Shipping package

[docetae]

Hello,

Question, what is the best way to send a package to Ukraine ? I have two packages to send, one for teh girl I'm dating (one photo album and a cap for her boy) and one for a contractor located in the same town (Zhitomir). What is the best way ? It seems that Fedex is not covering this town, what about dhl, ups or other ? I would like to get both packages sent in around one week.

Thanks

Doc.

[TigerPaws]

[size="4"]Express Mail is generally very good.
[/size]

[Admin]

Hello,

Question, what is the best way to send a package to Ukraine ? I have two packages to send, one for teh girl I'm dating (one photo album and a cap for her boy) and one for a contractor located in the same town (Zhitomir). What is the best way ? It seems that Fedex is not covering this town, what about dhl, ups or other ? I would like to get both packages sent in around one week.

Thanks

Doc.

Tigerpaws is right. While I have used all the major couriers, the one which seems to attract the least attention, hence, is not subject to being opened by authorities - and is reasonably fast, is the USPS service. FedEx, UPS, and DHL are all pretty good, albeit expensive.

I suggest the USPS Global Express.

Note: If you choose the Global Express Guaranteed service, the carrier is actually FedEx.

- Dan

[docetae]

I'm located in canada ....

Expedipost (express mail service in Canada) is not available to Ukraine ....
I look at fedex and ZHitomir is not in their city list and UPS does not recognize the zip code for this city ....

So any other suggestions ?

[Admin]

I'm located in canada ....

Expedipost (express mail service in Canada) is not available to Ukraine ....
I look at fedex and ZHitomir is not in their city list and UPS does not recognize the zip code for this city ....

So any other suggestions ?

Sorry Doc, I didn't look closely enough at your profile.

Does DHL service your area? If so, check with them. They are originally a German firm and they have a substantial presence in Ukraine.

The other option is to contact Meest. You can find them at this website -- http://www.meest.net/. They DEFINITELY service Canada (I think it is their homebase).

- Dan

[al-c]

Use DHL.  FedEx, UPS, and the post office will all be happy to have your business, but all they do is hand it off to DHL, adding more handling and delivery time into the process.

DHL will get your packages to Western Russia and FSU typically in 2 days and Eastern Russia in typically 3 days.  Add 1 day for the post office because of the hand off here to DHL, and add 2 days for FedEx and UPS because of a hand off at each end.

 

[Casanova]

Shipping to the Ukraine is inherently problematic.  I know this from experience.  NEVER ship bank cards... I was told by my banking representive in America that they purposely BLOCK shipment of these (too high a fraud rate).

Secondly, never ship to a firm, as their is an extra tax, or days of paperwork and trips to the local customs offices to clear an item that was shipped to you, though a firms in care of.

    Lastly, if you have any insight, you will KNOW that items and gifts to the girls are often taxed if of any real value.  The best way, if you are not in a HURRY, is to use a Ukrianian American BASED firm that KNOWS the 'beaucracy' there and has years of experience in such matters.  For those of you who have serious shipping needs to Ukraine I recommend you to contact Eugene at dnipro-warren@sbcglobal.net  It's the BEST way to go if you have shipments of any import or serious need to reach your Ukrainian destination without problems.

[dorogoyroberto]

Mr. Doc,

Would like to echo the recommendation on using Meest. I used them for  sending two large packages to Kharkov, and all went well...

For those Stateside sending items to Ukraine, I have had rather good  results receiving CDs and books (both hardcover and paperback) from  U.S.-based eBay sellers that have used Air Letter Post from USPS. This  service is for items four pounds and under, and the transit time for  every CD or book sent me so far has arrived within six *calendar* days.  Twice, for example, items sent Saturday have arrived Thursday; I got  notices in my mailbox, and went to the post office to get them.

Every package has had attached a green U.S. Customs declaration of values ranging from $4 to $15; I have yet to pay any duty.

Now, one seller (and, luckily, only one) sent me a hardcover book via Economy (Surface) Letter  Post. It was mailed to me the first week of November, and has yet to arrive...

For information on USPS Air Letter Post, see: http://www.usps.com/global/globalairmail.htm

For rate tables on mailing to Ukraine, see: http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/immicl/immicltz_015.html

For rate tables on mailing to Russia, see:  http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/immicl/immiclnr_025.html (I do not have  recent experience sending to/receiving in Russia. )

Please note that Ukraine and Russia do NOT participate in USPS' Global Priority Mail program.

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine

[goleta2sin]

Doc,

I have had great results with USPS. Low cost and excellent reliability. I have sent bank cards and health supplements with no problems. I send to a smaller town, Chernovtsy, and the items arrive within two weeks with express global. Best of luck.

[Charles]

Ditto on the MEEST recommendation.  They are considerably cheaper than DHL and meet or exceed their delivery commitments.  Only problem is you may want to check if their is one in Zhitomer.  Otherwise, your lady may have to go the nearest place to pick up the package or have them deliver at an additional charge.    Just to give you an idea:  we shipped 4 large moving boxes from Simferopol to the U.S. a couple of months ago for a cost of approximately $200.  They were delivered in about 3 weeks.  We saved about $70 by picking it up at their location as opposed to having them deliver.

[LatinSwede]

I need to ship my fiance some documents and a acouple magazines.  Would UPS be reliable?  I'm afraid of paying through the nose just for a little parcel less than 2 lbs. If it cost me more than a yuppy food stamp($20), and then some I don't mind it much.  I just want to make sure it's gets to her asap.

   

[al-c]

I am aware of the customs duties problem with packages, which is why it is preferable to go on the internet and buy what you want the lady to have from a merchant who is local to her and will deliver to her door.

As for documents, I don't have specific experience with any FSU country other than Russia, but with Russia I have used DHL, Fed Ex, and USPS, and I stand behind what I posted earlier.  DHL is the fastest, USPS add 1 day, Fed Ex add 2 days.

DHL will ship to Moscow and St. Pete in 2 days and to Novosibirsk in 3.  The basic 1 lb. envelope costs $80.00.

 

[dorogoyroberto]

I need to ship my fiance some documents and a acouple magazines.  Would UPS be reliable? I'm afraid of paying through the nose just for a  little parcel less than 2 lbs. If it cost me more than a yuppy food  stamp($20), and then some I don't mind it much. I just want to make  sure it's gets to her asap.

Sir,

I would give Air Letter Post a try from USPS, as your package would be  under four pounds. As I wrote, it has performed well for me at a very  reasonable cost and transit time...

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine

[LatinSwede]

I took your advice and sent the parcel yesterday.  SHe'll be getting her stuff very soon.