Affordable FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) Shipping: Ultimate Guide

Are you shipping internationally? Finding the most cost-effective shipping solutions can be crucial for maintaining profitability and meeting customer expectations.

Combining individual shipment affordability with the speed and reliability of express services, FedEx^® International Connect Plus (FICP) offers affordability for shipping to a wide range of top eCommerce destinations including:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Germany
• France

What is FedEx^® International Connect Plus (FICP)?

FedEx^® International Connect Plus (FICP) is a shipping service that blends the affordability of budget shipping with the speed and reliability of top international express services. Designed for ambitious international eCommerce businesses that are looking to grow globally, FICP services are designed to balance speed and affordability. This service is available for shipments that weigh less than 70 lbs. and do not contain hazardous materials.  Here are some key features:

International Coverage

FedEx^® International Connect Plus (FICP) offers extensive global coverage. Connecting your business with top eCommerce destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

You can find a complete list of countries and territories where FICP services are available on the FedEx® International Connect Plus page, there are over 190 countries and territories in total. Alternatively, you can enter your package details and destination into the Easyship shipping calculator to instantly compare FICP rates and get a real-time cost estimate.

Affordable Pricing: 

FICP offers competitive rates that make international shipping accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. This is particularly important for online businesses looking to expand their reach to international customers without significantly increasing their shipping costs.

Express Service Speed: 

With delivery times ranging from 2-7 business days to most global destinations, FICP is an excellent choice for businesses that need quick international deliveries without having to sacrifice shipment speed.

Quality Tracking: 

Businesses can easily monitor their shipments via the Manage Shipments page on Easyship, providing peace of mind and transparency. This service also includes convenient pickup options and excellent tracking ratings, ensuring that businesses can keep an eye on their packages throughout the delivery process.

Day-Definite Delivery: 

For time-sensitive shipments, FICP provides day-definite delivery for reliable delivery estimates. This is a significant advantage for businesses that need to maintain strict delivery schedules.

Streamlined Customs Clearance: 

With Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) options, the customs process is simplified, helping to reduce surprises for both senders and recipients. This clearance inclusive service is designed to make international shipping as seamless as possible.

No Contracts Necessary: 

Unlike some other services, FICP does not require a contract with FedEx or a FedEx business account, making it flexible and accessible. This is beneficial for small businesses that need a reliable shipping service without long-term commitments or minimum threshold requirements.

Shipping Heavy Items

FICP has key advantages for businesses shipping a variety of package sizes since it can be used for shipments weighing less than 70 pounds.

How to Find Pricing for FedEx^® International Connect Plus (FICP) Shipping

Shipping internationally from the US? You might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the shipping rates available, in this example below, we are going to ship a small 1 LB package from the US to a range of international eCommerce destinations using FICP shipping.

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates with transparent pricing from the market-leading range of couriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

How Long Does FedEx^® International Connect Plus Take in Transit before Delivery?

One of the standout features of FICP is its impressive transit times to major cities worldwide. Here’s what you can expect for delivery durations:

• 2-7 Business Days to Most Global Destinations: FICP offers competitive delivery times that range from 2 to 7 days for most international destinations so your international customers receive their orders fast, enhancing their shopping experience.
• Day-Definite Delivery: For businesses that deal with time-sensitive shipments, FICP provides day-definite delivery. This means you can confidently give your customers reliable delivery estimates, which helps improve reliability and customer satisfaction.

The transit times for FICP make it a viable option for businesses looking to balance cost and speed. It provides the assurance that your international shipments will reach their destination in a timely manner, which is crucial for maintaining customer trust and loyalty.

Which Items Can I Ship with FedEx^® International Connect Plus?

Shipping restrictions can vary depending on the destination country/territory, but using Easyship can help automate customs forms and ensure your international shipments are always compliant. However, it's important to note that some items fall under FedEx shipping restrictions and may require additional steps to ship.

Here are some key points to consider:

FedEx Restricted Items: 

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Commodities subject to import licenses.
• Artwork and Antiquities: Including archaeological artifacts.
• Biological Agents: And hosts and vectors of human disease.
• Class 9 Miscellaneous: Such as self-inflating life rafts, lithium batteries, and dry ice.
• Flowers and Fresh Food.
• Gems: Both cut and uncut.
• Hazardous Materials: Including radioactive materials and FedEx dangerous goods.
• Lithium Batteries: Both lithium-ion and lithium metal.
• Medical Devices: Ensure the accepting warehouse complies with state requirements and licensing.
• Microchips and Electronics: Including computer chips and mobile phones.
• One-of-a-Kind Items: Such as high-value artwork and single items valued over $250,000.
• Other Perishables.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Precious Metals: Including gold, silver, and platinum.
• Project Cargo.
• Retail Tobacco Products.
• Tranquilizing Guns and Ammunition: Including flammable or corrosive items.

For the most complete and up-to-date list, visit FedEx’s Global Prohibited and Restricted Items page. Using Easyship can help you comply with these regulations, making international shipping smoother and more reliable.

Summary

FedEx^® International Connect Plus (FICP) is an excellent shipping solution for growing eCommerce businesses looking to optimize their international shipping processes. The service balances speed, affordability, and reliable tracking. FICP stands out as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive international express services.

FAQs

Does FedEx^® International Connect Plus have declared value? 

Yes, FedEx^® International Connect Plus includes coverage up to $100 in declared value. This coverage helps protect against some potential losses or damages during transit, providing some peace of mind for businesses shipping internationally. 

For additional protection, Easyship offers further insurance options up to $10,000, ensuring that your packages are well-protected throughout the delivery process.

Is FedEx^® International Connect Plus tracked? 

Yes, FedEx^® International Connect Plus provides tracking capabilities. Businesses can monitor their shipments through the Manage Shipments page on Easyship, which offers real-time updates and transparency. 

This tracking feature includes convenient pickup options and excellent tracking ratings, ensuring that businesses can keep an eye on their packages from dispatch to delivery, enhancing reliability and customer satisfaction.

How fast is FedEx^® International Connect Plus? 

FedEx^® International Connect Plus offers delivery times ranging from 2-7 business days to most global destinations. This makes it a fast and reliable option for businesses needing quick international deliveries without sacrificing affordability. 

With day-definite delivery, you can confidently give your customers reliable delivery estimates, helping themmaintain strict delivery schedules and improve customer satisfaction.

Do I need a FedEx account to ship internationally? 

No, you do not need a FedEx account to use FedEx^® International Connect Plus, making it flexible and accessible for small businesses. Instead, you can create an Easyship account, which gives you access to all top FedEx rates and other benefits.