USPS Priority Mail International price increase

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has increased its price rates on May 31, 2015. On average Priority Mail International will be 6.8% more expensive, while Priority Mail Express International will be 6.7% more expensive.

Package forwarders offer different kinds of international shipping methods that exclude USPS. For example, for Russia Shipito offers Boxberry and SPSR Express, Qwintry offers SPSR Express as well as its own express shipping Qwintry Air, Fishisfast offers Fastbox Economy and Fastbox Express. In many cases shipping rates offered by alternative couriers were lower than of the USPS. The price increase will only force customers to use other alternatives.

How much it cost to ship a package to Russia from the USA via Qwintry, FishisFast and Pochtoy parcel forwarders in 2015

I've stopped using Shipito parcel forwarder for shipping to Russia in late 2014. The first parcel forwarder I used to ship from the USA to Russia in 2015 was Qwintry. I tried to choose the Qwintry Air courier service, but it appeared to be more expensive for my package due to the dimensional weight. So after consolidating my package I switched to USPS Priority Mail Express International.

But later on I also tried Qwintry Air courier service as well as Qwintry Eco Post delivery by Russian post via Berlin.

Qwintry fee structure in 2015:

• Shipping method: USPS Priority Mail Express International (EMS)
  Package Location: Newark, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  Weight: 32.62 lb (14.8 kg)
  Dimensional weight: 57.60 lb (26.13 kg)
  Size: 24x18x24 inches (61x46x61 cm)
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Packaging materials: $8
  Security tape: $3
  Postage: $197.15
  Insurance: $0 (optional)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $14.53
  TOTAL: $215.11
• Shipping method: Qwintry Eco Post (Russian Post via Berlin)
  Package Location: Newark, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  Weight: 6.69 lb (3.03 kg)
  Dimensional weight: 9.60 lb (4.35 kg)
  Size: 12x12x12 inches (31x31x31 cm)
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Packaging materials: $5
  Security tape: $3
  Postage: $53.71
  Insurance: $0 (optional)
  Banking fee: $2.27 (3.2% + $0.30)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $21.12
  TOTAL: $63.98
• Shipping method: Qwintry Air courier service
  Package Location: Newark, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  Weight: 17.69 lb (8.02 kg)
  Dimensional weight: 17.10 lb (7.76 kg)
  Size: 16x16x12 inches (41x41x31 cm)
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Packaging materials: $8
  Security tape: $3
  Postage: $110.06
  Insurance: $0 (optional)
  Discount for writing review about previous Qwintry package: $16.51
  Banking fee: $3.65 (3.2% + $0.30)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $13.49
  TOTAL: $108.20

I also tested FishisFast parcel forwarder and its delivery method Fastbox Economy via Russian Post (via Berlin)

FishisFast fee structure in 2015:

• Shipping method: Fastbox Economy via Russian Post
  Package Location: New Castle, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  Weight: 16.55 lb (7.5 kg)
  Dimensional weight: n/a
  Size: 23x15x13 inches
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Packaging materials: $0
  Security tape: $3
  Postage: $85.18
  Insurance: $0 (optional, free $100 insurance is provided)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $10.42
  Discount: $10 (for first package when registering via the invitation link)
  TOTAL: $78.18

And the latest test in 2015 was a parcel forwarder named Pochtoy and it's delivery method "Polar Express via BPost-EMS".

Pochtoy fee structure in 2015:

• Shipping method: Polar Express via BPost-EMS
  Package Location: Newark, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  Weight: 12 lb (5.443 kg)
  Dimensional weight: n/a
  Size: n/a
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (5 packages consolidated for FREE via promo code FREEVIRT)
  Express 2-hour repacking: $4.99
  Packaging materials: $0
  Security tape: $0
  Postage: $79
  Insurance: $7.5 (optional)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.89
  Discount: $5 (for first package when registering via the invitation link)
  TOTAL: $86.49

Links:

• Shipito
• Qwintry
• FishisFast
• Pochtoy

How much it cost to ship a package to Russia from the USA via Shipito, Qwintry, Mainbox and Shopfans parcel forwarders (USPS vs. courier service) in 2014

I've been using Shipito parcel forwarder for shipping to Russia for more than 3 years. I posted detailed fees that I paid for shipping via USPS Priority Mail International and USPS Priority Mail Express International (former USPS Express Mail International) in 2010-2011, 2012 and 2013.

But the competition among parcel forwarders shipping to Russia is amazing. So no wonder that many companies offer much lower shipping rates and much better service at the same time when shipping to Russia. Unfortunately this is not the case for many other countries where using Shipito is still one of the best ways to get a decent service and cheap rates.

The first alternative I've decided to test was a new Russian parcel forwarder Mainbox. It offers fast courier service delivery to Russia. Besides speed it has lots of other benefits. One of them is that unlike Shipito you don't need to pay any monthly or annual fees to have an account with Mainbox. When shipping my Dell XPS all-in-one computer and Sony A7 mirrorless camera I decided to avoid state postal service by all means. Moreover I needed to test my computer and camera before shipping them to Russia. Mainbox tested Dell XPS, checked dead pixels on the  screen for only $3. The camera focusing and lack of scratches on the lense and display were also done only for $3! Standard Mainbox shipping is fast enough, so there is no need to use express shipping.

It costed me $289 to ship a 19kg 77x62x32cm package with my Dell XPS computer to Russia by Mainbox.

