USPS rates/shipping charges

[Montelovesco]

This is just out of curiosity: Did USPS rise the fees for shipping lately, be it for international shipping or even in general?

A fellow european board member and I were wondering if there was an general increase of the fees... Maybe it is subjective, but it looks like shipping stuff from the States to Europe has become pretty expensive...

[murkat]

yes

and

no.

yes for the guy who walks into a post office with no knowledge whatsoever, handling a box and address.

No for the guy who has an online usps account and knows the ins and outs to get a great rate over the pond.

[Bloozguy]

Always listen to murkat for he knoweth of what he speaks...

I just checked USPS rates from my office (just outside Minneapolis, MN) to Germany for a standard Uline guitar box (45 inches x 18 inches x 6 inches), weighing 25 pounds (11.340 kg) with a declared value of $1,000 USD.

Global Express Guaranteed (1-3 business days) would cost $221.60 at the post office or $186.14 online and Priority Mail Express International (3-5 business days) would cost $131.25 at the post office or $114.19 online.

Judging from this it does not seem to me that rates have increased too much over the past couple years…although I do not know what other fees, duties, etc. may be involved.

[Montelovesco]

Now that saves that day. Thanks!

[cynic]

To take it a step further, I've often found better rates using the paypal shipping tool than those quoted via my personal USPS account.

[DaveL]

To take it a step further, I've often found better rates using the paypal shipping tool than those quoted via my personal USPS account.

I've found this as well. Paypal also offers first class with delivery confirmation (which is almost as quick as priority)

UPS also seems cheaper if you have an account and can pre print labels at home. the best part isn't just the cost,

it's that you don't have to wait in line and fill out forms.

[gorch]

The major question here is: are there any Washburns waiting at the counter?

[Montelovesco]

GORCH! You gave it away!

Seriously: No, not at the moment, and that violet colored US Dean I was after is already gone...