Ever since the pandemic, Malaysia has been experiencing an ecommerce boom like never before. Today, the country’s residents are buying from international brands that only have physical presence overseas.
And thanks to advancements in international shipping, buyers can expect to receive orders for products ordered from the US within a matter of days.
This guide provides information on how to ship a package from the US to Malaysia, plus tips on how ecommerce brands can better plan international shipping logistics with ShipBob.
Cost & delivery speeds for shipping to Malaysia from the US
Most customers in Malaysia are looking for a good deal from overseas brands. If your business wants to keep the cost of goods low and offer free shipping, you need to work with the most cost-effective carrier(s).
Of course, the shipping vendors need to be reliable too. Identify a carrier(s) that scores well on both parameters for guaranteed customer delight and better profits.
To help you make this decision easily, here is a list of the services offered by the top four shipping vendors, with their respective rates and delivery timelines:
| Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
| USPS | First-Class International | $39.43 | 11-21 business days |
| USPS | Priority Mail International | $63.85 | 3-5 business days |
| USPS | Priority Mail International Large Flat Rate Box | $63.85 | 6-10 business days |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express International | $79.85 | 2-5 business days |
| UPS | Worldwide Express | $49.68 | 3-4 business days |
| UPS | UPS Worldwide Express Plus | $51.76 | 3-4 business days |
| FedEx | FedEx Cross Border Tracked | $34.31 | 6-10 business days |
| DHL | Express Worldwide | $69.29 | 1-4 business days |
| UPS | Worldwide Express | $49.96 | 1-3 business days |
USPS offers flat rate box shipping to Malaysia ranging from $40.15 to $111.35 for delivery within 6 to 10 days. And we calculated the following rates using each carrier’s pricing calculators for a consistent example of a 2.2 lbs package in November 2021. Exact prices are subject to change.
Note: These are general options for consumers shipping orders. To know what ShipBob offers when shipping to other countries like Malaysia, please request a quote here.
ShipBob’s exact rates for customers will vary as we charge an all-in ‘total fulfilment cost’ that includes picking, packing, and shipping, among other factors.
How to choose a shipping carrier
Every carrier is unique. When it comes to choosing a delivery partner for your orders, it is important to assess their local presence, order tracking capability, cost, ability to deliver large packages, reliability, and so on.
Looking for the best ecommerce shipping carrier for your business? This section should help you narrow down your options.
Couriers | Pros | Cons |
| USPS |
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| FedEx |
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| UPS |
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| DHL |
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Shipping to Malaysia from the US with USPS
USPS a government agency known for its significant US presence. Since then, it has been the heart of the country’s mailing industry. And, now USPS ships to over 180 countries, including Malaysia.
When to use USPS to ship from the US to Malaysia
USPS is a good option for online merchants who want to ship their goods for cheap and are okay with delivery delays. While it isn’t the most reliable carrier, USPS more than makes up for it by offering a flat rate shipping option for heavy packages.
Shipping to Malaysia from the US with UPS
Founded in 1907, UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company. This Atlanta-based business delivers billions of items to over 200 countries every year.
When to use UPS to ship from the US to Malaysia
UPS has a wide range of shipping options, including a few for time-sensitive deliveries. On the flip side, it doesn’t offer free pick up services. Also Saturday deliveries are not available on certain services.
Shipping to Malaysia from the US with FedEx
FedEx, with its presence in over 220 countries and territories, is one of the most successful couriers in the world. Founded in 1973, it offers a variety of international shipping services to meet individual customer requirements.
When to use FedEx to ship from the US to Malaysia
If you value good customer service and tracking capabilities, then choose FedEx. The carrier also offers the option of insuring your international shipments. The only challenge is that it doesn’t offer free package pickup services.
Shipping to Malaysia from the US with DHL
DHL, founded in 1969, ships to over 220 countries and territories worldwide. It is part of the world’s leading mail and logistics group and has a strong focus on sustainability.
When to use DHL to ship from the US to Malaysia
DHL is an incredibly reliable shipping service provider that offers 24/7 international support and doesn’t charge pickup fees. But, the company occasionally does extra charges or surcharges.
Duties & taxes when shipping to Malaysia from the US
Almost all goods imported into Malaysia, above the MYR 500 threshold, attract a 10% VAT.
Certain shipments, over MYR 500, will also attract customs duty. This amount is calculated using the CIF method, which takes into consideration the value of the goods and the shipping costs.
Here are some of the products on which customs tariff is levied:
| Customs duty | Description |
| 5% | Mobiles |
| 5% | Tablets |
| 20% | Accessories |
| 15% | Dry food and supplements |
| 20% | Toys |
Malaysia customs information
Before shipping to Malaysia, it is important to be aware of the legal framework and administrative procedures enacted by the Royal Customs Department of Malaysia. This will ensure that you are insulated from stresses of your shipment getting detained at customs.