 

Mainbox fee structure in 2014:

• Package Location: Bear, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  19 kg
  77x62x32cm
  Mailout fee: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Postage: $286 ($28 for the first kilogramm, $12 for every additional kg)
  (Carrier) ($286)
  (Bank fee) ($0)
  Insurance: $0 (included into postage)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Mainbox for delivering this package to Russia:
  • Express shipping
    Postage: $342 ($41 for the first kilogram, $14 for every additional kg)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.2
  TOTAL: $289
• Package Location: Bear, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  1,44 kg
  31x25x22cm
  Delivery time: 8 days
  Mailout fee: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Postage: $44 ($30 for the first kilogramm, $14 for every additional kg)
  (Carrier) ($44)
  Bank fee $1.21 (1724.80 RUR ~ $50.21 was charged by Uniteller instead of $49 for filling the account in RUR. The option of filling the account in USD by Paypal was not available.)
  Insurance: $0 (included into postage)
  Testing working condition (optional): $3
  Using no sales tax warehouse: $2
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $34.87
  TOTAL: $50.21

Besides testing Mainbox, I still use Shipito for delivering packages to Russia via USPS Priority Mail Express International.



Shipito fee structure 2014

• Package Location: Tualatin, Oregon (no sales tax location)
  33.30 lbs (15.1 kg)
  36"x17"x14" (92x44x35 cm)
  Mailout fee: $18.50 ($10 extra fee for packages over 30 lbs)
  Repacking fee: $26.00 (13 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $225.21
  (Carrier) ($215.93)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($9.28)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $218.66
    Insurance: $18.91 (optional)
    TOTAL: $237.57
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $343.09
    Insurance: not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $343.09
  
  
  • Russian Post Standard (3-6 weeks)
    Postage: $243.76
    Insurance: $40.13 (optional)
    TOTAL: $283.89
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $17.86
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $53.78
  TOTAL: $269.71
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, Oregon (no sales tax location)
  22.40 lbs (10.16 kg)
  27"x13"x13" (69x34x34 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $38.00 (19 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $137.37
  (Carrier) ($131.71)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($5.66)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Extra security tape: $2
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $135.42
    Insurance: $17.79 (optional)
    TOTAL: $153.21
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (20-40 business days)
    Postage: $220.95
    Insurance: not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $220.95
  
  
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $141.26
    Insurance: $29.43 (optional)
    TOTAL: $188.59
  
  
  • Russian Post Standard (3-4 weeks)
    Postage: $150.95
    Insurance: $37.64 (optional)
    TOTAL: $283.89
  
  
  • SPSR Express (8-15 business days)
    Postage: $186.76
    Insurance: $47.64 (optional)
    TOTAL: $234.4
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.29
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $54.16
  TOTAL: $185.87
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, Oregon (no sales tax location)
  38.50 lbs (17.46 kg)
  36"x17"x14" (92x44x35 cm)
  Mailout fee: $18.50 ($10 extra fee for packages over 30 lbs)
  Repacking fee: $34.00 (17 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $201.42
  (Carrier) ($193.12)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($8.30)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $190.39
    Insurance: $18.86 (optional)
    TOTAL: $217.44
  
  
  • Russian Post Standard (3-4 weeks)
    Postage: $237.94
    Insurance: $40.02 (optional)
    TOTAL: $288.19
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $14.6
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $61.8
  TOTAL: $254.92
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, Oregon (no sales tax location)
  30.90 lbs (14.01 kg)
  36"x17"x13" (92x44x32 cm)
  Mailout fee: $18.50 (extra $10 fee for packages over 30 lbs)
  Repacking fee: $36.00 (18 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $169.41
  (Carrier) ($162.43)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($6.98)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Extra security tape: $2
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.12
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $63.48
  TOTAL: $225.91
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, Oregon (no sales tax location)
  27.70 lbs (12.56 kg)
  36"x17"x13" (92x44x34 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $22.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $155.16
  (Carrier) ($148.76)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($6.40)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Extra security tape: $2
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $14.94
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $38.9
  TOTAL: $187.66
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, Oregon (no sales tax location)
  14.10 lbs (6.39 kg)
  17"×13"×13" (44×34×34 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $103.82
  (Carrier) ($99.54)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($4.28)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Extra security tape: $2
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.77
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $26.78
  TOTAL: $126.32
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

I also decided to test Qwintry parcel forwarder for shipping to Russia via USPS. It has a warehouse in the no sales tax location in Delaware, so I was wondering whether it will be faster and cheaper to send the package from the East coast (rather than the West coast in case of Shipito). Moreover Qwintry doesn't have any subscription fees, not does it charge for incoming packages as well as package consolidation.

Qwintry fee structure in 2014:

• Shipping method: USPS Priority Mail Express International (EMS) Package Location: Newark, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  33.16 lb (15.04 kg)
  18x18x22 inches (46x46x56 cm)
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Packagin materials: $8
  Postage: $201.60
  Insurance: $0 (optional)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $14.14
  TOTAL: $212.60

When shipping my Yamaha digital piano, using state post was not and option due to size limitations of the USPS. Mainbox wasn't able to ship this package due to the large size. So I decided to test Shopfans Express courier service for shipping Yamaha P155 to Russia.

Shopfans Express fee structure in 2014:

• Shipping method: Shopfans Express (no other options available for a package of this size) Package Location: Claymont, Delaware (no sales tax location)
  57 lbs 5 oz
  Mailout fee: $0
  Processing incoming packages: $0 (via coupon code SFXZERO)
  Repacking fee: $0 (no packages consolidated)
  Postage: $309,05
  (Carrier) ($298,6)
  (Bank fee) ($10,45)
  Insurance: $0 (optional)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $11.89
  TOTAL: $309,05

Links:

• Shipito
• Qwintry
• Mainbox
• Shopfans

See also:

• How much it cost to ship a package to Russia from the USA via Qwintry parcel forwarder in 2015

Is it prohibited to ship kitchen knives via USPS, DHL, TNT, Fedex?

