Delivery to the UK, question!

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philb

philb

Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2007
Messages
1,561
Location
Midlands, United Kingdom.
Hi,

Ive had loads of parcels and packets delivered through USPS, normally in a Priority packet or envelope and the have always been delivered by our normal mail (Royal Mail). Including packets from user on here and Ernie and CSUSA.

My order has just come through from CSUSA and has come through a courier in the UK, but was sent USPS as normal.

Does anyone know if USPS send it differently for this to happen, or was it a weight/price issue? The only way this could really happen is by USPS sending it too the courier (Parcel Force) as RoyalMAil and ParcelFocre are two separate companies. Just wanted to know how I can avoid them in the future when using USPS as its a 60odd mile trip to collect and pay my customs charges now! Instead of 2 miles to the Local RoyalMail!

Cheers PHIL
 
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Get in touch with CSUSA. I'm sure they can tell you how it was sent, and if it was somehow different than normal. It may be the difference between first class and priority. Maybe first class goes to the courier on your end, and priority goes to regular mail. I'm just guessing, but CSUSA should be your first contact.
 
Phil, Parcel Force is part of the Royal Mail Group.

Although it doesn't seem set in stone, the Royal Mail side appears to handle parcels up to 2kg, above that and Parcel Force take over.

I went to the post office to post Ratty and normally use their Airsure service but the pack was 2.5kg and so Airsure wasn't an option. But they simply took it and used Parcel Force paperwork.

I don't think there is anyone on the planet (including them)that could clarify their rules but I have found that they seem to use some weird calculation of weight + value + size for incoming parcels. If any of these are high(ish) then Parcel Force take them over and we get stung with import tax and handling fees.

I have also found that 'professional' looking packing and labelling ( from USA companies ) also attracts the customs man. For some reason known only to themselves, CSUSA always used a damned big box with virtually every order they've sent to me. They also seem to include the shipping costs in the parcel 'Value' which often pushes it into tax territory

As a rule, I now never order more than £38 ( in US$ ) in one order. Seems to work.
But the £/$ rate is improving a bit ( for us ) and I suppose we have to be prepared to get 'taxed' now and then. It's still infinitely cheaper than buy from our local suppliers :frown::wink:
 
Cheers Skip.

The fee wasn't really a problem as that's the chance of importing! Although in 25 or so orders of over £150 ive never been charged import tax before, just VAT and the £8 for taking your money off you! The first time its gone to parcelforce and £10 import appears!

It may well be due to it being for 30 kits, and CSUSA always use a big box that's tipped it over to ParcelForce! As the normal envelopes USPS priority and the small packets USPS always come Royal mail, even when Ernie rams in 35 kits, and that must be over 2kg!

I think CSUSA may have sent it First Class USPS, rather than the normal Priority USPS! So maybe there's a difference there! Im awaiting a reply from CSUSA on how they sent it, so if I get any info on how to avoid and ParcelForce and there subsequent import charge I ll let you know!

Even after all of that its still cheaper than UK retailers! But id have hundreds of packages if i stayed below £38, unless there coming form nice individuals who seem to mis-calculate there goods value!! ;)
 
I have packages coming from Israel, America and Australia they are taking longer than normal but I think it may be due to the Royal Mail strike, there is a backlog of 3 million packages now I heard on the radio!
 
I was wondering if ParcelForce had taken it due to the strikes!

Ill wait to see what CSUSA say, as id rather wait for Royal Mail as the last few PArcelForce packages Ive sent with PF have all been damaged! So id rather pay a little extra for Royal Mail!
 
Not sure if you'll get the choice Phil. I believe that if the parcel is sent by USPS then Royal Mail ( or Parcel Force ) will deliver on our side of the pond.

If the USA vendor uses a courier like FedEx, UPS, DHL etc then it will be delivered by a courier here. Either the same company or a contractor.

Here's a quote from the Parcel Force web site that shows they are part of Royal Mail....

'.....For over 14 years, Parcelforce Worldwide has provided a vital link for British businesses needing to send express shipments internationally and in the UK. We have a long history as part of the Royal Mail Group and pride ourselves on the dedication of our people to deliver high quality services for over 30,000 customers across the country.....'
 
I just wish UPS wasnt quite so expensive! Although with those you don't get the handling fee, you are always guaranteed to have VAT & Import costs! Whereas although RM and PF take longer, they are cheaper and your parcels can slip through the customs net!

PHIL
 
Interesting what you find out by peeking in on others conversations. I was actually surprised at the idea you would have to go anywhere to get a package that was mailed to you. Here I would flip my lid if it was not brought right to my door.
 
Daniel, they do deliver but often will just send you a note saying you have to collect and pay the fees.
 
That makes a bit more since. I had that happen with the leather pen cases. I was able to just pay pal the money though since they where 3000 miles away.
 
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