USPS problems

[Malavon]

'lo, a Wii was posted to me 7 days ago from the US via express international shipping, and because he used paypal postage (or something) paypal sent me an automated email giving me a tracking number.

however, for the last 7 days the status has been sat at Electronic Shipping Info Received, so it doesn't look like it's actually doing anything.

Also, the tracking number starts with EV which royal mail said means it's being sorted by Parcel Force, and the person I spoke to at Parcel Force said the tracking number is invalid and that's the first time she's ever seen EV before.

Have emailed USPS and am waiting for the reply, although the guy who posted the Wii said he tried to contact them but couldn't get any help.

So, does anyone have any advice on this? Is the tracking just buggered and the Wii is probably on the way, or is there some other issue here? Also, does anyone know what the usual average delivery time is for express international shipping from the US to the UK? Am I just worrying about nothing?

[briareos_kerensky]

I had a game posted with traceable USPS and the last available info was "parcel recieved" with day, hour and where, but no other update even after it arrived, I wouldn't put too muh faith into that tracking system.
Also, with all international shippings, I've never been able to have my national system recognizing an US (or Hong Kong) tracking number, I think a nation is only able to trace things shipped from and only within national borders.

[P-Mo]

If you still haven't got it, use the USPS tracking number on the Royal Mail or Parcelforce site. They will take over postal responibility once your item hits the UK and will designate you a new tracking number but the USPS one will still work for you.
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Hope that helps.

[elaniel]

As far as I was aware, USPS can only be tracked in the USA/Canada unfortunately. Parcelforce then give it a new number after it enters UK.

EDIT:
Sorry, someone else posted before me the same thing.

[Malavon]

Ah, thanks for the advice everyone - tracking updated today to say that it's now arrived in GB. Bit annoyed that the estimated 3-4 day shipping has turned into 10 day shipping, and it still hasn't even arrived

Also, a few more questions - the status is now

23-11-2007 09:50 International Hub AWAITING CUSTOMS CHARGING
so does that mean I'm definately going to be charged or are they just checking to decide whether I need to be charged? I'm fairly certain I know the answer to that, I'm just hoping I'm wrong

As it arrived today (I assume that's 9:50 in the morning, otherwise they'd have shown it as 21:50?) when do you think it will ship, and if I need to pay what's the fastest method of doing so? Could I phone them tommorow morning and pay over the phone via credit card?

[Velcro]

Thats how mine looked when I was waiting for my PS3 to get through customs so I would say that you will get hit. I did call PF & they would not let me pay over the phone untill I had a code they give you on a letter. Tryed again the next day & (same guy on the phone) he was fine with out having the code (wtf?).

[P-Mo]

Sounds like you will get hit with customs but you never know! Some cases the item's stay in customs for mere minutes before leaving without charges - others do get stamped with customs charges. As it's a Wii chances are high I'd say for a customs charge but would say it would be £20-£30 max (pure estimate).

USPS Priority Mail was dealt by Parcelforce 48 hour delivery service once it landed in the UK the last time I used them. So expect 48hour delivery at least, possibly 24hour service for Express Mail although I'm not too sure.

The USPS tracking system is horrific - it's got a bad reputation by most eBay international users but it's a misunderstood system, ie. it's more of a service to provide accurate delivery information for the seller.

Good luck with it and my fingers are crossed you don't get any customs charges!

PS: Did you try the USPS tracking number at http://www.parcelforce.co.uk because their tracking is top-rate and will give you precise movements of your item.