Coronavirus impacting international mail services

David Benson · Post by **David Benson** » 18 May 2020 15:48

On the latest Australia Post web page it states deliveries to

Western Europe 40 to 60 business days.

Canada 40 to 60 business days

USA 25 to 35 business days,

UK 12 to 20 business days.

It appears some go by sea and some by air,

David B.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 18 May 2020 22:55

They keep markedly changing the data each few days.

They tell us AFTER the event, our expensive air parcels have actually gone by sea.

''60 business days is 12 weeks'' = 3 months. MAYBE. That is "ordinary" parcel to Germany - i.e. $70 for a few kilo stockbook paid for AIR.

Some class action Lawyers would get a valid case here, as mail users were terribly misled for months.

https://auspost.com.au/about-us/news-media/important-updates ... ernational

faro · Post by **faro** » 19 May 2020 00:19

Global Administrator wrote:https://auspost.com.au/about-us/news-media/important-updates ... ernational
...
[/centre]

I've just receiving a package from Oz->UK in 14 days and another from Germany in 5 days, at least a few days of each will have been spent in the UK (local post in this part of the country is still taking up to a week, go figure...).

Australia Post never considered routeing anything for Western Europe via the UK as an option to explore, I presume?

(Given the transit times quoted above, even mail to the US and Canada routed via the UK would be quicker!)

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 19 May 2020 00:37

Nice crop of letters in today.

From England, second class, postmarked 12th May (that took its time)
NC/USA postmarked 23rd April
MI/USA postmarked 9th May
MI/USA postmarked 30th March
Canada letter dated 12th May.

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 19 May 2020 03:46

FairyFoot wrote: Postmarked 4th April from New Mexico arrived 16th April

Just realised this one, is missing my town name! House number, street and postcode, and UK present.

locakart · Post by **locakart** » 19 May 2020 21:04

Letter from Portugal posted on 27 April arrived 15 May - usually takes about 3-4 days.

Some letters from Netherlands have been arriving, taking only 4 or 5 days to get here.

Still waiting for post from Moldova, San Marino, Macau, Bangladesh, Thailand and Kazakhstan. The senders from San Marino, Macau, Thailand and Kazakhstan have apologised for the delay - no need, it ain't their fault.

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 19 May 2020 23:34

Postie is keeping me busy.

AL/USA postmarked 13th May
AZ/USA postmarked 6th May
England, Welsh second class, postmarked 18th May
England, second class, letter dated 16th May
SK/Canada, postmarked 13th May.

erich · Post by **erich** » 20 May 2020 07:54

Checked in with a Canadian seller and he said parcels to the US are typically taking 2-3 weeks to be delivered. One week would be normal without the COVID delays.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 20 May 2020 18:16

This won’t assist many members I suspect but, for the record,

Bermuda Post Office Update On International Mail
May 18, 2020

The Bermuda Post Office [BPO] provided the following update regarding international mail.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Post Office [BPO] provided the following update regarding international mail.

“The public will be aware that there have been major global disruptions to the logistical networks for mail, such as airlines and shipping, due to COVID-19.

“The result has halted the distribution of all international mail.

“However, the BPO is advising that it’s working diligently with its overseas partners, such as the US and UK, to develop alternatives for sending and receiving international mail. These pursuits are ongoing and the BPO will update on any developments.

“As it relates to outbound overseas mail from Bermuda, the BPO notes that sending mail to the US, UK and Canada cannot be guaranteed at this time. This is due, in part, to the disruption of postal routes and other factors, such as acceptance into postal channels by international postal partners.

“Regarding incoming overseas mail to Bermuda, the BPO notes the following:

US Mail/United States Postal Service:

International mail received within the US destined for Bermuda is being returned-to-sender as mail service is suspended.
Mail distribution from the US to Bermuda will resume when the L. F. Wade International Airport reopens and commercial flights resume.

United Kingdom – Royal Mail:

Mail from the UK is being transported to Bermuda by container ship. A UK mail shipment is expected to arrive in Bermuda by the second week of June. All mail received into Bermuda is delivered within four (4) working days.

Canada – Canada Post:

The BPO advises that Canada is not transporting mail to Bermuda until the L. F. Wade International Airport reopens and Air Canada resumes flight service

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 20 May 2020 21:48

Oh, Hell. I posted a letter in March without checking the postal news, to Cayman Islands but after the islands closed. I hope it will get there.

