FedEx VS USPS

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:31 pm

I've just had a quote for shipping some parts in from the US. There's nothing in the actual costs... USPS comes in at $63.10 and FedEx comes in at $64.71, but USPS will take 6-10 days, whereas FedEx will only take 3-4.

So obviously you'd think to simply pay the extra $1.61 (£1.04) to get them that much sooner, but I know that FedEx will pretty much always catch you out days/weeks later with a customs invoice, so how do USPS fair in that department? Are they the same, or will they send a customs invoice and demand payment before they release the goods, much like ParcelForce do? Or... Are the goods more likely to slip through customs unchecked due to USPS's system?...

Anyone got any experience with USPS? If you recon I'm just as likely to get stung with customs using USPS as I am FedEx then I'll opt for the faster shipment.

Post by **RattyMcClelland** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:36 pm

I DO I DO!

Iv used Fedex and USPS from the US to UK. And yes Fedwex charge you customs weeks later. USPS will only release your package upon payment. Well for me they did.

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:43 pm

Cheers bud.

I used to get loads of things shipped from the States back when I owned my Mustangs, when the dollar was a lot weaker and it was quite literally only half the items that came through that actually got caught by customs. So I'm never sure now if it's the actual shipping company and their proceedures or what that determines the likelihood of it being caught or not

BlackShadow · Post by **BlackShadow** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:20 pm

In my experiences, Fedex (yesterday) hit me at the door for $28.70 (luckily I had change on me). The last time I used UPS, they sent me a bill later on, and USPS more often then not doesn't come with any charges (for me at least).

The important thing to remember on any shipment to Canada or the US (not sure about other countries) is, value it at under 100 dollars, and mark it as a gift or a sample. If you do this, they won't charge the recipient any taxes or duties.

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:01 pm

Trouble is, most companies these days refuse to mark thins as gift and would rather do things by the book. It's not so much an issue for private sales, but whn it comes to insurance reasons companies would rather b covered.