International Shipping
When making international shipments, or simply mailing around the globe, we are faced with several options. Your initial task is to determine the best and most cost effective carrier for your shipment. The United States Postal Service has always had very competitive rates - in comparison with other services - on smaller packages.
However there are some restrictions when using the United States Postal Service. They have both size and weight limitations. The item to be shipped must be properly packaged and secured. The use of duct tape is prohibited on all international packages and should not be used or the package will be refused at the post office. Weight is fairly easy to determine if it falls within their parameters and can not exceed 70 lbs. Dimensions of the package is a little trickier. They will handle packages with a maximum length of 46', a maximum height of 46' or a maximum width of 35'. The total length and girth can not exceed 108' in total.
To calculate the girth of a package you must add up the total length of all four sides at the widest point. Then you add the overall length and that will give you the USPS volume standard. It sounds a bit daunting at this point, but let me give you an example and see if that doesn't make it clearer. If your package is 46' long by 10' high and 9' wide your girth or circumference would be 38' plus the length of 46' giving you a total of 84' , thus making this an acceptable sized package for the United States Postal Service to handle. This is probably a global standard but if you are mailing from a different country it is a good idea to check with your local postal office beforehand.
When making an international or global shipment through the United States Postal Service there are four different classes of services offered. All shipments are made via air but some will arrive sooner than others by giving the package preferential treatment on the ground and through customs.
The most affordable choice is First Class International Mail. While it claims to have the best rate of all the international shipping choices, the USPS also has stricter size and weight limitations. The package in question cannot exceed 4 lbs. in weight.
The next option is Priority Mail International. While they will take packages up to 70 lbs. there is no guarantee when your package will be delivered. Express Mail International will expedite your package even faster and does offer what is called a date certain service.
The fastest out of all the services that is offered by the United States Postal Service is Global Express Guaranteed. With this service your package has a money back guarantee if it is not delivered by the guaranteed delivery date. While the package is primarily handled by the United States Postal Service it will be delivered to its final destination by FedEx. This service is able to deliver packages overseas to 190 countries in 1 - 3 business days.
To begin the process you will need to complete a customs form 2976-A that is provided by your local postal service or you can access it on line.
