posted on January 9, 2001 01:10:03 PM new
Beware the online calculator - it has major errors. Showing options that do not exist and not showing options that do.
I spoke with 3 people, two levels of supervisors and they are profoundly confused.
Apparently they are pushing "Global Priority Mail" which is an option not even shown online.
I never did get a straight, definitive answer.
"like for sure, letter post is a letter, duh......"
This is what I was getting.
I explained that according to the website that letter could be 24" long, and LXWXH 36".
Answer?
"we don't have anything to do with them."
Then a supervisor typed in the exact name of mail class from the site "Global letter post" or whatever it is and found NOTHING in her system.
I had her try another option from the website
Again, NOTHING in her system.
Beware!
posted on January 9, 2001 02:01:04 PM new
I took one in today for England....my post master, who I usually refer to as Mr. Wonderful, sent it letter post at $9.85 air, would've been $4.45 surface. weighed less than 2lbs, but is definitely what went as small packet before.
cariad
posted on January 9, 2001 02:37:30 PM new
I went to the US website:
For a package going to the UK weight 1 lb 2oz
Global Airmail Letter Post
4 - 7 Days $9.85
Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"
Global Airmail Parcel Post
4 - 7 Days $20.00
Max.length 60", max. length plus girth 108"
Global Economy Letter Post (Surface)
4 - 7 Days $4.45
Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"
Global Economy Parcel Post (Surface)
4 - 6 Weeks $23.00 Max.length 60", max. length plus girth 108"
So according to these the cheapest rate is Global Economy Letter Post (surface) for 4-7 days.. how can a surface delivery make it in 4-7 days????
I'll definitely have to peruse that option with my post office with the future international packages - if the same delivery time can be given for 1/2 the price, that's the way to go...
posted on January 9, 2001 02:42:43 PM new
Hi. I just got home from the post office and I am in shock. All the international rates are up but the ones to Canada are the highest. Even the clerk was shocked at the new rates to Canada. I have a cd to mail there and the only choice I have is 4.00 for the small Global Priority Mail or 7.00 for the large. And the item must be shipped in those envelopes. Well the cd will fit into the small envelope with NO padding or the large with some room for padding. Going to have to leave it up to the buyer. Also there is no Media Rate(old book rate) outside of the US. That is only a domestic rate so sending books abroad will be really costly. Think I better update my shipping info in my TOS.
posted on January 9, 2001 03:18:21 PM new
The clerks do not realize that "Letter Post" is taking the place of the "Small packet" .
Do not let them tell you otherwise!
This from the USPS webs ite, publication 51.
Letter-post
“Letter-post” is a generic term that encompasses all of the classes of
international mail that were formerly categorized as LC (Letters and Cards) and
AO (Other Articles). This includes letters and letter packages, postcards and
postal cards, aerogrammes, printed matter, and small packets.
Letter-post items have the following characteristics:
a. They have different shapes, sizes, and contents.
b. They weigh 4 pounds or less.
c. They are subject to the provisions of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)
A 1 pound package to Canada going Global Air Mail Letter Post should cost you $3.75.
posted on January 9, 2001 04:14:16 PM new
So what is the difference (besides price) between Global Airmail Letter Post and Global Economy Letter Post (Surface).. they are both listed as 4-7 days delivery time, but the Economy is well, economical!
posted on January 9, 2001 04:36:48 PM new
I mailed an autographed photo from Florida to Ontario today. The photo was sandwiched between two thick pieces of cardboard and placed into a 9 X 12 inch envelope. I mailed it Letter Post Air for $2.35! The clerk said the delivery estimate is 4-7 days. That's cheaper than Priority Mail. Feel kind of bad about it as I charged the customer $4.00 shipping for Small Packet Air!
James
