Mail Service Canada from US, "Who Shot the Eagle"

Recently had two packages ( used LP's ) sent to me via "media rate". For those that don't know, this is the cheapest way to ship books, records, tapes, etc... This works fine so long as you aren't in a hurry for them. The USPS website basically states that this can take 7 - 14 days for delivery as it is a "non-priority" way to ship.

One package left MD on April 18th and arrived here in Chicago on April 30th. The other package left NY on April 23rd and arrived here in Chicago on April 25th !!! Talk about a difference in service !!!

I also sent some schematics back to a gentleman that was kind enough to lend them to me. We live about an hours drive apart from each other but decided to take care of the "hand off" via mail. He sent them to me, I copied them and then mailed them back out to him. Needless to say, they never showed up, even after several weeks. We can't even count on getting mail within our own State !!! I just sent out a copy of my copies yesterday, this time via priority mail and with a tracking number. Needless to say, i could have driven them there and come back for less money. Then again, it saved me time and time is money. Sean
>

Well said Lugnut!

I'm employed indirectly by the USPS in that I work for a contract carrier who, by definition, has a contract with the USPS. When I applied for the job I completed both the USPS application & the contractors, so in essence I do work for the post office. I have a different perspective regarding the USPS & can honestly say most of the people I've met are concerned about the quality of their work which of course affects how your mail is delivered. Let's just say one person can screw up something & unfortunately when it's your letter it makes the whole USPS look bad.

Sean, yes, in most cases media mail (bookrate) is much less expensive but it also depends on proximity. I just mailed a 25 lb. package 100 miles from here & it was $4.00 cheaper to send it parcel post compared to bookrate. Hard to believe but true. I have the receipt in my hand & the total was $5.64. Additionally, if bookrate is used the insurance rates are higher, if that service is desired.

Oh yeah, back to the original question for Stealth93. I've used Global Express only one time sending a 40 lb. box to Hong Kong from VA. It only took 3 days to get there. I sent a similar package to Canada via Express Mail & it took over 2 months to arrive. Customs had it & there's a thread that's not very old about that topic.

On Wednsday I mailed two packages from Philadelphia using Priority Mail . One to California, the other one to Florida. They both arrived today (Friday). I think that is pretty good.

I do business with Canadian companies and we use the mail frequently. Whether sending or receiving the time required is inconsistent and can be very long. This is not the fault of the USPS or the Canadian mail. Since neither provides service in the others country a "hand off" must occur. Couple this with customs delays and you can wait some time. If your in a hurry you have to use a private carrier and hope customs doesn't tag it for "verification and inspection". So don't blame the eagle, he's doing just fine

I live in Canada, and in the past year I have sold various of my stereo components. I have now come to demand that buyers from the US must send me their payment by "anything other than regular, slow mail". I've been shocked at how long it can take for an envelope with a money order in it (we're not even talking about parcels) to arrive here. I've had envelopes take three weeks to arrive (and I live in a provincial capital, three hours from the US border -not some remote outpost!!). I could accept the rationale that it is customs who are responsible for the cross-border delay, except I have friends in Britain, and we can send/receive mail much quicker!