Parcel forwarder Shipito warns its customers about shipping knives via USPS. It gets many packages returned if they contain any type of knife when shipped by USPS. There are no problems to ship regular kitchen knives by Fedex, TNT, DHL or Airmail.



Please also take into account the rules and regulations of your local postal services and customs.

Restrictions for shipping lithium batteries via USPS (update from Shipito)

Below is the information regarding restrictions posed by USPS for shipping lithium batteries. Shipito, a freight forwarder, recommends to follow these requirements in order to ship lithium batteries without having your packages returned.



Lithium Cell: refers to things like AA, AAA, C, D batteries, as well as button cell batteries that you can find at a retail store.

Lithium Battery: refers to two or more cells wired together and to battery packs and modules like those found in laptop computers and smart phones.

New Lithium battery Limitations Effective November 2012:

• Battery must be installed in the equipment being shipped


• Maximum of 4 cells or 2 batteries per package


• NO spare batteries - no more than the number of batteries required to operate the equipment (Example: no extra battery for a cordless drill).


• NO large batteries - like those that exceed lithium content or watt-hour power limits (Example: elec. bike; scooters; elec wheelchair; etc.).

Lithium Battery Do's

• Mail piece contains no more than 4 cells or 2 batteries. Batteries are installed in equipment


• Package is in good condition and will protect the equipment during processing and transport

Lithium Battery Don't

• Do NOT ship lithium batteries packed along or separate from equipment


• Do NOT ship damaged or defective lithium batteries


• Do NOT ship packages with more than 4 cells or two batteries

If you follow these requirement, your packages should be going through USPS smoothly.

Middle name required for postal shipments to Russia?

USPS has notified Shipito that customers will need to use their middle names when sending packages to Russia. So Shipito freight forwarder asked customers sending packages to Russia to add their middle names to the name field in the Shipito account.

Russian Post only requires name, surname and address to identify the recipient. Russian Post can not violate the rules of the Universal Postal Union. And this is perfectly described on the Russian Post web-site.



Update
Shipito recognized that it was misinformed by a USPS representative. Middle name is not required.

On January 27, 2013 USPS will increase prices on its services

Postal and courier services increase prices every year. Unites States Postal Service (USPS) is not on exception. On January 27, 2013 new prices will come into force.

Remember to send your packages before the weekend at old rates.

Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2013 for sending packages from the United States to Russia

I'm continuing to post detailed fee structure for sending my packages from the United States of America to Russia. The fees of both Shipito and USPS grow every year, so you may find it useful to compare the figures from my previous post for 2010-2011 and 2012. This article will be updated each time I send a new package from the USA to Russia via Shipito throughout 2013. You may also read about my packages sent in 2014.

Shipito fee structure 2013

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  10.80 lbs (4.9 kg)
  19"x14"x7" (49x36x18 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $16.00 (8 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $104.58
  (Carrier) ($100.27)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($4.31)
  Insurance: $30.32 (3% delivery + damage insurance; higher than normal insurance rate because the package contains jewerly, a watch or a cell phone)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $104.58
    Insurance: $30.32
    TOTAL: $134.9
  
  
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $88.23
    Insurance: $41.95
    TOTAL: $130.18
  
  
  • Airmail Economy (15-30 business days)
    Postage: $102.56
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $115.1
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $113.14
    Insurance: $60.16
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $173.3
  
  
  • Airmail Express (15 business days)
    Postage: $104.58
    Insurance: $60.16
    TOTAL: $164.74
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $32.53
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $28.81
  TOTAL: $159.4
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  14.30 lbs (6.49 kg)
  17"x13"x13" (42x34x32 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $18.00 (9 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $130.40
  (Carrier) ($125.02)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($5.38)
  Insurance: $23.97 (3% delivery + damage insurance; higher than normal insurance rate because the package contains jewerly, a watch or a cell phone)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $130.4
    Insurance: $23.97
    TOTAL: $154.37
  
  
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $113.93
    Insurance: $33.44
    TOTAL: $147.37
  
  
  • Airmail Economy (15-30 business days)
    Postage: $135.7
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $145.54
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $149.7
    Insurance: $49.35
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $199.05
  
  
  • Airmail Express (15 business days)
    Postage: $130.4
    Insurance: $49.35
    TOTAL: $179.75
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $27.87
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $31.88
  TOTAL: $180.87
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  24.50 lbs (11.11 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $20.00 (10 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $180.30
  (Carrier) ($172.87)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($7.43)
  Insurance: $10.04
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.70
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $28.5
  TOTAL: $218.84
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  54.70 lbs (24.81 kg)
  36"x17"x17" (92x44x44 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 ($10 extra surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Repacking fee: $30.00 (15 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $330.03
  (Carrier) ($316.42)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($13.61)
  Insurance: $17.21
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $330.03 ($316.42 without bank fees)
    Insurance: $17.21
    TOTAL: $347.24
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (20-40 business days)
    Postage: $571.7 ($548.13 without bank fees)
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $608.05
  
