter + length <104cm, length 90cm.
• The minimum size of a square package is that the length of at least one side is greater than 14cm and the width is greater than 9cm.
• The minimum size of cylindrical packages is 2 times diameter + length greater than 17cm, length greater than 10cm.
• The weight limit is less than 2kg (excluding 2kg).

Delivery time

Ruston’s delivery time is 16 to 35 days to reach the entire territory of Russia.

Ruston’s advantages

• Economical, accurate billing, no lifting fees.
• It can be mailed to a wide range of areas, covering the entire territory of Russia.
• The “Harbin-Yekaterinburg” Sino-Russian aviation dedicated freight charter flight has been launched, greatly improving distribution efficiency.
• Visible tracking of the entire process, access to the Internet within 48 hours.

Overview of SF Express’ cross-border logistics services

Tariff standards

SF Express charges based on volumetric weight or actual weight, whichever is greater. Volumetric weight = length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm)/6000. Express shipments within 20kg will be charged 0.5kg. The unit of measurement for weight is, if it is less than 0.5kg, the decimal place will be rounded up to the next 0.5kg; for shipments over 20kg, the unit of measurement is 1kg, and if it is less than 0.5kg, the decimal place will be rounded up to the next 1kg.

Time limit

• Australia, United States: 3~6 days.
• Vietnam and Thailand: 3~5 days.
• Singapore, Japan: 2~4 days.
• Malaysia, South Korea: 1~5 days.

Volume and weight limits

• Single express shipment volume limit: 200cm×80cm×70cm.
• Single express shipment weight limit: no more than 70kg.
• Single express shipment value limit: For express shipments from mainland China to the United States, if it is a monthly account, the declared value cannot exceed US$2,500; for cash customers, the declared value cannot exceed US$250.

Advantages and disadvantages of SF Express

Advantages

• The self-owned service network ensures unified service standards, stable quality and high security.
• Advanced IT systems support package tracking.

Disadvantages

• The coverage of international express delivery business is small.

Overview of FedEx cross-border logistics services

Tariff standards

FedEx’s tariff standards are subject to the latest data published on its official website.

Reference timeliness

FedEx provides a variety of express delivery services. The specific timeliness can be checked on its official website.

Volume and weight restrictions

• Weight charges are calculated based on actual weight and volumetric weight, whichever is greater.
• If the billable weight of a single ticket is within 20.5kg, the unit of measurement is 0.5kg.
• If it exceeds 20.5kg, 1kg will be used as the unit of measurement.
• Some countries impose additional fees on oversized items (length × 2 + width × 2 + height exceeding 330cm or a single item exceeding 68kg).

Advantages and Disadvantages of FedEx

Advantages

• High cost performance in Southeast Asia.
• The price for bulk goods above 21kg is competitive.
• Prices to Central and South America and Europe are competitive.
• Website information is updated quickly.

Disadvantages

• There is no advantage in price and speed in Western Europe, the United States, Canada, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Restrictions on checked items are relatively strict.