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 International Holiday Mailing Date Guidelines

Recent changes to U.S. Postal Service packaging and products will make it even easier — and greener — to send holiday mail to international destinations. New postal options are available for easier mailing this holiday season.

Earlier this year, the Postal Service simplified its international product offerings into four options: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail® International, Priority Mail® International and First-Class Mail® International. The change makes it easy for customers to mail letters and packages worldwide.

Each of the products can be used for either domestic or international mail. There are no longer separate products for international mailing.

The changes to international products also give customers a little more time to prepare for the holidays. The first recommended mailing date is Dec. 4, for packages to Africa and Central and South America. But international mail can be sent as late as Dec. 19 for arrival by Dec. 25.

“Our customers have more international connections than ever before,” said Anita Bizzotto, USPS® chief marketing officer and executive vice president. “We’re giving them quick, easy international mail connections, whether they’re shipping to a business or family and friends. That’s the power of today’s mail.”

International mail products:

Global Express Guaranteed is the premium international shipping option from the Postal Service, with delivery in one to three business days to more than 190 countries.

Express Mail International is guaranteed to select destinations, arriving three to five business days to major destinations.

Priority Mail International is an airmail service that offers reliable and economical means of sending correspondence and merchandise weighing up to 70 pounds.

First-Class Mail International is the most economical way to mail overseas, replacing Airmail Letter Post and Economy Letter Post for convenience and efficiency.

The Postal Service suggests that customers follow the recommended mailing dates listed below for international delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25.
 

International Mail Addressed to

Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)1/

Express Mail International (EMS)2/

Priority Mail International
3
/

First-Class Mail International

Africa

Dec 19

Dec 12

Dec 4

Dec 4

Asia/Pacific Rim

Dec 19

Dec 17

Dec 11

Dec 11

Australia/New Zealand

Dec 19

Dec 17

Dec 11

Dec 11

Canada

Dec 20

Dec 18

Dec 11

Dec 11

Caribbean

Dec 19

Dec 17

Dec 11

Dec 11

Central and South America

Dec 19

Dec 12

Dec 4

Dec 4

Mexico

Dec 19

Dec 17

Dec 11

Dec 11

Europe

Dec 19

Dec 17

Dec 11

Dec 11

Middle East

Dec 19

Dec 17

Dec 11

Dec 11

---Source: Go to http://pe.usps.com/ and click on International Rates and Fees for further restrictions or guidelines.
 

Good News! Postal Service Board of Governors Chairman Jim Miller announced at a recent Board meeting that the Postal Service will next adjust postage rates under the new ratemaking system. That means mailers can expect rate increases in 2008 that are capped at the rate of inflation.


 

Melissa Data


 
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