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 20 May 2020 21:49

FairyFoot wrote:The lovely people at Postcrossing have come up with https://www.postcrossing.com/mail-monitor

Slight change in link, but the old one still redirects.

https://www.postcrossing.com/postal-monitor

LJG · Post by **LJG** » 21 May 2020 22:18

I'm still awaiting mail from Germany allegedly posted 12 Mar to here in USA. I still have hope, but hopes of its arrival are fading more and more each day that passes. Also awaiting deliveries from Japan, however they are not quite at the 50 day mark yet.

Luke

wilbaer · Post by **wilbaer** » 21 May 2020 23:00

I've had a letter from the UK (sent on April 18) which "Arrived awaiting clearance (Inbound) SYDNEY NSW" on May 4 - no tracking since. And there is no way for Australia Post to look into what happens at this facility, it appears, since they haven't officially received anything and the systems aren't linked. Am fearing the worst...

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 21 May 2020 23:04

LJG wrote:I'm still awaiting mail from Germany allegedly posted 12 Mar to here in USA. I still have hope, but hopes of its arrival are fading more and more each day that passes. Also awaiting deliveries from Japan, however they are not quite at the 50 day mark yet.

Luke

I wish some of my USA clients were so realistic and sensible.

One guy told me his REGISTERED sending of a few weeks has not arrived, and if it does not in a week he wants a full refund.

He does not seem to raise we are 10,000 miles away, and there are no planes between the 2 Continents, and USPS refuses to get signatures for foreign Registereds.

He will not get anywhere with me of course but an HOUR a day lately is wasted communicating with mostly impatient Americans, who expect all sendings "yesterday if not "FAR sooner

I am sending all those thoughtless folks living in La La Land, a FREE T-Shirt!

CMJ · Post by **CMJ** » 21 May 2020 23:21

A few letters with legible postmarks arrived today (21 May) from around Europe, posted on/in

18 May - UK (second class)
18 May - Switzerland
18 May - Belgium
19 May - Germany
19 May - France
20 May - UK (second class signed for)

librarianc · Post by **librarianc** » 22 May 2020 00:44

erich wrote:Checked in with a Canadian seller and he said parcels to the US are typically taking 2-3 weeks to be delivered. One week would be normal without the COVID delays.

Even domestic delivery of parcels is now impacted for Canada Post. I sent a parcel May 13 to Kitchener area (about 1.5 hour drive from here) by expedited parcel, which is usually 1-2 days. As of today (May 21) it is still listed as "in transit". Granted, we did have a long weekend (May 16-18) if anyone remembers those or even notices them now!!!

I have added approximately 10 days to most domestic delivery and 2-3 weeks for US.

International is a whole different kettle of fish........who knows!!

John A

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 22 May 2020 01:14

Only one letter for me today, 21st, postmarked 15th May with the slogan celebrating 50th anniversary of Earth Day, from MN/USA.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 22 May 2020 01:23

Another bundle of Invoices from Royal Mail today, and March and April statements in separate envelopes, already out of date since I made a payment and some returns in early May.

Cards sent to the Royal Mail London Handstamp Centre two days ago returned serviced today, so inland post is to handstamp centres even better than usual (the return was by SD).

Kaygeevee · Post by **Kaygeevee** » 22 May 2020 08:09

Large Letter from UK posted 7/4/20 delivered Melbourne 20/5/20

Best regards David

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 24 May 2020 05:28

Cheque posted in Cornwall on 21st delivered in Norfolk on 22nd.

22028 · Post by **22028** » 24 May 2020 06:49

2 days ago I have received a registered letter from USA which is still in the US-Postal system as "in transit to the next facility", I wonder about their tracking system......

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 24 May 2020 07:03

Letter arrived yesterday from Australia, paid for and marked "Airmail", postmarked 28th April.

Excellent service I would suggest in the current circumstances.

sagi2917 · Post by **sagi2917** » 25 May 2020 00:24

Latest update from India post based on their twitter handle

"The EMS / Speed Post service has been started for 105 countries" These are supposed to include all covered earlier before the lockdown.

The regular outbound mails abroad is still not in place it seems.

Sent a query to them to check if we are receiving inbound international regular mails but no response yet.

