USPS vs UPS vs FedEx vs DHL: Customs Charges and Quote Requirements
Compare government entry fees and actual carrier quotes. Brokerage varies by service, contract, value and entry procedure.
Separate government fees from the carrier bill
Customs duty is based on classification, origin and customs value. MPF, non-EMS mail fees and facility fees follow their own entry rules. Brokerage, disbursement, bond and other private services depend on the carrier contract.
| Carrier path | What this calculator can include |
|---|---|
| USPS ordinary informal parcel | Published $9.35 clearance/delivery fee when dutiable; relevant mail fee if CBP prepares documents. Ordinary mail is generally MPF-exempt. |
| USPS inbound EMS | No non-EMS mail fee. Informal MPF exemption; formal EMS can pay formal MPF. $1 operator fee only if passed through. |
| UPS / FedEx / DHL | Government fees for the selected procedure; brokerage/disbursement total requires your service-specific quote. |
| Any formal entry | Broker and bond services need a quote. A postal clearance flat fee alone cannot establish the complete bill. |
Compare complete totals
Enter carrier/broker charges in USD, excluding duty and government fees already modeled. If an operator fee is included in the quote, leave its separate pass-through box off. Without a quote the calculator labels courier amounts as known subtotals; they cannot establish a cheapest carrier.
The USPS parcel fee does not describe every letter, flat or formal service. Shipping prices, seller-paid duties and service contracts also affect what the buyer pays.
Sources and estimate scope
Rules verified 2026-10-02. The calculator supports tariff entry dates 2026-07-24 through 2026-10-02; other dates require a fresh rule check. Product selections are representative, and no FTA preference or special-entry treatment is assumed.
- CBP valuation: actual international freight evidence
- CBP July 2026 duties and product exemptions
- CBP: IEEPA duties ended February 24, 2026
- USITC current HTS and product-specific Section 301 rates
- FY2026 fees · FY2027 fees effective October 1, 2026
- 19 CFR 24.23: MPF and postal exemptions · 19 CFR 24.22: mail/EMS fees
- USPS dutiable-parcel clearance fee
Calculate your landed cost
Duty, MPF, and carrier fees — broken down before you buy.