International Shipping

[yulechka42 2]

Hi everyone, just wanted to find out your experiences with international shipping and approximate timeframes for packages to be delivered. I shipped everything to my Hubby on 02/19 via USPS Express, and have not seen it even hit the customs yet. I'm freaking out at this point since they say the express is delivered in 3-5 days.

[Bleauwolf 9]

Hi everyone, just wanted to find out your experiences with international shipping and approximate timeframes for packages to be delivered. I shipped everything to my Hubby on 02/19 via USPS Express, and have not seen it even hit the customs yet. I'm freaking out at this point since they say the express is delivered in 3-5 days.

You shipped from where? to where?

1) In any express shipping you must consider the postal system of the other country involved. The other country often does not have as reliable postal system as some in North America. (i.e. you may send it express mail from the US via USPS, but it will be handled by the postal service of the receiving country once it arrives). There are several factors that may affect the timing. The only sure way of 3 to 5 day express is by shipping via UPS, FedEx or DHL. The main reason is because these companies have their own people handling things on the other end and therefore not subject to the limitations or efficiency of the local postal service in the other country.

2) Two other contributing factors are: What days the other country postal system operates and / or what is going on in that country according to their calendar. i.e. holiday in that country and so on. Just because it may not be a holiday where you are, doesn't mean there's not a holiday going on at the receiving end.

3) Although USPS tries to deliver in 3 to 5 BUSINESS days, it is subject to the express service of the receiving country's postal system. Additionally, if you look at the finer print, USPS may sell for 3 to 5 business days... but not actually "guarantee" the delivery for 7 days or so. (Depending on the destination). Example: USPS express mail to Eastern Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands and so on usually does not guarantee less than 7 days for delivery.... even if it's sold as such.

4) If you sent your package USPS express, than you should have a tracking number for the package. You can check this on the USPS website. Unfortunately it will not be as detailed as if you were sending something domestically in the US. However, it does give enough information to at least ease your mind that your package is in fact moving along. Depending on time differences (your time/date vs. the other country's time/date), bare in mind you may actually receive the tracking information update about 12 to 24 hours after it actually happened.

A Note: If you have used your tracking number, keep in mind that the USPS website is not going to specify when the package goes through customs in the other country. It will just verify the date / time it was received in the other country. Then the next update will verify that the package has been delivered. If I'm not mistaken, I think on the USPS website you can also sign-up to get email notification on any updates.

Try not to freak out yet. Although we are in the year 2010, there are still many places that don't have modern and efficient postal systems yet. Keep checking you tracking number periodically, and give it at least 10 days since the day you sent it before becoming overly concerned.

Hope this will help your understanding better and ease your mind a little. Any part of this process brings anxious feelings and worry. Just go step-by-step and read all things carefully!!

Best of luck and Best Wishes to success,

~Bluewolf

Edited March 3, 2010 by Bleauwolf

[yulechka42 2]

You shipped from where? to where?

1) In any express shipping you must consider the postal system of the other country involved. The other country often does not have as reliable postal system as some in North America. (i.e. you may send it express mail from the US via USPS, but it will be handled by the postal service of the receiving country once it arrives). There are several factors that may affect the timing. The only sure way of 3 to 5 day express is by shipping via UPS, FedEx or DHL. The main reason is because these companies have their own people handling things on the other end and therefore not subject to the limitations or efficiency of the local postal service in the other country.

2) Two other contributing factors are: What days the other country postal system operates and / or what is going on in that country according to their calendar. i.e. holiday in that country and so on. Just because it may not be a holiday where you are, doesn't mean there's not a holiday going on at the receiving end.

3) Although USPS tries to deliver in 3 to 5 BUSINESS days, it is subject to the express service of the receiving country's postal system. Additionally, if you look at the finer print, USPS may sell for 3 to 5 business days... but not actually "guarantee" the delivery for 7 days or so. (Depending on the destination). Example: USPS express mail to Eastern Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands and so on usually does not guarantee less than 7 days for delivery.... even if it's sold as such.

4) If you sent your package USPS express, than you should have a tracking number for the package. You can check this on the USPS website. Unfortunately it will not be as detailed as if you were sending something domestically in the US. However, it does give enough information to at least ease your mind that your package is in fact moving along. Depending on time differences (your time/date vs. the other country's time/date), bare in mind you may actually receive the tracking information update about 12 to 24 hours after it actually happened.

A Note: If you have used your tracking number, keep in mind that the USPS website is not going to specify when the package goes through customs in the other country. It will just verify the date / time it was received in the other country. Then the next update will verify that the package has been delivered. If I'm not mistaken, I think on the USPS website you can also sign-up to get email notification on any updates.

Try not to freak out yet. Although we are in the year 2010, there are still many places that don't have modern and efficient postal systems yet. Keep checking you tracking number periodically, and give it at least 10 days since the day you sent it before becoming overly concerned.

Hope this will help your understanding better and ease your mind a little. Any part of this process brings anxious feelings and worry. Just go step-by-step and read all things carefully!!

Best of luck and Best Wishes to success,

~Bluewolf

Thank you so much for this info, I definitely feel much better now. I was shipping such a big box (containing all the copies of USCIS packages) that shipping it via FedEx and DHL would have been about $400. But then again I guess the expense would be justified in the end and I've learned my lesson. The last update they have on the USPS site is on February 22nd when it left NY bound international (I'm shipping to Armenia). I'm trying to keep myself calm, but the experience of going through this process is bringing out paranoia and every step I take I dream about worst case scenarios

[Bleauwolf 9]

Thank you so much for this info, I definitely feel much better now. I was shipping such a big box (containing all the copies of USCIS packages) that shipping it via FedEx and DHL would have been about $400. But then again I guess the expense would be justified in the end and I've learned my lesson. The last update they have on the USPS site is on February 22nd when it left NY bound international (I'm shipping to Armenia). I'm trying to keep myself calm, but the experience of going through this process is bringing out paranoia and every step I take I dream about worst case scenarios

You're very welcome!!

I can understand your anxieties completely. I think you are not alone at all. Many of us here experience exactly the same feelings. There's nothing easy about the processes or the emotional toll it takes.

Regards your "paranoia" for each step you take: not necessarily a terrible thing.... as long as you don't let it overwhelm you and take control of you. I guess my real reference is regarding "worst case scenarios". It's excellent that you think of that, because that helps you stay sharp, be prepared and cover all the bases. Ultimately, it is your check and balance system.

Try to take it easy. Read carefully and just handle things one step at a time. Panicking will only get in your way and can cause you to miss something because you lose your focus and attention.

God Bless and Good Luck!!

~Bluewolf

Edited March 7, 2010 by Bleauwolf