Least expensive way to ship from USA to UK? or the best?
- Thread starter xoukulele
- Start date
I found for my small strap package, United States Postal Service, first class mail, was the cheapest. If you know the weight and dimensions of the package, you can get estimates online. http://www.usps.com/tools/calculatepostage/welcome.htm?from=home_header&page=calculatepostage
Also compare UPS and FedEx online quotes.
–Lori
Also compare UPS and FedEx online quotes.
–Lori
Yep -- I agree with Lori. I've sent a few things to England and US Postal Service is the cheapest. I've not had trouble with the delivery either. You might also want to check out the Postal Service pre-priced boxes. You get them for free and don't pay anything until you go to send it. The boxes vary in postage rates with smallest the least expensive -- duh! Be careful though, it's a tad pricey.
pulelehua
Well-known member
As fivetide says, beware customs. The person getting the parcel won't get it if there's customs to charge UNTIL they're paid. And customs can be a hefty sum. It's based on what you insure the package for, so sometimes you can risk it, and under-insure.
If you use USPS, I would advise just using regular first class. In my experience (10 years of fairly constantly flowing stuff), all the fancy express/priority/blah de blah have no effect once the package is over the Atlantic. I actually have usually received regular things before priority packages.
If you use USPS, I would advise just using regular first class. In my experience (10 years of fairly constantly flowing stuff), all the fancy express/priority/blah de blah have no effect once the package is over the Atlantic. I actually have usually received regular things before priority packages.
itsme
Well-known member
One concern with USPS is that I don't believe they offer any actual real-time tracking, like UPS/Fedex do. You can insure against loss/damage, though.
I've heard customs/excise can be a bear. Now, I'm not suggesting anyone do anything unethical, but I have heard that for shipments to Canada (similar type of situation) you can designate an item as a "gift" and the recipient doesn't get hit with charges as if it were a sale.
I once ordered a CD from a small independent UK record company, and it arrived with something on the envelope marked as it being a gift. Didn't sound quite right, since I paid for it, but I figured they knew what they were doing and were just trying to save both ends from being hit with any extra cost or delay.
I've heard customs/excise can be a bear. Now, I'm not suggesting anyone do anything unethical, but I have heard that for shipments to Canada (similar type of situation) you can designate an item as a "gift" and the recipient doesn't get hit with charges as if it were a sale.
I once ordered a CD from a small independent UK record company, and it arrived with something on the envelope marked as it being a gift. Didn't sound quite right, since I paid for it, but I figured they knew what they were doing and were just trying to save both ends from being hit with any extra cost or delay.
Paul.Hurst
Well-known member
Quick update in Dec 2019
Asked Mya-Moe about shipping from the USA - they use UPS, and NOT USPS
Asked Mya-Moe about shipping from the USA - they use UPS, and NOT USPS
Paul.Hurst
Well-known member
Wait until Brexit is done if you can. Import tax will be lower. Probably
I think we are about to enter 'interesting times' as the Chinese curse goes. Looking to get any EU deals done ASAP, and feel there is a strong chance Sterling will tank in the future.
Thanks for the tip about wood, hadn't thought about that!
Paul.Hurst
Well-known member
True here as well - have had deliveries left in a wood store, and even under a neighbour's hedge. Not helped by the somewhat confusing nature of our address and location, regular drivers are usually ok, but inexperienced ones who are rushing to meet a deadline tend to struggle.
One delivery company wanted extra for a premium service, having failed to meet two arranged slots. No pressure then, 'nice delivery you've got there, shame if anything happened to it...'
I have received small items from the UK; CDs, books and such; sent via postal services with no troubles.
DHL specializes in international delivery service. I've had very good results with items sent from Nicaragua and the Philippines. Also with FedEx.
Cocobolo uses DHL.
DHL specializes in international delivery service. I've had very good results with items sent from Nicaragua and the Philippines. Also with FedEx.
Cocobolo uses DHL.