PS: have not received any domestic/international mails for over 2 months now

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 27 May 2020 06:26

Today's incoming letters

Postmarked 16th May, SK/Canada
Postmarked 16th May, AR/USA
Postmarked 18th May, WI/USA
Letter dated 15th May, France.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 27 May 2020 06:38

FairyFoot wrote:Today's incoming letters

Postmarked 16th May, SK/Canada
Postmarked 16th May, AR/USA
Postmarked 18th May, WI/USA
Letter dated 15th May, France.

Not bad considering no letters delivered 23rd & 25th.

I had eBay purchases posted Friday delivered today - ie 1 working day.

CMJ · Post by **CMJ** » 27 May 2020 21:53

The latest batch of letters with legible postmarks arrived today (27 May) from around the World, posted on/in

18 May - Spain
18 May - United States (CA)
19 May - United States (IL)
20 May - Germany
20 May - Italy
22 May - France
25 May - UK (1st class)

Chris.

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 28 May 2020 00:21

Just one letter in for me today, plus a gardening magazine!

Postmarked 18th May from NY state/USA.

vicaf60 · Post by **vicaf60** » 28 May 2020 00:53

Received a large letter from Germany - sent from Bielefeld on May 17, received at the sorting center in Minsk on May 25, in Minsk-70 PO - on May 26, and in my hands - today, on May 27

Unfortunately, I'm too busy with my translation job recently, so i have to pospone all scanning till some better day

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 28 May 2020 23:48

More letters arrived today.

France, postmarked 25th May
MN/USA, postmarked 19th May
Dublin/Ireland, postmarked 25th May
Netherlands, postmarked 20th May

CMJ · Post by **CMJ** » 29 May 2020 05:06

The latest batch of letters with legible postmarks arrived today (28 May) from around the World, posted on/in

18 May - Australia (SA)
19 May - Germany
22 May - United States (NJ)
25 May - Belgium

Ubobo.R.O. · Post by **Ubobo.R.O.** » 29 May 2020 10:09

Good to see that the Northern Hemisphere seems to be returning to normal.
Pity Australia/New Zealand can't get their act together.

Kipling · Post by **Kipling** » 30 May 2020 10:34

Does anyone have any up to date information about the extent of mail delays from France to Australia?
Cheers

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 30 May 2020 12:30

Kipling wrote:Does anyone have any up to date information about the extent of mail delays from France to Australia?

Cheers

Seeing there are zero commercial aircraft, my guess is the delays from France-Oz are about the same as Oz-France. i.e. the time a ship takes to sail 15,000 km with two exasperating customs delays each end, added into that mix.

AP helpfully tells us that is THREE MONTHS for near all parcels and packages to Europe - unless you paid for Express Mail -

https://auspost.com.au/about-us/news-media/important-updates ... ernational

Zone 7 - Major Europe - EXPRESS - 7-18 business days - ALL other parcels are going Seamail - 40-60 business days

60 business days = 12 weeks = 3 months.

Want it faster than 3 months - pay Extra for Express. AP have been saying this for months now, and very few read or comprehend it seems. THERE ARE NO COMMERCIAL PLANES.

Kipling · Post by **Kipling** » 30 May 2020 14:20

I couldn't care less what AP says.
I was hoping someone might have actual experience of post from France to Australia.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 30 May 2020 14:37

Kipling wrote:I couldn't care less what AP says.

Oh boy. There is one in every crowd.

Kipling · Post by **Kipling** » 30 May 2020 15:33

Oh boy. There is one in every crowd.

Sorry - having one of those days!

BIGANDYN · Post by **BIGANDYN** » 31 May 2020 05:09

Ubobo.R.O. wrote:Good to see that the Northern Hemisphere seems to be returning to normal.
Pity Australia/New Zealand can't get their act together.

Mail in the UK still appears to be a bit "hit & miss". Mail posted 10 days ago from Bristol area....still to arrive in sunny Scotland.

As for Oz to UK....well I've an Ebay from late April still to arrive (normally takes a week).

Local area posties still only doing mail/packets on alternate days.

CMJ · Post by **CMJ** » 31 May 2020 05:32

Despite there being no "normal" mail deliveries on Saturdays, I did receive two letters this morning (30 May) from around the World, posted on/in:

20 May - Italy
26 May - Bulgaria

Both had tracking numbers so that is probably why they were delivered.

Chris.

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 02 Jun 2020 00:09

Letters in today:

ON/Canada letter dated 25th May
IN/USA postmarked 19th May
CO/USA postmarked 20th May, and with the new global forever looking like a coronavirus!

lesbootman · Post by **lesbootman** » 02 Jun 2020 00:48

A letter posted on 29th May from Duisburg (Germany) to Gtr. Manchester (UK) was received on 1st June.

