US POSTAL SERVICE

[Alexam]

I am pesently awaiting a small package from Minisota USA, which was posted Priority Mail for International packages on the 21st November.

I have the tracking Information, but it has not been updated since the 26th, when it arrived at Chicago's O'Hara International airport at 7.48am on the 26th. I cannot find out how to track it from then and results of my Google enquiries seem to sugest tha once it leaves the US, it can go via Parcel Force or Royal mail ???

Any ideas if there is a way to get more information on it's whereabounts now would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Richard863]

Hi Alex

Sorry to be so negative, but my goods cost me $56 plus the external postage charge, The tracking ended at O'Hare was shipped by Parcel mail, then given to Royal Mail who held on to it until the VAT and their handling charge of £8 was paid, then they would charge postage for delivery, or I could collect. It transpires in hind sight, it would have been cheaper for me to write off the goods with what I paid in $'s and put it down to experience.
Guess whose never going down the route again.

Richard

 

[MIGNAL]

I'm waiting for a package to arrive from Canada. The last tracking I had was when it left Canada just over 2 weeks ago. Going by previous deliveries (from the same Canadian company) I know that Parcelforce will deliver it but I can't track it.
The tracking number doesn't work with the Parcelforce international tracking.
It's probably in a queue at customs.

 

[orchard]

Have you guys tried sticking the tracking # into the Parcel Force tracking system? It's been a few month's since I last did it, but iirc, they then convert it to their own # and then it's traceable - unless it's just premium USPS services.

 

[Harbo]

I had a similar experience but with goods going to the States.
I had to send some Travellers Cheques back to Amex - I used Royal Mail international tracked but once it arrived over there it was no longer trackable!
It did eventually reach its destination.

Rod

 

[Alexam]

Thanks for the response guys. I have tried most things, but once it left the USA, it went 'invisable'.

What a great pity the tracking ends in the country of origin, as it hardly seems like proper tracking at all. The very least would be advice on who has taken over responsibility to delivery. Then there may be a way to follow through.

I know I will have to pay duty and believe that I will be notified by letter (so silly when e-mail exists) and can then pay up. VAT will only be 1.7%, but it is on item cost plus the shipping and there wil be a collection fee by whoever takes on the delivery. Someone needs to have a more complete system of tracking that is adopted internationally. It would be so helpful.

Anyway, its only been 8 days, so I am a little optimistic I supose.

Cheers for now.

 

[Alexam]

UPDATE.

Just thought I would try the Trackingnumber with USPS again and it HAS added - 29th 8-49am departed Heathrow at 8-49am and currently in transit to destinetion. YIPEE, it seems to be moving forward.

 

[Eric The Viking]

Let us know when you get it.

My son emigrated earlier in the year, sadly, so now we take more interest in transatlantic shipping.

For what it's worth, I used FedEx to send him his birth certificate recently. I dropped it in at their local agent here at midday (within walking distance). They tried* to deliver it (in LA) less than 24 hours later.

I think that's impressive, although it was (a) a letter-sized packet, (b) of no commercial value, and (c) eye-stretchingly expensive!

It was trackable the whole way (well not actually on the flights, obviously!), with good English explanations of what was happening to it.

I will use them again if I have to, but it was very pricey.

E.

*They got it there, but someone didn't get out of bed to answer the doorbell, so they had to make a second attempt!

 

[Alexam]

Hi Eric, I originally had a quote to send the package to me from Fed-Ex and itwas $79, whereas the USPS cost was $25.

I will update this thread whn I know more.

 

[Eric The Viking]

I think it was 37 quid from here to LA for a large letter-sized packet using FedEx, and a bit of annoyance at the local agent: I refused to leave the counter until I'd verified he'd entered the delivery address correctly on his PC.

I can be an annoying beggar sometimes

 

[woodpig]

Can I ask what you've ordered from Carter Products? :wink:

The import duty could be 1.7% but the VAT should be the standard 20%. Plus handling fee for whoever delivers this end which for me has been around £8. Not all items are stopped though so you may be lucky and pay no additional fees. I've got my fingers crossed for you!

Some American company's will supply goods and pay the duty and tax at their end and include this in the total price you pay. I've not done this myself but understand it speeds up the delivery process somewhat.

 

[Alexam]

It sounds like you have the figures correct according to my original enquiries. The fact that it's already left Heathrow for delivery could mean that any duty has been paid and I will need to cough up to get delivery. I am hoping to hear something early next week, but we'll see.

Now what do you THINK I've ordered from there....................... Correct! but you are too far away to pop over and see it. Will be reviewing it in due course.

 

[Glynne]

Malcolm,
If it is Parcelforce, you package will be on its way to the International Hub at Coventry (Baggington). It is there that any duty & Vat will be assessed (by PF and not by HMRC) and HMRC will only have a supervisory role unless they decide to examine your package. PF collect the taxes on behalf of HMRC and then charge you a combined delivery & "handling fee" which they set and which has nothing to do with HMRC. Hopefully your purchase (I know what it is and am close enough to visit) will get processed quickly but from memory, the Xmas rush will be well and truly underway.

 

[woodpig]

Exciting times! I look forward to the review.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks Guys,

Glynne, you are always welcome to pop in anytime .................... you know that. Just a quick shout first in case we are out at the coffee place, which is almopst daily.

Don't suppose there is any way to establish if Parcelforce has it or whoever?