Thread: USPS to Australia - 5-7 Days or 5-7 Weeks?

I generally recieve stuff (in South Australia) from the US in 7 - 10 working days...

I'm currently sweating over a beautiful Rodgers that was 'processed through a sort facility' in the states on the 15th of June on its way to me in New Zealand - one month plus down the road and the tracking hasn't updated since.... I think it's lost to the ether

Anyone had experience with claiming insurance from USPS?

Wow, A Month! I don't think my items have insurance on them.. well it wasn't offered..

In total i have 5 septette parcels that I'm waiting for and you don't want to know how much money worth (that would be why I'm worried)... I'm beginning to think i don't like the USPS.

I have other stuff from the US using DHL and that was quick! Within a week!

Haven't you heard?

Most of our stuff still goes via pony express.



I sent my lease to my landlord (60 miles) and he got it in 19 days. I guess that was my fault - I didn't send it 'priority'. I won't make that mistake next year. Apparently the ponies are very old and slow.

I get my Netflix delivery - every time - in two days.

USPS is hit or miss.

If I were shipping out of country I would certainly use the most 'premium' service available... or just wait. USPS is spotty, but they always get it there... eventually.

Originally Posted by tonycraigo

Haven't you heard?

Most of our stuff still goes via pony express.

I 'm guessing the pony that's delivering my stuff can't swim too well... Pleeeease don't drown little pony!

Originally Posted by Brighty83

I 'm guessing the pony that's delivering my stuff can't swim too well... Pleeeease don't drown little pony!

After all that saltwater gets into his little saddlebags - you'll probably need a hone.



The 'Ponies' were actually very fast - Mustangs, quarter horses, ect. and their riders drove them nearly to death to the next station. Riders and animals carved out quite a history.

To this day postal employees, for the most part, are dedicated public servants and as federal empoyees are well paid and cared for by the taxpayer. In my 56 years every one of them I have met have been friendly, courteous and ready to serve.

I'm sure, these days, international packages sometimes get hung up in the gears of the system, but eventually they'll get spit out and arrive intact. I'm sure our servicemen abroad are enjoying top priority.

Next time... pay the extra bucks for the premium service.

I have just received an item after one month of waiting, from the US. It should also be noted, I also got something from there today after one week. YMMV, and all that.

Hong Kong seems to be the fastest to me on average. Less than a week.

Originally Posted by EisenFaust

I'm currently sweating over a beautiful Rodgers that was 'processed through a sort facility' in the states on the 15th of June on its way to me in New Zealand - one month plus down the road and the tracking hasn't updated since.... I think it's lost to the ether

Anyone had experience with claiming insurance from USPS?

EisenFaust....FYI, sad to say, the USPS tracking information "stops" when the parcel departs from
U.S. territory. They just don't track it beyond U.S. borders.

Likewise, it is my understanding that whatever insurance was purchased at a USPS facility will only
apply within U.S. territory; ie, they won't be held responsible once the parcel leaves their jurisdiction.

I am currently waiting for a parcel which was mailed from San Francisco on May 2nd. A friend in the
South Cook Islands recently reported that regular mail (not parcels) from the U.S. was routinely
in transit for 2 months, and in one case, for 6 months.

Significant delays have been occurring since the U.S. Homeland Security Administration teamed up
with the USPS to institute a security inspection regime, following the attempted shipment of bombs
disguised as printer ink cartridges.

I have not received a parcel here in Tonga in the last year or so which has not been opened for
inspection by either U.S. Customs or TSA.

It's a shame that there are such delays, but as a matter of fact, no parcels have been actually
lost....they all got here eventually.

By contrast, mail from Australia, New Zealand and Japan usually arrives here in 2-3
weeks. Most of that delay occurs here in Tonga, because of weight limits on
inter-island flights...passengers, luggage and other priority cargo go first, and mail
only if "space available."

The Royal Mail (UK) has been the worst for me.
USPS has been a reliable if slow 2-3 week process.
The Royal Mail seems to be used as a sheltered workshop for the most inbred members of the British aristocracy and simians rejected from Royal Kent Gardens for being too unruly. I once took two identical parcels to a PO in London to send to my home address and one took 3 weeks to arrive and the other 3 months. I literally handed both of them over together.

Japan and Hong Kong have unbelievably efficient postage systems.

Agreed on Hong Kong in particular. I've bought some of the most measly items off fleabay from there and they turn up here in Auz FREAKY fast, faster than stuff coming from WA even.