  
  • Airmail Express (15 business days)
    Postage: $330.03 ($316.42 without bank fees)
    Insurance: $46.35
    TOTAL: $376.38
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.95
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $48.5
  TOTAL: $395.74
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  18.50 lbs (8.39 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  USPS Priority Mail Express
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $150.36
  (Carrier) ($144.16)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($6.20)
  Insurance: n/a
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $20.36
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $20.5
  TOTAL: $170.86
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  28.50 lbs (12.92 kg)
  36"x17"x11" (92x44x27 cm)
  USPS Priority Mail Express
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $200.27
  (Carrier) ($192.01)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($8.26)
  Insurance: $16.54
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.37
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $28.76
  TOTAL: $237.31
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  37.00 lbs (16.78 kg)
  36"x17"x13" (92x44x34 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 ($10 surcharge for shipping packages over 30 lbs)
  Repacking fee: $26.00 (13 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $240.19
  (Carrier) ($230.29)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($9.90)
  Insurance: $0 (no insurance)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.97
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $54.4
  TOTAL: $284.69
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  44.70 lbs (20.27 kg)
  59"x14"x10" (149x35x25 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 ($10 surcharge for shipping packages over 30 lbs)
  Repacking fee: $30.00 (15 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $278.13
  (Carrier) ($267.22)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($10.91)
  Discount: -$13.43 (USPS Express 5% Discount from Tualatin warehouse for Silver clients) Insurance: $16.14
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.67
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $53.95
  TOTAL: $337.84
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  22.60 lbs (10.25 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  USPS Priority Mail Express International (EMS)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $22.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $169.12
  (Carrier) ($162.48)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($6.64)
  Insurance: none
  Discount: -$8.16
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $170.32
    Insurance: $16.68 (optional)
    Discount: -$8.52 (Silver status)
    TOTAL: $187
  
  
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $151.1
    Insurance: $27.66 (optional)
    TOTAL: $178.76
  
  
  • Russian Post Standard (3-6 weeks)
    Postage: $151.49
    Insurance: $35.18 (optional)
    TOTAL: $186.67
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (20-40 business days)
    Postage: $238.2
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $238.2
  
  
  • Airmail Express (15 business days)
    Postage: $170.32
    Insurance: $45.18 (optional)
    TOTAL: $215.5
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.68
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $20.82
  TOTAL: $191.46
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

Do you use Shipito or any other shipping forwarder? If you do, are you satisfied with its fees and service? How much did it cost you to send you package?

USPS will begin accepting lithium batteries installed into electronics on November 15, 2012

Just in Time for the Holidays, U.S. Postal Service to Begin Global Shipping of Packages with Lithium Batteries. The Postal Service has worked collaboratively with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Universal Postal Union and the Federal Aviation Authority to secure the changes needed to allow international mail shipments containing lithium batteries to begin.

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, Postal Service policies will be changed to allow specific quantities of lithium batteries - when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate - to be sent to many international destinations, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Items which can be shipped may include: cameras, video cameras, mobile/smart phones, Bluetooth headsets, laptop computers, shavers, portable DVD players, tablets, two-way radios, GPS devices and most other small electronic devices requiring lithium batteries to operate.

Items which cannot be shipped include any lithium batteries not installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. In addition, when installed, they may not exceed the quantity or limits defined in the IMM or DMM.

Domestic shipments of packages containing lithium batteries, and electronic devices containing lithium batteries currently remain unchanged.

The Federal Register final rule, and IMM, DMM and Publication 52 revisions, will be available at pe.usps.com.

Source

Comparing shipping rates: Shipito Airmail Priority / Economy vs. USPS Priority / Express Mail

I've already mentioned that using Shipito Airmail instead of USPS makes sense in the following cases:

• For light packages with weight between 1-3 lbs (For this weight, USPS prices cannot compete with Shipito Airmail)


• When maximum dimensions are bigger than USPS but within the Shipito Airmail size limits.

Shipito shipping method comparison for Oregon warehouse: USPS, Airmail, Fedex (10 lbs package)

Shipito shipping method comparison for Oregon warehouse: USPS, Airmail, Fedex (2 lbs package)

In the following charts I compare shipping rates for Shipito Airmail Priority/Economy, USPS Priority/Express Mail and other shipping methods. The shipping rates to Russia are for the Shipito warehouse in Tualatin, OR (Both Shipito Airmail and USPS Priority/Express Mail are cheaper in the Californian warehouses of Shipito).

Postage without insurance

Weight Dimensions Insured amount	USPS Express Mail	USPS Priority Mail International	Shipito Airmail Economy	Shipito Airmail Priority	USPS First Class International Parcel	FedEx International Economy	FedEx International Priority	DHL Express	FedEx International Economy Freight	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 2	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 1	USPS Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box
0 lbs. 8 oz. 9.60x6.80x5.40 $20.99	$43.6	$40.16	$5.01	$5.51	$13.58	$146.64	$170.45	-	-	$55.02	$69.93	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.60x6.80x5.40 $58.99	$49.51	$40.16	$5.93	$6.55	$16.11	$146.64	$170.45	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.80x7.40x4.40 $5.72	$49.51	$40.16	$5.93	$6.55	$16.11	$146.64	$170.45	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 0 oz. 16.00x14.40x2.60 $103.00	$55.64	$45.38	$19.09	$21.07	$28.72	$147.79	$171.6	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 15 oz. 14.00x9.40x7.20 $48.54	$61.79	$50.6	$28.01	$30.9	$38.8	$159.55	$187.7	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 3 oz. 14.20x12.80x10.40 $41.05	$67.92	$55.82	$30.37	$33.5	$215.35	$245.39	-	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 10 oz. 16.00x12.20x6.20 $27.99	$67.92	$55.82	$34.12	$37.64	$46.37	$178.79	$207.61	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 11 oz. 16.00x11.40x10.20 $94.12	$67.92	$55.82	$35.07	$38.68	-	$215.35	$245.39	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 14 oz. 24.00x15.40x5.20 $19.99	$67.92	$55.82	$36.47	$40.24	-	$215.35	$245.39	-	-	-	-	-
6 lbs. 4 oz. 20.20x16.00x11.40 $105.91	$84.27	$70.1	$59.03	$65.11	-	$312.94	$389.34	-	-	-	-	-
7 lbs. 7 oz. 25.80x15.00x4.80 $198.91	$89.37	$74.64	$70.31	$77.56	-	$198.55	$215.77	-	-	-	-	-
29 lbs. 2 oz. 36.50x19.00x14.00 $764.21	$199.4	-	$273.74	$301.97	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Insurance

