Shipping a package overseas doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're a Long Beach small business owner expanding into global markets or a parent sending a birthday gift to family abroad, a little preparation goes a long way. At
Out of the Box Mail & Shipcenter, we've helped thousands of customers in Long Beach, Belmont Shore, and surrounding neighborhoods ship internationally with DHL — and we've learned what separates a smooth shipment from a frustrating one.
1.Know What You Can (and Can't) Ship
Every country has its own list of restricted and prohibited items. What's perfectly fine to ship domestically might be flagged or seized at customs abroad. Common items that surprise people include food products, cosmetics, lithium batteries, and certain textiles.
Before you pack, let our team at Out of the Box check the destination country's restrictions so you don't waste time or money on a shipment that won't clear customs.
2.Get the Customs Paperwork Right the First Time
Incomplete or inaccurate customs forms are the number one reason international packages get delayed at the border. Every DHL international shipment requires a commercial invoice or proforma invoice that describes the contents, their value, and the purpose of the shipment (gift, merchandise, documents, etc.).
Our staff handles customs documentation daily — bring your items in and we'll make sure every field is filled out correctly. Learn more about our Documentation Services.
3.Pack for the Journey, Not Just the Destination
International shipments travel farther, get handled more times, and pass through more sorting facilities than domestic packages. That means your packaging needs to be tougher.
Double-boxing fragile items, using at least two inches of cushioning on all sides, and sealing with reinforced packing tape can make the difference between arrival and heartbreak. We stock professional-grade Packaging Supplies and offer full packing services in-store.
4.Understand DHL's Service Levels
Not every international shipment needs to arrive in two days. DHL offers multiple tiers, and picking the right one can save you real money:
| Service |
Speed |
Best For |
| DHL Express Worldwide |
1–3 business days |
Urgent documents, time-sensitive orders, high-value items |
| DHL Economy Select |
Varies by destination |
Non-urgent packages where cost savings matter most |
Not sure which to choose? Stop by our store at 375 Redondo Ave and we'll compare rates for your specific package and destination right on the spot.
5.Use Dimensional Weight to Your Advantage
DHL, like most international carriers, prices shipments based on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the dimensional (DIM) weight. A large, lightweight box can cost more than you'd expect because of how much space it takes up.
The fix? Use the smallest box that safely fits your items. Our team can help you right-size your packaging so you're not paying for empty air. For more on how this works, check out our blog on DIM Weight Calculations — the same principles apply to DHL.
6.Always Insure High-Value Shipments
DHL offers declared value coverage for international shipments, and we strongly recommend it for anything you'd be upset to lose. Electronics, jewelry, important documents, and handmade goods are all worth protecting.
The cost of insurance is small compared to the value of what you're sending — and it gives you peace of mind while your package crosses oceans.
7.Track Your Package from Start to Finish
One of the biggest advantages of shipping with DHL is the detailed, real-time tracking that follows your package from our counter in Long Beach to the recipient's doorstep.
After we process your shipment, you'll receive a tracking number you can use anytime on our Tracking page. We recommend checking tracking at least once after the first 24 hours to confirm your package has entered the DHL network and is moving.
Ship DHL from Long Beach Today
Out of the Box Mail & Shipcenter
375 Redondo Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814
📞 (562) 434-2756
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Sun: Closed