USPS Question

[bhouze]

I know from reading some of the messages here that at least a few of you have US postal service experience I can tap into.
I'm wonder which is the most efficient way to have my US based painters ship my completed models back to me that is expedited.
Here in Canada the government loves their cut of anything and everything so when I get a package they want duties, taxes, brokerage, you name it.
So what is expedited shipping commonly called by the USPS (expedited shipping eliminates all tariffs, duties, brokerage, etc.)
I'm wondering if it's EMS as I have got one package this way without any after bill.

Any help from real USPS employees would be stellar.

[kturock]

Damn I hate this new IE8.
This is the 2nd time I've had to type this.

OK. I don't know if there is a service for this.
I gotta ship something tomorrow and I'll see if my 'expert' is working.

check http://www.usps.com and see if you can find an answer.

I'm there now and looking through the IMM, international mail manual.. for rules for Canada.

What we call 'expedited' is express mail. That's faster, but not duty free.


Here's a bit from the IMM about Canada.

"Goods valued under 20 Canadian dollars are duty and excise tax exempt. Goods over 20 Canadian dollars will be subject to the applicable duties and excise taxes. Gift shipments received by mail that are valued under 60 Canadian dollars are duty and excise tax exempt.
For all casual and commercial items valued under 1,600 Canadian dollars, Canada Post will collect the assessed duties and excise taxes and a handling fee of 5 Canadian dollars from the addressee. For Express Mail International items, the handling fee is 8 Canadian dollars. All commercial mail items over 1,600 Canadian dollars will be held by Canada Customs and Excise until proper invoice and accounting documentation is provided by the addressee.

Information on Canadian customs regulations may be obtained from the Office of International Marketing/223, Bureau of International Commerce, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, or any field office of that Department.


Gift shipments (non-commercial parcels) require a sales receipt, invoice or other documentation to support the declared value."


Here's the link: http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/ce_003.htm#ep2041503

Someone from Canada before posted something about 'if the package is marked toy models', there wouldn't be a customs fee. I forget who it was, and they didn't post the source.

How far are you from the US/CANADA border? Would it be feasible for you to get a US Post Office box, and get them shipped there. Then pick them up and drive back yourself? Or maybe have some else close to the border do it for you. Then mail it in country.

It's not illegal, is it; to buy something in the US and then bring it over? I know I've shipped to someone who worked in the US and lived in Canada. He had a US PO box.

.

[bhouze]

I always get United Parcel Service expedited with no duties or taxes.
I have always got my painter models in the past duty free, but then no painter is ever valuing their packets at true value either.