Weight Dimensions Insured amount	USPS Express Mail	USPS Priority Mail International	Shipito Airmail Economy	Shipito Airmail Priority	USPS First Class International Parcel	FedEx International Economy	FedEx International Priority	DHL Express	FedEx International Economy Freight	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 2	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 1	USPS Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box
0 lbs. 8 oz. 9.60x6.80x5.40 $20.99	$0.42	$2.87	-	$0.42	-	$0.42	$0.42	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.60x6.80x5.40 $58.99	$1.18	$4.78	-	$1.18	-	$1.18	$1.18	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.80x7.40x4.40 $5.72	$0.11	$2.56	-	$0.11	-	$0.11	$0.11	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 0 oz. 16.00x14.40x2.60 $103.00	$2.91	$6.81	-	$2.76	-	$2.06	$2.06	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 15 oz. 14.00x9.40x7.20 $48.54	$0.97	$3.42	-	$0.97	-	$0.97	$0.97	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 3 oz. 14.20x12.80x10.40 $41.05	$0.82	$3.27	-	$0.82	$0.82	$0.82	-	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 10 oz. 16.00x12.20x6.20 $27.99	$0.56	$3.01	-	$0.56	-	$0.56	$0.56	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 11 oz. 16.00x11.40x10.20 $94.12	$1.88	$5.48	-	$1.88	-	$1.88	$1.88	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 14 oz. 24.00x15.40x5.20 $19.99	$0.4	$2.85	-	$0.4	-	$0.4	$0.4	-	-	-	-	-
6 lbs. 4 oz. 20.20x16.00x11.40 $105.91	$2.97	$6.87	-	$2.82	-	$2.12	$2.12	-	-	-	-	-
7 lbs. 7 oz. 25.80x15.00x4.80 $198.91	$4.83	$8.73	-	$4.68	-	$3.98	$3.98	-	-	-	-	-
29 lbs. 2 oz. 36.50x19.00x14.00 $764.21	$19.13	-	-	$20.18	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Postage with Insurance

Weight Dimensions Insured amount	USPS Express Mail	USPS Priority Mail International	Shipito Airmail Economy	Shipito Airmail Priority	USPS First Class International Parcel	FedEx International Economy	FedEx International Priority	DHL Express	FedEx International Economy Freight	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 2	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 1	USPS Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box
0 lbs. 8 oz. 9.60x6.80x5.40 $20.99	$44.02	$43.03	$5.01	$5.93	$13.58	$147.06 (list rate $149.84)	$170.87 (list rate $203.23)	-	-	$55.02	$69.93	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.60x6.80x5.40 $58.99	$50.69	$44.94	$5.93	$7.73	$16.11	$147.82 (list rate $150.6)	$171.63 (list rate $203.99)	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.80x7.40x4.40 $5.72	$49.62	$42.72	$5.93	$6.66	$16.11	$146.75 (list rate $149.53)	$170.56 (list rate $202.92)	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 0 oz. 16.00x14.40x2.60 $103.00	$58.55	$52.19	$19.09	$23.83	$28.72	$149.85 (list rate $204.69)	$173.66 (list rate $273.6)	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 15 oz. 14.00x9.40x7.20 $48.54	$62.76	$54.02	$28.01	$31.87	$38.8	$160.52 (list rate $277.64)	$188.67 (list rate $337.14)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 3 oz. 14.20x12.80x10.40 $41.05	$68.74	$59.09	$30.37	$34.32	$216.17 (list rate $409.19)	$246.21 (list rate $458.88)	-	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 10 oz. 16.00x12.20x6.20 $27.99	$68.48	$58.83	$34.12	$38.2	$46.37	$179.35 (list rate $317.91)	$208.17 (list rate $378.79)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 11 oz. 16.00x11.40x10.20 $94.12	$69.8	$61.3	$35.07	$40.56	-	$217.23 (list rate $396.47)	$247.27 (list rate $459.94)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 14 oz. 24.00x15.40x5.20 $19.99	$68.32	$58.67	$36.47	$40.64	-	$215.75 (list rate $394.99)	$245.79 (list rate $458.46)	-	-	-	-	-
6 lbs. 4 oz. 20.20x16.00x11.40 $105.91	$87.24	$76.97	$59.03	$67.93	-	$315.06 (list rate $602.92)	$391.46 (list rate $764.35)	-	-	-	-	-
7 lbs. 7 oz. 25.80x15.00x4.80 $198.91	$94.2	$83.37	$70.31	$82.24	-	$202.53 (list rate $361.45)	$219.75 (list rate $397.82)	-	-	-	-	-
29 lbs. 2 oz. 36.50x19.00x14.00 $764.21	$218.53	-	$273.74	$322.15	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Personally I've been using USPS Express Mail International for shipping most of my packages from the USA to Russia:

• Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2013 for sending packages from the United States to Russia
• Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shippingforwarder in 2012 for sending packages from USA to Russian Federation
• Some samples on how much it costs to send packages/parcels to Russia using USPS and Shipito (2010-2011)

Shipito customers won't be able to ship electronics with lithium batteries to international destinations after starting May 16, 2012

USPS sent new email saying that packages with lithium batteries (lithium, li-ion and li-pol batteries) will be prohibited after May 15, 2012.

