Need Advice, shipping to Europe

[BlackDogBob]

Hey guys! So needless to say, being new to this, I have learned a ton the last several weeks! Lol. So here is the issue.

I am trying to ship a package to Germany for a trade. I went to a Staples to ship via UPS. Mistake number one. Their system won't give the 10 digit number for the form B until you print but it won't print until you complete the form B. 2 hours wasted. Went to a UPS store, mistake number 2. After an hour and a half, I left there and called a buddy who used to ship a lot over seas. He started to help and took the package to UPS hub. They required the phone number of the receiver. Now that I got that, we went back to a ups hub. For ground delivery, could take up to 30 days, they wanted $117.39 to ship a 4 pound package. So, I am at a loss for words here.

Can someone advise me on how to get something sent to Germany without sacrificing my first born? Lol

[Norton]

BlackDog

I have sent packages to Russia, Germany and Iraq. I have always went to rural post office and said I want to send this box to Russia, Germany, Iraq.
What forms do I need and what box do you recommend? They check off boxes I need to fill out and ones I can skip. They ask if I am sending anything on this list.. Coleman fuel, fireworks, oxygen tanks. I say no
They say OK Then
I take it home and fill it out and return. I say my box is ready to ship to Russia they take it and ask me if I am a spy . Then give me the tracking code.
We found the code only works while it is in the USA territory. Tracked one box across the Pacific to Hawaii and never knew what happened when it entered Russia via Pacific. Until my friend got it
Likewise with their code system I could track packages coming to me from Russia. When it left Russia and got to the USA . The tracking stopped. But I got them anyway. I do not go to post offices in built up areas as the post office employees could care less about helping you.

In rural post offices they even gave me tips such as never mark the box with words camping supplies. As they may think you packed a lantern or mini stove.
For rations simply write gift that way customs does not start looking or meat and cheese and tear your box apart.

[Name_not_found]

USPS does great for normal things.

You can say least expensive with X Y Z, like tracking and insurance and they will help you choose something.

Flat rate works for heavy but small items.

The forms are easy (i just ship candy not sure on fancy forms for other things)

[[ex-Member1]]

I have recieved a package from few weeks ago, there was one MRE in it so it was lighter then yours but it came unopened by the customs. And it came in just 4 days (weekend included)!

I'm in European Union. When we send stuff international everything under 2kg is described as a letter in our PO no matter if it is a box. Best things is to include text like camping supplies and a gift, if they need a money value written for insurance try to make it as low as possible.

[cavguy]

Next time just use USPS Priority Mail (1-3 weeks overseas), or if the buyer wants an upgrade use USPS Express Mail (Usually 1 week delivery). Use the free boxes that correspond to each service, you can grab them in the PO lobby. You will usually fill out only 1 -2 forms (customs + address). Make sure you address the box in two places, that way if one label is torn off there is a backup!

Overseas shipping is expensive but I think you would be around $66.50 Priority Mail if it could fit into the medium flat rate box via USPS. So use that as your base price.

[BlackDogBob]

Wow! Great advice from all. Thanks guys! I knew you would help. This forum has proven to be a wealth of information. I really appreciate it. Will try the flat rate boxes from a rural post office.

[elandil]

I also recommend USPS. You can do most of it online, they have the best rates, and give the least headaches.

[parafireboy]

I've shipped to Russia and Germany and have had great experiences with the USPS. It can be expensive, but there's really no way around that. Everything has always arrived pretty quickly and unopened. The tracking even followed it all the way to "delivered" in both countries. I looked into UPS, but it looked like it would've been a lot more expensive.

[housil]

I went to a Staples to ship via UPS.

First "mistake"
UPS is not this popular over here and usually used by companies. Use USPS, that how I get all my parcels from USA. European customs is the biggest problem...

[BlackDogBob]

Thanks for all the help guys! Finally got the package sent off to Germany. Was a ton easier at a rural post office but still cost me almost $50. That's just crazy. Anyway, the German ration I got in exchange was well worth it. We have already done one video with it with a buddy who was a German Sniper. Should have it up and online soon. Can't wait to do the second video which will be the actual review where we eat it.

Anyway, thanks again guys. I didn't think I was ever going to get it sent out.