USPS Shipping

Danger Phoenix · 7 Apr 2008 at 12:43

I am having a package shipped from the USA via express delivery (USPS), and have been given the following tracking number:

# Eb 985612629

Now it was shipped on Saturday, so I am wondering why there isn't anything on the tracking. The USPS website states that items shipped by this method are sent with FedEx, but nothing comes up on their site either

Lashout_UK · 7 Apr 2008 at 13:22

Parcelforce.

Lashout_UK · 7 Apr 2008 at 13:23

Track & Trace - Parcel Detail

The status of the parcel you've enquired about is displayed below.

Parcel number: EB985612629US
Service: Parcelforce 24
Status: Advised
Last tracked at: Delivery Agent - UNITED STATES AMERICA

Click on 'Tracking details' for detailed tracking information about the parcel.

Parcel tracks

Date Time Location Tracking Event

05-04-2008 13:11 Delivery Agent - UNITED STATES AMERICA

There ya go

You have to mark it as 'incoming international parcel' as well as adding 'US' to the end of the tracking code

Clipsey · 7 Apr 2008 at 13:30

Should think it will take about a week (5-7 working days). That seems to be the nomral - oh by the way USPS = useless

Lashout_UK · 7 Apr 2008 at 13:34

Yea, sounds about right (mine usually take 8 days US to UK depot, using USPS).

When it gets here, don't wait about, give 'em a ring - as they'll hold onto it if there's any outstanding customs charge and send you a letter with the total bill, consequently there can be a wait. If you ring them when it's in the depot you can pay for it ASAP, or go and collect it.

Danger Phoenix · 7 Apr 2008 at 14:27

Cheers Lashout_UK

Ahh right, didn't realise it was ParcelForce. I believe it has been sent by the 3 working day delivery guarantee, so it should be here by Wednesday. I am seriously hoping that there are no customs charges...

Ironic Namesake · 7 Apr 2008 at 14:31

Danger Phoenix said:
Cheers Lashout_UK

Ahh right, didn't realise it was ParcelForce. I believe it has been sent by the 3 working day delivery guarantee, so it should be here by Wednesday. I am seriously hoping that there are no customs charges...

If the invoice is over the value of around £18, there will be customs charges, and a charge from PF for clearing the goods through customs

Danger Phoenix · 7 Apr 2008 at 14:50

OoOverclockaoO said:
If the invoice is over the value of around £18, there will be customs charges, and a charge from PF for clearing the goods through customs

I think the package is around 3.5kg and has been marked as $25. It may be a little more than that, but that is what it has been marked with

If there is a charge, can I reject the package? Any charge will most likely be more than what the items are worth...

Lopéz · 7 Apr 2008 at 18:35

Danger Phoenix said:
If there is a charge, can I reject the package? Any charge will most likely be more than what the items are worth...

Tricky one this, what tends to happen is

You reject the charge

Courier contacts sender asking if they are willing to pay the charge or have the goods RTS

Sender refuses to pay

Sender invoices you for shipping out, shipping back to them, plus any handling/customs charges and whatever they fancy on top for messing them around. You know full well that an incoming parcel from the USA is subject to possible charges, so it's your responsibility as the goods are generally shipped DDU.

Danger Phoenix · 8 Apr 2008 at 00:07

Ahh well! I hope it doesn't get charged then

Woo Hoo! It has left the USA

Danger Phoenix · 8 Apr 2008 at 16:11

Package arrived at Heathrow a few hours ago, so should be with me tomorrow hopefully

Shotgun_ned · 8 Apr 2008 at 17:27

OoOverclockaoO said:
If the invoice is over the value of around £18, there will be customs charges, and a charge from PF for clearing the goods through customs

Not necessarily. I order quite a bit of stuff from abroad (generally Hong Kong) and I've not been charged all that often. I think it depends on how awake Customs are when your stuff comes in.

You should always assume it will be charged though, and allow enough money to cover it. If you allow 25% of the overal amount for customs you should be fine, since that covers tax and the fee ParcleFarce charge you for giving them the pleasure of paying it.

Raymond Lin · 8 Apr 2008 at 17:42

Surely as the package is marked $25 then all these charges talk are irrelevant?

Danger Phoenix · 8 Apr 2008 at 18:05

Raymond Lin said:
Surely as the package is marked $25 then all these charges talk are irrelevant?

Well if it is opened then the charges will be A LOT higher

Lopéz · 8 Apr 2008 at 18:13

Raymond Lin said:
Surely as the package is marked $25 then all these charges talk are irrelevant?

No, because if customs decide to hold it back for inspection (they do this randomly as well as picking out ones that just don't look right) then you are buggered because they will place whatever value/charge they feel appropriate on it.

Danger Phoenix · 8 Apr 2008 at 18:35

Lopéz said:
No, because if customs decide to hold it back for inspection (they do this randomly as well as picking out ones that just don't look right) then you are buggered because they will place whatever value/charge they feel appropriate on it.

Especially when it does not contain exactly what it states it is

Woo Hoo! It says it is in the International Hub now... which I assume it means it was not opened by Customs?

Lashout_UK · 8 Apr 2008 at 18:50

You won't know for certain until it's in the depot.

Danger Phoenix · 8 Apr 2008 at 19:01

Lashout_UK said:
You won't know for certain until it's in the depot.

Well if it was checked by Customs etc, wouldn't it have been held a bit longer and not gone to the hub in a few hours?

Lashout_UK · 8 Apr 2008 at 19:06

No idea - would make sense though! You'll find out

Raymond Lin · 8 Apr 2008 at 19:13

Lopéz said:
No, because if customs decide to hold it back for inspection (they do this randomly as well as picking out ones that just don't look right) then you are buggered because they will place whatever value/charge they feel appropriate on it.

I am going to order 2 HD-DVD from the US, it comes to $28 which is well under the custom limit, there is no way they can say they are worth £20 each even if they open it !