Effective May 16 2012 until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.

This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.

This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.

We appreciate your business and are committed to providing you with a high standard of service.

So unlike previously expected, Shipito customers will have more time to ship packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries via USPS. Please note that your package has to physically leave Shipito warehouse on May 15, so I recommend scheduling package for mailout at least a day or two BEFORE this date.


The good news is that Shipito Airmail Priority accepts packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices. So customers who can not use DHL, Fedex, TNT, UPS, Polonez Parcel or any other carrier will still be able to ship electronics via Shipito. Shipito Airmail Priority packages are handled by postal services around the world. And they are insured.

Another good news is that several package forwarders allow to ship lithium batteries from USA to Russia.

Update (November 05, 2013)
Sgipito Airmail can no longer be used for shipping lithim batteries. But you may still use other alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito like USPS Priority, USPS Express, Russian Post, FedEx, DHL or TNT.

USPS will not allow to ship ANY Lithium battery after May 7. That meansno iPhones, cell phones, iPads, Kindles or notebooks.

USPS will not want to ship any lithium battery after May 7, 2012. That means USPS will not ship any iPhones, cell phones, iPads, Kindle or notebooks to international destinations (including APO, FPO and DPO locations).

Background:

Under current rules of various international agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), lithium batteries cannot be sent as mail matter on international commercial air transportation.

In keeping with these requirements, the Postal Service must maintain standards prohibiting the carriage of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries in postal shipments sent on commercial aircraft to international destinations, including to and from APO, FPO and DPO locations. On May 7, 2012, the Postal Service revised International Mail Manual (IMM) part 136, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.10.20, and Publication 52 section 349.22 to incorporate standards prohibiting outbound international mailing of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries and devices containing lithium batteries.

The Postal Service anticipates that by January 1, 2013, aviation rules will be changed to allow specific quantities of lithium batteries (installed in the equipment they are intended to operate) to be sent by mail to destinations abroad.

Sample e-mails USPS customers receive:

Effective May 7, 2012, we are revising IMM part 136 to stipulate that
lithium metal or lithium-ion cells or batteries may not be sent in
international mail. The restriction applies regardless of quantity, size,
watt hours, and whether the cells or batteries are packed in equipment, with
equipment, or without equipment. The restrictions also apply when mailing to
an APO, FPO, or DPO location outside of the United States (including its
territories).

In addition, we will make parallel changes to other USPS publications that
make reference to the international mailing of lithium batteries such as the
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM(r)) and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and
Perishable Mail.


Rick Klutts
Product Classification
USPS Headquarters
US Postal Service

MEDIA STATEMENT ON Outbound International Mailing of Lithium Batteries

REACTIVE ONLY - FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.

This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.

This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.

We appreciate our customers' business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner

Hope this problem will be resolved much sooner than January 2013.


Update from USPS (May 03, 2012)

Starting May 16, USPS will prohibit international mailing of lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries. The new regulations also prohibit shipments to or from Army, Fleet and Diplomatic Post Offices.
The Postal Service is instructing retail associates to question whether lithium batteries are in any international shipments.
The prohibition doesn't include packages containing lithium batteries when mailed in the U.S. using domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
The International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union already prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments transported on international commercial air flights.
The Postal Service's modification will remain in effect until at least January 2013. At that time, international aviation rules may be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in personal electronic devices they're intended to operate.
The Postal Service is working with other organizations to determine if exceptions to the new rule can be developed before January 2013.

Update from Shipito (May 04, 2012)
The last day USPS will accept shipments with Li-ion batteries is May 15, 2012. If you package is not mailed out on this day, Shipito will not be able to ship it by USPS.

This change will not affect Shipito Airmail Economy and Priority shipments (at least not at this moment). Other carriers like FedEx, DHL and TNT allow shipping li-ion batteries with the proper warning sticker.

Update from USPS (May 04, 2012)

OUTBOUND INTERNATIONAL MAILING OF LITHIUM BATTERIES
Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.
This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.
This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.
We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.
USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.
We appreciate our customers' business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner.
Currently, mail from the United States to all countries is being handled under normal operating conditions, with these exceptions (Effective 05/03/12).

Luckily USPS is not the only shipping method for delivering packages from the USA. Please subscribe to the RSS news feed to learn about other shipping options. You may also follow this blog via Twitter.

Update from USPS (November 11, 2012)

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries - when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate - to be sent to many international destinations, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Items which can be shipped may include: cameras, video cameras, mobile/smart phones, Bluetooth headsets, laptop computers, shavers, portable DVD players, tablets, two-way radios, GPS devices and most other small electronic devices requiring lithium batteries to operate.
Items which cannot be shipped include any lithium batteries not installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. In addition, when installed, they may not exceed the quantity or limits defined in the IMM or DMM.

Domestic shipments of packages containing lithium batteries, and electronic devices containing lithium batteries currently remain unchanged.

The Federal Register final rule, and IMM, DMM and Publication 52 revisions, will be available at pe.usps.com.

Update from Shipito (November 05, 2013)
Shipito Airmail can no longer be used for shipping lithium batteries. But you may use alternative shipping methods including USPS Priority, USPS Express, Russian Post, FedEx, DHL or TNT. Note that USPS allows to ship only lithium batteries installed into electronic devices.

Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shippingforwarder in 2012 for sending packages from USA to Russian Federation

I'm continuing to post my expenses on sending packages from USA to Russian Federation. The fees of both Shipito and USPS grow every year, so you may find it useful to compare the figures from my previous post for 2010-2011.

