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Aloha everyone!
I have a quick question about shipping. We will be shipping a few boxes via USPS as we already have a mailbox set up in Hilo. Have any of you ever shipped boxes via USPS? If so did you use priority mail or parcel post? I'm wondering how long parcel post actually takes. I was also considering shipping some books via media mail because it's so much cheaper, but have no idea how long that will take either. Priority mail is about twice as much as parcel post, but it is much faster taking only about 3-5 days. Is there a greater risk of moisture damage if shipped via parcel or media mail?
My biggest question is what is the con of shipping parcel post versus priority mail other than the longer transit time?
Thanks for your help!
Lynn
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Joined: May 2006
Hi, Lynn.
When we moved we shipped some stuff parcel post and some priority mail.
Only send things parcel post that you won't need for a while. It takes up to 6 weeks. Cheaper, but slooooow.
We paid the extra money for priority mail for the things we wanted within a week. It was quite reliable.
My mom has shipped some stuff to me via media mail and it got here within a week. Not sure if that was just by chance since it was MUCH faster than my experience with parcel post.
Best of luck.
Robin
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Parcel Post took about 7 weeks when we came. It was painstakingly slow.
Carrie
"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart
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We shiped our cd's and DVD's media mail from the mainland....it took about 2 months.
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We shipped 81 boxes, parcel post 2 years ago, most took 4-6 weeks (many seemed to come on the same boat...) Priority is usually within 5 business days
Most of the boxes we used were double walled (computer monitor) boxes. We bagged most of the items & had a large liner bag in each box. We also used kitty litter in the old ziploc veggie bags (I do not think they are available...pin pricks in a normal zip bag would work, or fabric bags) to help absorb any extra moisture in our books & such.
Edited by - carey on 07/04/2007 17:37:16
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I second the use of a good, sturdy, double-walled box with good cushioning material, especially if you're using the slower method. My observation has been that parcels that spend more time in the system seem to get more handling and are more likely to encounter rough stuff. So, you have to pack it well. I always use a high quality cellophane packing tape and I'm not manini with how much I use; I figure that tape is a small extra price to pay for a successful shipment. I tape all seams and corners to keep liquids from easy access into the box.
I sent about a dozen boxes from the SF Bay Area last year via USPS and they all arrived in good shape with contents intact. Saved a lot compared to Priority Mail, UPS and FedEx.
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Generally figure more on the five day side of the 3 to 5 day estimate on priority mail arriving. There is no overnight mail and even second day takes about five days. FedEx has been the fastest, if you ever need that.
The smaller sized boxes sometimes are just a few cents difference between priority and parcel post, however once the boxes get bigger then the price difference is greater.
"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson
99.99999 % of our business is mail order to to every state on the mainland and we also receive our supplys from various sources there too.
UPS Ground from Mainland to Mt. View.
3 business days from Ca. / AZ.
5 business days from everywhere else.
From Hilo to Mainland " Ground" is 5 business days ..... but don't forget they do not count the day they pick up or even you drop off @ the Airport.
USPS
PP ..... as above... forever and not really worth it from a business perspective.
Priority Mail.... is still only 2-3 three days coming or going... really.
New 60 inch rule is conflicting the 84" one right next to it on the website and has been driving everyone crazy ..... including the postal workers who are already on edge sometimes.
84" is still the same for interisland though ..... sigh.
If considering Priority Mail you owe it to yourself to ask for the Express mail price as it might be CHEAPER depending on box and weight ..... it is for us by 5 - 6 $.
Our new Prioroity mail is now UPS Ground which probably got a huge influx of customers when the postal rates went up.
Big stuff UPS Ground.
Small stuff fast Priority.
Medium, check both.
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Thanks everyone!
Your knowledge and advice came in very handy. I sent our first box today. It's the only one we'll send parcel post as it's camping gear that can stand some extra handling and we won't need right away. Everything else we will be bringing with us in suitcases or we'll ship Priority mail which I found to be cheaper than UPS and Fed Ex. I found UPS and Fed Ex to be cheaper if shipping state to state on the mainland, but not to Hawaii.
Thanks again!
Lynn
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Lynn, you may want to redo your luggage...we each brought 2 large boxes instead of suitcases - check with your airline, ours allowed 2 check ons per person that were no more than 62" in dimension & 55 lbs. (we used boxes that were 21" x 21" x 20" - 8,820 cubic inches other box sizes have less cubic inches).
