Shipping to the USA – Everything You Need to Know Before Sending a Package to the United States
Shipping to the United States has become an integral part of life for many Israelis—both individuals and businesses. Whether you're sending important documents, a package to a friend in Los Angeles, or your entire household as part of a relocation, the shipping process can be simple, fast, and cost-effective—if you know how to approach it correctly.
The U.S. is a vast country with clear customs regulations, a wide range of shipping options, and numerous courier companies—making it confusing even for experienced shippers. What's the difference between document shipping and commercial shipping? Does every package go through customs? How much does it cost, and how do you choose a reliable service?
In this article, we've gathered everything you need to know about shipping to the USA—including explanations, tips, comparison tables, relocation information, and answers to frequently asked questions. Most importantly, you'll discover how a service like ShippingToGo can make the entire process faster, easier, and more convenient—with personal support.
Shipping to the USA – Everything You Need to Know Before Sending a Package to the United States
Why Do So Many Israelis Ship to the USA?
The United States is one of the primary destinations for international shipments from Israel—and for good reason. Thousands of Israelis live in the U.S. for work, studies, or immigration purposes, and they maintain close ties with family and friends back home.
Many Israeli businesses also operate regularly in American markets—tech companies sending product samples, designers selling online, and law offices with clients overseas.
Shipping to the USA isn’t just a technical task—it’s part of a broader connection between countries, people, and businesses. But to do it right, you need to understand the rules, regulations, and options available.
Shipping services to the USA require knowledge of customs regulations, available shipping methods, and which solution is best for your specific shipment—whether it’s an official document, a commercial product, or even an entire household. That’s exactly why we’re here—to simplify the process for you.
Common Types of Shipments to the USA
Document Shipping to the USA
Sending documents is a particularly sensitive matter—not just because of the contents, but due to tight deadlines. Power of attorney letters, contracts, consulate forms, official certificates, or medical records—none of these can afford delays.
Many people don’t realize that documents often require proper documentation and, in some cases, an additional copy or translation according to the recipient's requirements.
ShippingToGo offers document delivery services to the USA with personal courier pickup, full tracking, recipient signature, tailored insurance for sensitive documents, and support in case of delays or unexpected customs issues. A courier can collect the document directly from your home or office—ensuring it arrives safely and on time.
Parcel Shipping to the USA
Shipping a package to the United States might sound simple, but in reality, it involves many small details that make a big difference:
Accurate weight, item type, declared value, expected taxes, customs requirements, and estimated delivery time can all affect cost, speed, and whether your package gets delayed.
For example: an Etsy seller shipping jewelry must know if it’s considered “commercial,” and a mother sending clothes to her daughter in Los Angeles should know whether customs duties will apply.
With ShippingToGo, you can enter all shipment details and instantly compare live quotes from leading courier companies—including services with home pickup, tracking, and insurance. The system also warns you in advance about missing or problematic information, helping to prevent delays or unexpected fees.
Relocation to the USA
Relocation is not a standard shipment—it’s a full-life transition. When moving to the U.S., it often involves an entire household: clothing, books, electronics, furniture, computers, personal records, and more.
Shipping all of that to a new country requires professional planning, early preparation, and a tailored solution that fits the specific needs of the individual or family relocating.
ShippingToGo offers a relocation shipping service to the USA that includes:
Assistance in estimating the total volume and weight
Choosing the appropriate shipping method (air, sea, or combined)
Preparing for U.S. customs requirements
Full content insurance
Option for professional packing
Personal support until your belongings arrive safely
Unlike general shipping providers, we offer personal attention and dedicated customer support—available whenever you need us. We understand all the challenges ahead—and handle them in advance.
Comparison Table: Types of Shipments to the USA
| Type of Shipment | Avg. Delivery Time | Tracking Level | Customs Required | Suitable For | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documents | 1–3 business days | Full tracking | No | Contracts, forms, official certificates | From ₪90 |
| Small Packages | 3–7 business days | Full tracking | Yes | Gifts, online store items, clothes, books | From ₪150 |
| Relocation & Household | 7–30 business days | Partial tracking | Yes | Household goods, personal belongings | Based on volume/weight |
The information in this table is for illustrative purposes only. Delivery times, prices, and customs requirements may vary depending on the courier, shipment content, destination, and applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay customs duties when shipping to the USA?
Yes—but not always. Items with a declared value under $800, sent as personal gifts, are usually exempt from duties. However, commercial goods, electronics, household contents, or branded items may be subject to taxes under U.S. customs law.
At ShippingToGo, we’ll help you understand the expectations in advance and what needs to be declared.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a package to the USA?
The most cost-effective way is not to guess—but to compare. ShippingToGo provides real-time quotes from all major courier services, including any temporary discounts. You choose based on price, speed, or service level.
Can I use ShippingToGo to ship to the USA without a business account?
Absolutely! ShippingToGo is open to everyone—private individuals, freelancers, families, students, and business owners. There’s no need to commit or open a commercial account. Just enter your details—and ship.
Summary
Shipping to the USA is no longer just for businesses. Today, anyone can send a document, parcel, or an entire household—if they choose the right service.
ShippingToGo offers the simplest, most affordable, and most reliable way to ship anything from Israel to the United States—with personal service, full tracking, competitive rates, and end-to-end support.
Whether you’re sending documents to the USA, parcels to the USA, relocating to the USA, or simply need shipping with ShippingToGo to the USA—we’re here for you.