Slow International Mail shipments to the U.S..mystery solved

[evil_ash_xero]

I have a number of things ordered from England, and they are taking way longer than usual.

I have received packages from Korea and Germany in the time I have been waiting for these packages.

Any insight on this, Britons?

[neorichieb1971]

Radio sources say that a backlog of Christmas cards were just delivered in the past 2 weeks. Apparently all is up to date now though.

[E. Randy Dupre]

I'd imagine that the delay is at your end, if it's a number of things from different UK sources.

[Skykid]

Yes, a brain delay.

I still have to bring a tent and a sleeping bag to the post office collection depot three times a week to brave the round-the-block queue.

[Pointman]

There must be some kind of delay, I've been waiting 12 days for something from play.com that should have taken 5 days at the most.

[idchappy]

Remeber that the US has become alot tighter with small packages coming through customs, some of them are being diverted via boat:

North America (USA & Canada)
USA
Start date: 18th November
End date: Ongoing

Since November 2010, the United States Department of Homeland Security has increased security measures for items carried on passenger airlines. As a result, mail entering the US from around the world, and including the UK, that would normally be sent via passenger aircraft must now travel by other means, including ships and cargo planes.

This is resulting in an extension to transit times for some items, mainly heavier items, but also Destination Sort bags posted under contract by business customers. We’re really sorry for these unavoidable delays and are doing everything we can to keep mail moving out of and into the UK.

We have implemented a number of contingency plans to ensure as much of our customers’ mail reaches the US as quickly as possible and are continuing to work to minimise disruption to our customers, whilst ensuring we comply fully with the US directives and regulations.



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USA - North America
Start date: 10th January
End date:

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has declared a Force Majeure which commenced on Monday 10th January 2011 due to the continued heavy snow and high wind alerts crossing the Southeast, Midwest, and travelling up the Northeast region of the US impacting in and outbound mail flows. There will be delays to inbound and outbound mail services in affected areas.

Update - 17th January:

With effect from 14 January 2011, postal operations have returned to normal in New York and the north-eastern part of the United States, as well as in the surrounding areas.

We are awaiting information on the rest of the country

Hope this helps