Once the goods reach the nation’s borders, you need to present the right customs declaration documents and pay the customs duties and tariffs to clear the shipment.Click here to know more about the country’s customs department.
Prohibited items when shipping to Malaysia
Malaysia does have fairly liberal policies when it comes to imports. But at times, it imposes protectionist measures that prohibit the import of goods like dairy and poultry.
When it comes to items like agricultural products and foodstuffs, iron products, and chemicals you will need to secure import permits.
Also, here are the items that are completely banned from entering the Malaysian borders:
Items you can’t ship to Malaysia from the US |
| Butane gas lighters and refills |
| Firearms |
| Lottery tickets and its advertisements |
| Pornographic articles |
| Radioactive materials |
Be sure to check with the official Malaysia customs website before sending your goods, as the list of restricted and banned items tends to evolve with time.
What ecommerce businesses need to know about shipping to Malaysia
Many times, online merchants enter new markets without any local business insights, only to face thousands of dollars in losses.
If you don’t want your business to suffer a similar fate, here is everything you need to consider before selling and shipping to Malaysia.
1. Adopt a mobile-first ecommerce strategy
Did you know that 62% of customers in Malaysia shop via their phones? To appeal to this large subset, you need to build and promote a localised ecommerce mobile app.
2. Feed the customer’s appetite for discounts
Customers in Malaysia are price-sensitive. In fact, cost-savings are one of the top reasons for them to shop online. So, make sure that you offer lots of discounts to shoppers, especially during the local festive seasons.
3. Account for last-mile delivery delays
Malaysia is notorious for traffic congestion issues, which results in last mile order delays. To set the right customer shipping expectations, when sharing delivery timelines you need to account for any potential delays.
4. Secure customer trust with multiple payment options
In Malaysia, customers are quite wary of fraud. To assuage their fears of credit card or online payment hoaxes, your business needs to offer cash-on-delivery (COD). It would also help to offer a comprehensive return policy for faulty items.
5. Offer live tracking of orders
Your customer experience suffers when parcels are delayed or lost in transit. This is why you must choose a carrier that offers live tracking of shipments to customers and merchants.
Outsource shipping and logistics to a 3PL like ShipBob
When selling internationally, if you want a partner that can help you secure the best shipping rates and delivery time, then choose a 3PL like ShipBob.
We not only take care of picking, packing, and shipping your orders to Malaysia but also offer realistic upfront fulfilment costs that include customs, duties, and additional taxes.
By partnering with ShipBob, you eliminate the need to manage retail fulfilment, logistics operations, and hire labour.
Working with ShipBob can actually turn logistics and warehousing into a revenue driver because you can increase sales and offer the shipping options, transit times, and delivery speeds that customers want.
The best part about partnering with ShipBob is you get time back to focus on more strategic initiatives, such as customer service and marketing.
“As we’ve grown internationally and in our general order volume, we’ve seen satisfaction go up. ShipBob was a key player and significant partner in helping manage what became unmanageable when we were shipping orders out ourselves.”
Matt Dryfhout, Founder & CEO of BAKblade
Ready to start shipping to Malaysia from the US? Get started with ShipBob.
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Shipping to Malaysia FAQs
Here are answers to the top questions people have about shipping packages to Malaysia from the US.
What’s the cheapest way to ship to Malaysia from the US?
USPS’ Priority Mail International offers one of the cheapest ways to ship from the US to Malaysia, within 6 to 10 business days.
What’s the cheapest way to ship large packages to Malaysia from the US?
Large and heavy merchandise can be shipped to Malaysia affordably using USPS’s flat rate shipping service. With its Priority Mail International Large Flat Rate Box, you can ship goods of almost any weight at just $111.35.
What’s the fastest way to ship a package to Malaysia from the US?
FedEx International Priority and USPS GXG Envelopes are two options to deliver your goods from the US to Malaysia in just 1 to 3 business days.
Do I have to pay customs duties and fees when shipping to Malaysia from the US?
Customs duty of up to 50% is levied on imports to Malaysia. Electronic products like laptops and electric guitars are exempt from this charge. You will also be charged a VAT of 10% on certain shipments.
What’s the easiest way to ship something to Malaysia from the US?
The easiest way to ship goods from the US to Malaysia is via FedEx or UPS. Since both couriers have a strong presence in the US, it’s convenient to drop off shipments. Also, these reliable players offer order tracking services that ensures merchant’s peace of mind.