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail International from USA to Russian Federation in 2012

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  29.10 lbs (13.2 kg)
  37"x19"x14" (93x49x36 cm)
  USPS Express Mail® Int'l change
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $24.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $199.40
  (Carrier) ($191.18)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($8.22)
  Insurance: $19.13
  (Carrier) ($11.49)
  (Warehouse 1%) ($7.64)
  (No content photos 1%) (not charged)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.28
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and USPS insurance): $48.36
  TOTAL: $251.03
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($50 / year)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  36.80 lbs (16.69 kg)
  36"x18"x17" (92x45x42 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Repacking fee: $22.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $234.34
  (Carrier) ($224.68)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($9.66)
  Insurance: $29.40
  (Carrier) ($17.37)
  (Warehouse 1%) ($12.03)
  (No content photos 1%) (not charged)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.23
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and USPS insurance): $62.19
  TOTAL: $304.24
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($50 / year)

As you can see I haven't received any shipping discounts this year, because I don't have the Gold or even Silver status anymore. Plus Shipito added 2 additional hidden charges:

1. All customers pay the warehouse insurance of 1% (has nothing to do with insurance - just a hidden charge of Shipito)


2. All customers not having Silver, Gold or Diamond status need either to make pictures of all incoming packages (A special request for incoming packages allows to take 3 pictures of the package content for $1.00) or pay 1% insurance. Since I send my packages by USPS Express Mail, it is USPS that insures my packages (Carrier insurance) not Shipito. So again this is not insurance, but another hidden charge of Shipito.

Not to mention that they charge the bank fee of 4.3%. Yet again it is not mentioned on the "Our services & prices" page.

If you want to calculate USPS shipping costs only, you can use USPS Shipping Calculator for Russia

Update (09/14/2012)
Since August 2012 there is no more warehouse insurance on Shipito. And you can choose whether you want to insure your package or not. Plus Shipito offers a 10% discount for USPS Express Mail for customers from Russia from 09/13/2012 to 11/15/2012. So it costed me less to send my last packages:

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  29.50 lbs (13.38 kg)
  36"x17"x17" (92x44x44 cm)
  USPS Express Mail® Int'l change
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $16.00 (8 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $179.46
  (Carrier) ($172.06) (10% discount)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($7.40)
  Insurance: $15.49
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.4
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and insurance): $31.9
  TOTAL: $219.45
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($50 / year)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  37.50 lbs (17.01 kg)
  36"x17"x12" (92x44x30 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Repacking fee: $20.00 (10 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $215.39 (10% discount for customers from Russia until November 15th, 2012)
  (Carrier) ($206.51)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($8.88)
  Insurance: $15.83
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.86
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $47.38
  TOTAL: $269.72
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  12.60 lbs (5.71 kg)
  17"x13"x13" (44x34x34 cm)
  USPS Express Mail® Int'l change
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $10.00 (5 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $114.56
  (Carrier) ($109.84)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($4.72)
  Insurance: $17.63
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $26.39
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and insurance): $18.5
  TOTAL: $150.69
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)


• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  19.40 lbs (8.8 kg)
  26"x13"x13" (67x34x34 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $20.00 (10 packages consolidated)
  Shipping method: USPS Express Mail International (5-6 business days)
  
  
  
  • Postage: $149.49
    (Carrier) ($143.33)
    (Bank fee 4.3%) ($6.16)
    Insurance: $17.05
    TOTAL: $166.54
  
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  
  
  
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $129.02
    Insurance: $28.25
    TOTAL: $157.27
  
  
  • Airmail Economy (15-30 business days)
    Postage: $184
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $184
  
  
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $202.98
    Insurance: $45.99
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $248.97
  
  
  • Airmail Express (15 days)
    Postage: $149.49
    Insurance: $45.99
    TOTAL: $195.48
  
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $22.16
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $45.55
  TOTAL: $195.04
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

Do you use Shipito or any other shipping forwarder? If you do, are you satisfied with its fees and service? How much did it cost you to send you package?

See also:

• How much it cost to ship a package to Russia from the USA via Shipito and Mainbox parcel forwarders (USPS vs. courier service) in 2014  
• Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2013 for sending packages from the United States to Russia  
• Some samples on how much it costs to send packages/parcels to Russia using USPS and Shipito (2010-2011)  

List of prohibited items and restrictions you must check before making any purchases in the USA from abroad

Before making any purchases in the USA for International shipping you must check the customs list of prohibited articles on the Universal Postal Union (UPU) web-site. However this list is not the only one you must pay attention to. You must also learn about restrictions, prohibitions,... that your postal service or your courier has.

I use USPS Priority Mail Express Internaional (former USPS Express Mail International) also known as EMS most of the time, so I check the prohibitions, restrictions and other information on the USPS web-site. The information provided there is country specific. If you need Country Conditions for Mailing to Russia (Russian Federation) by USPS Express Mail, see here.

Now I will explain why it is important to follow the restriction on the USPS web-site. I have shipped a dozen of jewerly items and a couple of watches to Russia by USPS Express Mail. I got them without any problem. The customs of the Russian Federation allows these articles to be sent to Russia. However if your insured package with prohibited items is lost, USPS refuses to pay the insurance. So if your lose a package containing a $17 watch or a $10 jewerly item, USPS will refuse to pay the insurance not only for the watch or jewerly, but for the whole package!

Is it risky to send packages from USA to Russia via USPS Express Mail / Priority Mail?

Of course Russian Post is anything but careful with its packages. For example, see the following video showing how they can unload package:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MReC1XqwJrQ&w=420&h=315]

Sending anything via Russian post has always been risky. However the discounts in the USA make this risk very moderate for me. Personally I have never had any content of my packages damaged because of the shipping.

