How to pack clothing for shipment - shipping weights, etc. - Page 3

I have someone who wants 2 day shipping to Canada from CONUS, anyone know how much this would cost? I seem to remember it costing ~$20 to get it this way to Australia. I have also been reading horror stories about some expedited shipments to Canada, where 2 day packages take 3 weeks or more. It seems the First Class International I have sent to Canada do take quite a while to get there, 2-3 weeks typicially. How should I send two neckties to Canada if they want them by this Friday? Edit: Think I'm going to go with FedEx.

I have very little with any of this commercial shipping, but I'm sending a scarf to the UK (from NYC). I have a USPS with really long lines nearby and a UPS center that's close and rel. quick. Can anyone give me there rec. on what they'd do in such a situation? Does USPS Priority go internationally? Is it significantly cheaper than UPS for such a light item?


BTW, this is a very helpful thread; please keep the info coming, veteran shippers.

just go to the USPS calculator and get the quote for the item you are sending. If you can fit it into a flat rate envelope it might be even cheaper (this envelope is around 8 x10). I do online shipping for all my international orders, just follow the instructions. after that all you have to do is drop off at any post office, no one needs to check it.

I can't say how the prices compare to UPS as I have not used that, but I know you do not have to stand in line for international.

what you can fit inside those envelopes is somewhat limited. i bought a cardigan once that came in that, but only because they're thin

I recently returned shoes to Pediwear from Michigan - USPS Priority with insurance was about $44 and UPS quoted $90 plus. The shoes arrived in the UK in less than a week.

The Custom will make you pay taxes if it are very expensive. Why not trying to buy it online and just make the shop pay for the shipment instead

thanks for the explaining

question about international shipping. im getting a shirt from a family member back in the philippines, and i'm looking for the cheapest and most reliable delivery service around that won't kill me by price. fedex, ups etc all charged me at least 70 bucks if i wanted it here (texas) within a week or two. that's more expensive than the shirt itself! anyone have any suggestions?

tricky combination
UPS/Fedex/DHL for international tend to have better tracking and might be considered more reliable
postal service tends to be at least 50% cheaper, however, in my experience (few dozen shipments)
pick your battles and preferences..
postal service tends to have less customs duties and additional charges (bullshit handling fees) than the others as well

Is this spam central? what's up with this thread?

If I can just add on to this comment, FedEx, UPS, DHL and friends all charge superfluous internal "handling" charges that are pure profit on ground shipments to Canada (and other international destinations, I believe). There are many, many references on the web to people being charged 75% to 100% of the value of the item being shipped in additional "handling," excluding any taxes or duties, and there is even a class-action lawsuit in the process of being filed against the same practices. Canadians who know better will request USPS shipping and it would be kind to offer the same in advance to those who don't know.

thank you very much,it is very useful

Moving this to B&S and pinning.

Good article, Each and every point is good enough.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.

thanks