Best Shipping Method to Russia

Hi Guys I just posted this over on VJ. I'd love your input as well. Thx!

 

Hi Guys,

I am getting close to sending that all important final package of document to my Marina for her interview. I estimate it will weigh 3-5 lbs so I went online and started checking about for rates and requirements to send documents to Russia. Here is what I found out.

From AZ to Yoshkar-Ola

3lb pack. DHL 3-day = $151.59
5lb pack. DHL 3-day = $186.46

3lb pack. UPS 7-day = $171.65
5lb pack. UPS 7-day = $214.07 (Yikes)

3lb pack. FedEx 4-5 Day = $120.34
5lb pack. FedEx 4-5 Day = $158.66

3lb pack. FedEx 1-2 Day = $155.88
5lb pack. FedEx 1-2 Day = $195.78

3lb pack. USPS GXG 2-3 Day = $101.00 WINNER
5lb pack. USPS GXG 2-3 Day = $124.00 WINNER

Ok so my main concern was security not cost so I was leary of using USPS as they use the Russian post for their normal Global Priority service, but for the Global Express Guaranteed quoted above they actually have an agreement with FedEx to do the actual in country delivery (it used to be DHL). The part that blew my mind is it is cheaper than the FedEx rate itself not to mention faster than the 4-5 day service to boot! I even called FedEx to confirm! So that's it fellers, the USPS wins my business (my moola) but I'm going to get FedEx quality service! Cool deal. Let us all know if anyone has found a better way or if my info is flawed.

Doug


--------------------


12/23/04 - Met online
4/16/05 - Trip to Russia.
4/21/05 - I'm engaged, WOO HOO!
5/02/05 - Sent I-129F to CSC today.
5/04/05 - I-129F was delivered, signed for by V SEMEGI.
5/11/05 - Actual NOA1 date.
5/13/05 - They cash my check.
5/16/05 - NOA1 in via snailmail & "touched" today!
5/17/05 - Made a mistake on I-129F that I realized after I sent it. Sent letter of explanation.
5/19/05 - Mistake notice was delivered signed for by V SEMEGI.
6/14/05 - Touchamundo (Oh baby do me one more time!)
6/14/05 - NOA2 (The touch above was them sending me the notice) Got the email from USCIS on 6/15/05. Actually they sent two identical emails?? YEHAAAAA!
6/17/05 - NOA2 arrives via snail mail.
6/23/05 - NVC receives our case.
7/1/05 - NVC ships our case to Moscow.
7/5/05 - Package received by Embassy!
7/12/05 - Packet 4 sent. I found this out on 7/18/05.
7/14/05 - Got our interview date from the Embassy call center.
7/29/05 - Received Packet 4
10/18/05 - Interview!!!
12/17/05 - Our Wedding Day!

[Michelangelo]

You got it right, Doug!  I sent more than 30 packages to my girl in Tver over a one year period.

I started off with FedEx and DHL, but soon found USPS Global Express.

Then were perfect every time, and at a fraction of the cost....

Cool Michael, thanks for the feedback. Anyone else?

[ConnerVT]

If near-overnight speed isn't needed, I have had great success using MEEST.

http://www.meest.us/

 

[Bruno]

[user=336]doudis2[/user] wrote:

Cool Michael, thanks for the feedback. Anyone else?

For European people :

Only from Belgium to Russia or Ukraine... i use usual Belgium post... cheap, fast and secure... always between 4 to 7 days... never loose something...

For info, Belgium post work in collaboration with DHL and Deutche Post...

edit : i forget some tarif...

Always by airmail and in prior...

- little pack, maximum 1 kg... 16 euro for one kilo

- big pack, maximum 50 kg ... 125 euro for 50 kg