posted on March 23, 2006 07:19:38 AM new
Hi
I have a customer in Taiwan
Mike you have a lot of knowledge about the USPS so maybe if you have time you can help me.
My Customer said there is a special book rate to ship to his country, I called the USPS a few times and was told NO there is no book rate for International Shipping.
He sent me the following information taken off the USPS web site.
........Can you give me your opinion or some advice ........I have about 50lbs or more of catalogs they can either be shipped Postal Surface individually which I mean they can be shipped in seperate groups of 10lbs or more or less or in bulk it doesn't matter to my customer.
Below is the Email from my Customer
HI,
COPIED THIS FOR YOU...M-Bags (Direct Sacks of Printed Matter to a Single Addressee)
Direct sacks of printed matter to a single foreign addressee, which are also known as "M-bags," are subject to the following conditions of mailing:
a. Minimum weight: There is no longer a minimum-weight threshold for M-bag usage. However, customers who tender M-bags that weigh less than 11 pounds are still required to pay the applicable 11-pound postage rate.
b. Maximum weight: 66 pounds (including the tare weight of the sack).
c. Service availability: M-bags can be mailed to all destination countries.
d. Allowable contents:
(1) All categories of printed matter can be enclosed in an M-bag. Printed matter is defined as paper on which words, letters, characters, figures, images, or any combination thereof, not having the character of a bill or statement of account, or of actual or personal correspondence, have been reproduced by any process other than handwriting or typewriting. Articles that meet the printed matter definition include newspapers, magazines, journals, books, sheet music, catalogues, directories, commercial advertising, and promotional matter.
(2) Certain categories of merchandise can be combined with printed matter in an M-bag provided that all of the following criteria are met:
(a) The merchandise items being sent are limited to disks, tapes, and cassettes; commercial samples shipped by manufacturers and distributors; or other non-dutiable commercial articles or informational materials that are not subject to resale.
(b) The merchandise items are related to the printed matter with which they are being mailed.
(c) The merchandise items are affixed to or are otherwise combined with the accompanying printed matter.
(d) The weight of each mailpiece or package that contains merchandise in combination with printed matter does not exceed 4 pounds.
(e) The M-bag containing merchandise items is accompanied by a fully completed PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22 - Sender's Declaration (green label).
e. Identification: PS Tag 158, M-Bag Addressee Tag, must be completed and attached to the neck of the sack.
f. Postage: The applicable airmail, economy (surface), or International Surface Air Lift?(ISAL? postage must be affixed to PS Tag 158.
g. Special services: Certificate of mailing, recorded delivery, return receipt, and restricted delivery are available. Registry and insurance are not available
A couple of years ago I had to ship a fairly large package overseas and my PO recommended the "bag" system. I watched as the package literally went into a canvas bag.
The package arrived safely, but it took quite a long time. For the recipient the shipping costs were "worth the wait", and all worked out well.
The folks at our small Cedar City branch are quite knowledgeable and very helpful. You may not find that in larger POs, but I suggest a trip to the PO for more info. Not all PO personnel are aware of some of these specialty shipments.
Edited to add:
As I recall, the "bag" waits for the first available space on an out-of-town then an overseas shipment. Saves $$$ for the USPS by filling incomplete loads...
posted on March 23, 2006 11:52:58 AM new
Your customer is correct. The M-Bag is the way to go. Not sure who you spoke with on the USPS help line but they did not know what they were talking about. Just drop by your local post office and request 1 or 2 M-Bag sacks and a hand full of M-Bag tag's (PS Tag 158).
Here's a picture of the M-Bag tag.
Here's the links to the IMM 32 (International Mail Manual issue 32) for the M-Bag reg's and specefic's to Taiwan.
Economy Mail
Direct Sack to One Addressee - M-Bags (260)
Regular
Weight Not Over 11 lbs. $17.60
Each additional pound or fraction of a pound $1.60
Books & Sheet Music, Publisher's Periodicals
Weight Not Over 11 lbs. $11.55
Each additional pound or fraction of a pound $1.05
Hope this helps. Ask any USPS counter rep at your post office and they will know what a M-Bag is. The 1-800 help line people seem to know less than the customers most times.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
posted on March 23, 2006 12:36:41 PM new
No you do not have to box the items. But since the bag's tend to get thrown around a bit I find it best to put the items in box's. I just reuse old box's, no need for new ones since they are going in a bag anyway. Something just for a little bit of added protection, wouldn't want your customer to get a bag of crumpled paper.
The USPS reg's are just like any other government agency when it comes to writing regulations, that being, the normal person can't make head's or tails of them. Must be written by lawyers, for lawyers. But with a little practice and deciphering you get good at it.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
But with a little practice and deciphering you get good at it.