By ShipTime
At ShipTime, we’re always looking for ways to improve your shipping experience by making it more efficient, transparent, and affordable. One area that has seen a significant upgrade is how we handle duties and taxes for international shipments. That’s why we’re excited to roll out new features that give you more visibility and control when it comes to international duties, taxes, and brokerage costs, especially at a time when cross-border shipping regulations are more complex than ever.
With new U.S. import rules taking effect in August 2025, including increased tariffs and the removal of the $800 USD duty-free exemption, starting August 29th, understanding your total landed cost is more important than ever. These updates mean that even low-value shipments may now be subject to duties and taxes, especially on goods from countries like China, where additional tariffs remain in place.
By providing upfront visibility into duties and taxes, ShipTime helps you stay compliant with evolving trade policies, avoid unexpected fees at delivery, and give your customers a more transparent cross-border experience.
Previously, duties and taxes were often only revealed once the shipment was processed at the border. Now, with ShipTime’s new feature, you’ll see a calculation of duties and taxes before you finalize your shipment.
This means you and your customers can make informed decisions at the time of shipping, reducing the chance of surprise charges at delivery.
Flexibility is key when it comes to handling duties and taxes, which is why a simple toggle that lets you choose who will be responsible for these costs:
Recipient Pays: When selected, ShipTime will provide an estimate of duties and taxes in advance. This allows you to clearly communicate these costs to your customer before the shipment is on its way.
Shipper Pays: Prefer to cover the costs yourself? ShipTime will calculate and collect duties and taxes upfront, so your recipient won’t have to pay anything upon delivery.
Even better? You can now pay those duties and taxes directly in the ShipTime platform. This level of control ensures a smoother, more predictable experience for both you and your customers.
We’ve also negotiated discounted brokerage fees with our courier partners. Brokerage fees, which cover the processing of customs paperwork, can add up quickly, especially for small businesses. With ShipTime, you’ll benefit from reduced rates, helping you ship more affordably while still delivering across borders with confidence.
In a world where global trade policies and cross-border logistics are constantly evolving, having upfront access to accurate cost breakdowns is more important than ever. These new features are designed to:
– Provide transparency into your total shipping cost
– Reduce failed deliveries due to unexpected charges
– Improve customer satisfaction by avoiding hidden fees
– Save money through discounted brokerage rates
Whether you’re shipping products to customers abroad or sending personal packages across the border, these tools give you the confidence and clarity you need to manage international shipping costs effectively.
At ShipTime, we’re committed to giving our users better tools, better rates, and better service. These new duties and taxes features are part of our ongoing mission to help businesses grow and Ship Smarter, regardless of global trade complexities.
About ShipTime:
Ship Smarter – with ShipTime, we are a true partner beyond just discounted rates. We provide a best in class platform packed with features and backed by our legendary Heroic Support™ team.
You can sleep easy with ShipTime’s best-in-class customer care. Our bilingual team is available by phone, live chat, or email Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 8PM EST.
Over thousands of businesses trust ShipTime to simplify and save on shipping. Create your account and join them today.
