Shipping Packages to China
Jun 7, 2013 | 5:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 371
Shipping Packages to China
I seem to remember, but can't find a thread about shipping packages to China. The U.S. Postal Service is much cheaper than Fedex, and if it is roughly equivalent to Fedex (or better), I would like to use it. Does anyone have any experience with the Postal Service? Also, what service would anyone recommend to send child's books to Wuhan (Wuchang) from the U.S.
Thanks,
DB
Thanks,
DB
Last edited by DaileyB; Jun 7, 2013 at 5:58 pm Reason: Typo on header
Jun 7, 2013 | 6:24 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB PLT again afater a decade as plebian
Posts: 22,942
USPS will load the package on a flight to China where it will become the responsibility of delivery like it is worldwide. Slower for sure and no tracking unless you pay for it.
Jun 7, 2013 | 8:31 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denver
Posts: 2,396
I've sent packages to Asia via USPS many times with excellent results -- used priority and express services -- but not PRC. Once on the ground in the foreign country, the package goes into the hands of the local postal service or a contract courier. It's extremely reliable in Thailand, but I don't know how exactly it works in China.
However, to send packages to PRC I've used DHL. Prices were superior to FedEx and packages were delivered timely and in good condition. Staff at the US servic point were knowledgable and a pleasure to deal with.
However, to send packages to PRC I've used DHL. Prices were superior to FedEx and packages were delivered timely and in good condition. Staff at the US servic point were knowledgable and a pleasure to deal with.
Jun 7, 2013 | 10:00 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Programs: BA - Blue
Posts: 4,721
Wouldn't recommend without tracking. I've had 'priority' USPS documents sent over, no problem, but regular mail sometimes makes it, sometimes doesn't. There is also a very real of 'goods' disappearing when posted to China.
tb
tb
Jun 7, 2013 | 10:47 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SIN / CNX / SFO
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I'd go with EMS from the post office. FedEx, UPS, and DHL tend to have more issues with customs in my experience, whereas I've only had one box out of hundreds caught in the works when using EMS. China Post is actually quite competent, and EMS offers decent tracking. While I'd still trust FedEx more for sensitive documents or supply chain solutions, for the average individual, EMS is probably the easiest and certainly most cost effective choice.
Whatever you do, don't send something standard mail (non-EMS) using the post office; you'll be lucky if it shows up three months later.
Whatever you do, don't send something standard mail (non-EMS) using the post office; you'll be lucky if it shows up three months later.
Jun 8, 2013 | 1:16 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 186
It seems goods that have value or even some letters sometimes get lost in transit. Plus it can take weeks for letters to arrive from abroad. Should be fine with tracking though.
Jun 8, 2013 | 2:44 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: KIX, ITM, UKB, YVR
Programs: Star Alliance - AC
Posts: 2,356
Also to add, if you really need it to arrive in a timely manner, use Fedex or UPS. Do expect packages to be opened and checked.
USE TRACKING or consider it gone.
EMS is also reliable but their speed is not as consistent as the major couriers.
I personally like S.F. Express. They are a Chinese courier company with USA presence. Really quick and very reliable.
USE TRACKING or consider it gone.
EMS is also reliable but their speed is not as consistent as the major couriers.
I personally like S.F. Express. They are a Chinese courier company with USA presence. Really quick and very reliable.
Jun 8, 2013 | 8:23 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denver
Posts: 2,396
Never, ever had a customs issue with USPS.
Can't beat the USPS price, either. Create and pay for your USPS shipper online (create an account) and you'll even get a small discount, too. I think it's about 5% or so.