I think that the largest risk is when shipping electronics and this is due to the following facts:

1. You can get a malfunctioned item.


2. Your item may break down during the warranty period.


3. You package can be lost.


4. Items from your package can be stolen.

Note that for most electronics the warranty is valid in the USA (or North America) only.

I recommend to ship packages via USPS Express Mail. It is faster than USPS Priority Mail and it is only slightly more expensive. The faster it is the safer it is. Besides I believe that EMS attracts better professionals than the rest of Russian Post.

Also please note that you can insure your USPS packages. And although USPS is far away from ideal when paying the insurance for lost packages, shipping from the USA to Russia becomes less risky.

Make sure to open your package in the post office to verify its content. When tracking your package at russianpost.ru make sure to pay attention to any changes in the weight of your package.

Success story on getting insurance from USPS for stolen (lost) iPhone 4

In my previous post I stated that it might be a good idea not to send notebooks, cellphones (including iPhone 4) to Russia, because USPS denied insurance claims for these items. And now I want to share a success story on getting insurance for a stolen iPhone 4.

USPS denied the insurance claim at first, but the guy didn't give up. He wrote to the "International Claims Processing Accounting Service Center". In his message he mentioned the following links:
http://www.rossvyaz.ru/activity/correlation/declaration/registerDeclaration/
http://www.rossvyaz.ru/press/news/news403.htm
http://tsouz.ru/db/entr/notif/Pages/Default.aspx

In his message he mentioned that iPhone 4 was not a prohibited item. And he attached the following papers and their translations (click to enlarge):






It took 3 weeks to get the insurance for the stolen iPhone 4.

How much it costs to send a magazine to Russia via Shipito Air Mail

Got my first magazine sent via Shipito Air Mail. Had "Fast magazine mailout" enabled on Shipito, so it was sent so fast that I didn't even have time to think whether it was better to consolidate the magazine with my other packages. It cost me $3.76:




0.50 lbs (0.23 kg)
13"×9"×1" (34×23×3 cm)
Shipito AirMail
Insurance: NO
Mailout fee: $1.00
Postage: $2.65
bank fee 4.3%: $0.11
TOTAL: $3.76

Some magazines are lighter than 0.5 lbs, some heavier.

See also:

• Free consolidation of magazines on Shipito


• Some samples on how much it costs to send packages/parcels to Russia using USPS and Shipito

Fedex vs. USPS: Fedex is about service and USPS is about lost anddamaged packages?

My post about Comparison of Shipito and BundleBox had an immediate reaction from Nicola M.:

If you are a user that is likely to ship expensive pieces of apparel, shoes, hightech, gear/equipment - you might want to try BundleBox.

USPS is NOT comparable to FedEx. FedEx is the most cost-efficient. It provides a much better service than USPS. USPS is a lot cheaper but there are a lot of issues with packages being lost, broken, etc - Not to mention the fact that USPS offer a very poor customer service, compared to FedEx.

The level of service is key to explaining the different shipping rates.
...
If I may object to the way you conducted your comparison, I am not sure you are comparing apples with apples.

I do recognize that I wasn't able to compare shipping rates of Fedex when sending via BundleBox and Shipito. The reason for that is that the Shipito calculator didn't show me any rates for Fedex.

Another reason for me not to use Fedex is because they don't seem to have a customs broker in Russia at all (!). So unless I want to risk my package to be returned, there is no reason to use it (Note that you will need to pay the return fee in case of return). One can try to send the following package to Russia:

1. Declared value up to 200 EUR


2. Weight up to 20 Kg.


3. Up to five identical pieces in one parcel. (Can be 5 pieces of "A" and 4 pieces of "B" = 9, but not 6 pieces of "A")

But even Nicola has mentioned that Fedex is for expensive pieces of apparel, shoes, hightech, gear/equipment, so Fedex is clearly not an option for Russia. Now let's leave Russia alone.

As for Fedex in general, Shipito offers "huge discounts negotiated" on behalf of their customers. And it has a warehouses in Portland, Oregon. Any purchase shipped to Oregon is not charged sales tax.

Is Fedex about service and USPS about lost and damaged packages?

I must admit that USPS is not ideal. But none of my packages arrived damaged and none of them were lost. I really had some problems with the Russian post, and I couldn't get any reply about package I filed a claim about for more than a month. But this has nothing to do with USPS.

During the last 3+ years I received 240+ packages that were sent mainly by USPS and UPS to my Shipito mailbox. And I sent all my consolidated packages to Russia via USPS Priority Mail and USPS Express Mail. Plus I got more than 30 packages from US sellers, who sent them to me directly via USPS and UPS. Nothing was damaged or lost (not my HP Envy laptop, not my Panasonic TM700 Camcorder, not 3 my Kindle book readers, not my pretty expensive clothing from private shopping clubs like Ideeli.

Shipito: 244 packages received, 34 packages sent

I didn't have any problem with Fedex as well. But I was really disappointed when they left a couple of my packages at the entrance of an apartment house in San Francisco. They didn't even try to call me. This was the time I decided to avoid them, since I didn't see any reason to pay higher fees for such a service.

Even if you don't like USPS, you can try to use UPS instead. There might be more risk to use USPS instead of UPS, Fedex or DHL, and the USPS service might be worse than what alternative companies offer, but at least your USPS packages can be insured and have tracking numbers.

Share your experience with USPS, UPS, Fedex, DHL,...

Do you have a different experience with USPS, UPS, Fedex, DHL? Do you use any alternative services like Shipito Air Mail? Please share your thoughts.