📦 Shipping Cost Calculator
Get instant estimates from all major carriers
📊 Estimated Shipping Costs
Actual Weight: 1.0 kg
Volumetric Weight: 1.8 kg (30×20×15 ÷ 5000)
Chargeable Weight: 1.8 kg (higher of the two)
Volumetric Weight: 1.8 kg (30×20×15 ÷ 5000)
Chargeable Weight: 1.8 kg (higher of the two)
📮
Servientrega Economy
5-8 business days
$24
Best value
🟡
DHL Express
3-5 business days
$65
Fastest
🟣
FedEx International Priority
2-4 business days
$72
Premium
🟣
FedEx International Economy
5-7 business days
$45
Good balance
🟤
UPS Worldwide Expedited
3-5 business days
$58
Reliable
☕ Coffee Note: Roasted coffee beans and ground coffee are allowed. Fresh coffee cherries/pulp are prohibited. Commercial quantities may require FDA food facility registration.
⚠️ Estimates Only: Actual rates vary based on fuel surcharges (currently ~25-30%), remote area fees, and customs processing. Get final quotes directly from carriers. Prices shown in USD.
📋 What Can You Ship to the USA?
Most personal items and Colombian products can be shipped to the United States, but some items require special documentation or are restricted. Here's your complete guide:
✅ Allowed Items
- Coffee - Roasted beans, ground coffee, instant coffee
- Handicrafts - Mochilas, pottery, leather goods, textiles
- Clothing - Personal items, new merchandise
- Chocolate & candy - Commercially packaged
- Documents - No restrictions
- Books & media - Non-pirated materials
- Art & paintings - With proper valuation
- Electronics - Personal use items
⚠️ Requires Documentation
- Emeralds & jewelry - Formal customs entry, appraisal
- Commercial coffee - FDA facility registration, ICO certificate
- Food products - FDA prior notice for commercial
- Animal products - USDA permits may apply
- Plants/seeds - Phytosanitary certificate
- High-value items - Over $2,500 needs formal entry
- Antiques - Cultural export permit if 100+ years
🚫 Prohibited Items
- Fresh coffee cherries/pulp (pest risk)
- Illegal drugs & controlled substances
- Firearms & ammunition
- Counterfeit goods
- Endangered species products
- Fresh fruits & vegetables
- Meat products (most types)
- Currency over $10,000 (undeclared)
🚚 Carrier Comparison
Here's how the major carriers compare for shipping from Medellín to the USA:
| Carrier | Speed | Price Range (1-5kg) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟡 DHL Express | 2-5 days Fastest | $65 - $150 | Urgent shipments | Best tracking, reliable customs clearance |
| 🟣 FedEx Priority | 2-4 days Fast | $70 - $160 | Time-sensitive items | Money-back guarantee on select routes |
| 🟣 FedEx Economy | 5-7 days | $45 - $100 | Best balance | Good value for non-urgent shipments |
| 🟤 UPS Expedited | 3-5 days | $55 - $130 | Reliable tracking | Strong network in USA |
| 📮 Servientrega | 5-8 days Cheapest | $25 - $75 | Budget shipping | Colombian carrier, offices in Miami |
| 📮 4-72 (Postal) | 10-20 days | $15 - $50 | Non-urgent items | Colombian postal service, very slow |
📍 Carrier Locations in Medellín
Major carriers have multiple locations throughout Medellín. Here are the most convenient:
🟡 DHL Express
- Poblado: Cra 43A #1-50, Oviedo area
- Laureles: Calle 33 #76-40
- Centro: Cra 52 #49-37
- 📞 (+57) 1 745 4455
🟣 FedEx
- Poblado: Cra 43A #16Sur-47
- Laureles: Cra 80 #33-17
- Industrial: Calle 10 #54-50, Guayabal
- 📞 (+57) 1 307 8887
📮 Servientrega
- Multiple locations throughout city
- Main: Cra 65 #32A-30
- Envigado: Calle 36Sur #27-2
- 📞 (+57) 472 3030
📝 How to Ship a Package to USA
1
Prepare Package
Weigh and measure accurately. Use sturdy packaging.
2
Check Restrictions
Verify contents are allowed for USA import.
3
Compare Quotes
Get prices from multiple carriers.
4
Complete Invoice
Fill commercial invoice with accurate values.
5
Drop Off
Bring to carrier with all documents.
6
Track & Receive
Monitor tracking, 2-8 days delivery.
📄 Required Documentation
For all international shipments from Colombia to USA, you'll need:
- Commercial Invoice - Description, quantity, value, country of origin for each item
- Waybill/Air Bill - Provided by carrier, includes sender/recipient info
- Photo ID - Cédula de extranjería or passport copy
- Certificate of Origin - For duty-free treatment under COTPA (carrier can help)
💰 Customs & Duties
Good news: Most Colombian goods enter the USA duty-free under the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (COTPA). However, as of August 2025, the USA has suspended the $800 de minimis threshold, meaning:
- All commercial shipments may be subject to customs processing fees
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of value (min $27.23, max $528.33)
- Proper documentation needed to claim COTPA duty-free status
- Personal gifts under $100 may still qualify for informal clearance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a package from Colombia to USA?
Shipping costs range from $15-40 for small packages under 1kg via economy services (Servientrega, 4-72), to $65-200+ for express delivery via DHL or FedEx. Costs depend on weight, dimensions (volumetric weight), destination state, and shipping speed. Florida and Texas are cheapest destinations due to proximity.
What is the cheapest way to ship from Colombia to USA?
For small packages, Servientrega offers the best rates at $25-50 for 1-3kg with 5-8 day delivery. The Colombian postal service 4-72 is even cheaper but very slow (10-20 days). For best value with reliable tracking, FedEx International Economy balances price and speed.
Can I ship coffee from Colombia to USA?
Yes! Roasted coffee beans and ground coffee are perfectly legal to ship. Fresh, unprocessed coffee cherries (with the fruit/pulp) are prohibited due to fruit fly risk. For commercial quantities, you'll need FDA food facility registration and may need an ICO Certificate of Origin. Personal amounts (a few bags) need no special permits.
Do I have to pay customs duty on packages from Colombia?
Most Colombian goods enter duty-free under COTPA (Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement). However, you may still pay Merchandise Processing Fees (0.3464% of value). High-value items over $2,500 require formal customs entry. Emeralds and jewelry always need formal entry regardless of value.
How long does shipping from Colombia to USA take?
Express services (DHL, FedEx Priority): 2-5 business days. Economy services (FedEx Economy, UPS): 5-7 days. Servientrega: 5-8 days. Colombian postal (4-72): 10-20 days. Add 1-3 days for customs clearance, especially for food items or items requiring inspection.
Can I ship emeralds from Colombia to USA?
Yes, but emeralds require formal customs entry regardless of value. You'll need a detailed appraisal/certificate from a certified gemologist, commercial invoice with description and value, and the shipment may be inspected. Many people use specialized jewelry shipping services for high-value gems.
What is volumetric weight and why does it matter?
Volumetric (or dimensional) weight calculates shipping cost based on package size rather than actual weight. Formula: Length × Width × Height ÷ 5000 (in cm). Carriers charge whichever is higher - actual or volumetric weight. This prevents large, light packages from being undercharged. Pack efficiently to minimize dimensions.
Can I ship a mochila bag to the USA?
Absolutely! Mochilas and other Colombian handicrafts are popular items to ship. They're lightweight, easy to pack, and have no restrictions. Just declare the accurate value on your commercial invoice. If buying from artisan markets, keep receipts for customs documentation.