You couldn't argue with that service speed even in normal times.

dwhopper · Post by **dwhopper** » 02 Jun 2020 01:04

Package from the UK to Canada. No postmarks.
eBay lot purchased on 22 May 2020. Arrived in Toronto 1 June 2020.
Not quite normal super fast UK mail, but still very good.

Kipling · Post by **Kipling** » 02 Jun 2020 14:57

Two items from the UK arrived today, some stamps from Royal Mail and a book from Book Depository. Took 4 weeks and 3 weeks respectively.
Not too bad.

Global Administrator · Post by **Global Administrator** » 02 Jun 2020 16:07

I'm seeing a BIG difference between letter and parcels overseas.

LETTERS seem to be getting there - but a bit slower.

PARCELS can and are taking 2 to 3 months at times.

faro · Post by **faro** » 02 Jun 2020 16:54

lesbootman wrote: ↑
02 Jun 2020 00:48
A letter posted on 29th May from Duisburg (Germany) to Gtr. Manchester (UK) was received on 1st June.

You couldn't argue with that service speed even in normal times.

Not bad! Almost as quick as it would've been pre-WW1!

sagi2917 · Post by **sagi2917** » 02 Jun 2020 18:29

sagi2917 wrote: ↑
25 May 2020 00:24
Latest update from India post based on their twitter handle

"The EMS / Speed Post service has been started for 105 countries" These are supposed to include all covered earlier before the lockdown.

The regular outbound mails abroad is still not in place it seems.

Sent a query to them to check if we are receiving inbound international regular mails but no response yet.

PS: have not received any domestic/international mails for over 2 months now

Received a response that we are supposed to be receiving inbound mails now in India while outbound is still restricted to EMS/Speedpost

CMJ · Post by **CMJ** » 02 Jun 2020 22:37

The latest batch of letters with legible postmarks arrived yesterday (1 June) from around the World, posted on/in

20 May - United States (CA)
26 May - United States (IL)
26 May - Germany
28 May - Germany

and today (2 June), posted on/in

19 May - Hungary
27 May - Italy

FairyFoot · Post by **FairyFoot** » 02 Jun 2020 23:33

Postcard in from Malaysia. The postcard itself dated 23032020 but I think the postmark 08 04 2020. Nice floral stamps too (image may follow later in a different thread).

nota bene · Post by **nota bene** » 03 Jun 2020 04:42

Still impossible to send mail to US/Canada from HK by any method that does not take 2-3 months to arrive. So far none of my items I sent on April 2 to various clients in North America have arrived by registered surface mail.

Fedex, UPS and other courier services are really the saviour for most of my deliveries right now. But of course they don't work well for items that are not worth a few hundred dollars as they are too expensive. They also do not work for P.O. boxes and other similar arrangements (Army Post Offices etc.).

sagi2917 wrote: ↑
02 Jun 2020 18:29

sagi2917 wrote: ↑
25 May 2020 00:24
Latest update from India post based on their twitter handle

"The EMS / Speed Post service has been started for 105 countries" These are supposed to include all covered earlier before the lockdown.

The regular outbound mails abroad is still not in place it seems.

Sent a query to them to check if we are receiving inbound international regular mails but no response yet.

PS: have not received any domestic/international mails for over 2 months now
Received a response that we are supposed to be receiving inbound mails now in India while outbound is still restricted to EMS/Speedpost

Thanks for info. I'm awaiting about 8 registered items out of India that were posted before the lockdown. Two of them made it to me in HK before everything cut off - the others I assume are somewhere in the Indian postal system waiting to be sent out.

GYDAM · Post by **GYDAM** » 03 Jun 2020 10:42

On Sunday 24 May I ordered some craft product from a mail-order outfit in Italy.

On Wednesday 27 May I received an email advising that the parcel had been despatched.

This morning, 3 June at 9am, the 1kg parcel was delivered to me here in Launceston, Tasmania .... by DHL - 7 days!!!!

Cheers, Gordon

Waffle · Post by **Waffle** » 03 Jun 2020 10:50

Gydam, I think that DHL should be in The Guinness Book of Records for a parcel delivery from Italy to Australia. Even in pre-Covid days a letter from Italy with a large number of stamps attached, much more than the normal rate, took 2 plus weeks to get here.