eBay

concerned4kitty · ‎11-20-2014

I purchased an item a week ago from the US. and it's being shipped by Priority Mail international. There was no other choice and I was hoping that it would arrive here sooner than First class package international which is now no longer traceable for Canada. I am noticing that Priority Mail from the the US is no longer a fast way of having items shipped considering we Canadians pay such a premium for it. In my case it was around $41.00. It has now been 6 days and there is no scan to indicate where the item is after it left the US on the 17th. Unfortunately, Canada post does not treat these packages as Priority when they get here so we are wasting our money. In the past this service was the faster way of having items shipped but is now proving to be no better.

I'm sure that Canada customs is getting busier at this time but it is still a disappointment.

mater721 · ‎11-20-2014

"It has now been 6 days and there is no scan to indicate where the item is after it left the US on the 17th."

So you have confirmation from seller it was shipped six days ago?

Also, is it possible the listing was a GSP listing?

From what I've heard, even though GSP listings use "priority", the items often get held up at Pitney Bowes, or at customs.

afantiques · ‎11-20-2014

Items under 4 pounds sent by USPS priority mail as small flat rate boxes or flat rate envelopes travel the same as all items sent FCMI. The 'Priority' is just a word left over from when there used to be surface and airmail to Canada from USPS. Airmail was Priority, the rest went by land. Then they started sending everything by air, but never removed the Priority name, though nowadays it means nothing.

FCMI is not only much cheaper and no slower but has delivery confirmation to Canada. Most sellers don't know this. Priority does not have that deiivery confirmation. Pay more for less.

concerned4kitty · ‎11-20-2014

Hi there!

It was not Global shipping and I am very familiar with it and avoid sellers who offer it. Just so that everyone knows, the USPS has changed tracking information for the First class package international (available for items 4 pounds and under) service. Tracking is no longer available is the message that comes up when one uses their website to see the status of their item. I was surprised to see this message yesterday when I looked up the status on I few items I'm expecting. It does give me information on the items being accepted for mailing and leaving for a sorting facility, but that is all.

Is it only me that gets this message or have they really changed things. I found it to be a great alternative to the costly Priority Mail and of course the GSP. If this is so, I don't think that US sellers are aware of FCPI. no longer having a tracking capability for Canada.

What a big shame. What else are they going to change as it is becoming difficult to find sellers in the US who are not using the GSP.

If anyone out there is expecting an item from the US and has had it shipped by FCPI. please check on the status of it using the USPS website and let me know if you get the same message.

Thank you to all.

concerned4kitty · ‎11-20-2014

Thank you and yes, it is confirmed by the seller that the item was shipped on Nov. 14th.

concerned4kitty · ‎11-20-2014

Good news! I just received an update from the USPS that my item has cleared customs today so at least I know it's in Canada. Hooray!!!

mater721 · ‎11-20-2014

"Good news! I just received an update from the USPS that my item has cleared customs today so at least I know it's in Canada. Hooray!!!"

Not as quick as you'd hoped, but at least it's on the way.

Light at the end of the tunnel.

pjcdn2005 · ‎11-22-2014

Tracking is no longer available is the message that comes up when one uses their website to see the status of their item.

That's interesting. But they would still have delivery confirmation even if there wasn't step by step tracking.

chimera148 · ‎11-22-2014

@concerned4kitty wrote:
Good news! I just received an update from the USPS that my item has cleared customs today so at least I know it's in Canada. Hooray!!!

Have you tried the tracking number on the Canada Post website ?

maggiebvintage2010 · ‎11-22-2014

FCMI has delivery confirmation, not tracking. It is scanned at origin in the US, any further tracking updates while it's in the USA are a bonus. Once in Canada, it is usually treated like expedited service and tracked to delivery, but not always. Check CP tracking now to see if it is updated as it moves along to you.

femmefan1946 · ‎11-22-2014

Icouldn't understand the USPS website so I emailed them.

This is their reply.

Thank you for contacting the USPS Internet Customer Care Center about tracking your item shipped via Priority Mail International or First Class Mail International.

First-Class Mail International and Priority Mail International Flat Rate small box and envelope items do not offer tracking or tracing as part of the service

Your parcel, however, may receive scans as it maneuvers through the United States, but this is neither a requirement nor guarantee. You may find other delivery options for these services by visiting your local Post Office. If you would like a fully traceable International service, please use our Priority Mail Express International or Global Express Guaranteed services.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us again.

Thank you for emailing your Postal Service,

USPS Internet Customer Care Center

concerned4kitty · ‎11-22-2014

Good afternoon everyone!

My item was delivered yesterday. However, I found it unusual that I didn't see any update informing me that it was accepted by Canada Post as it has been in the past. Whenever I use the FCPI, I always sign up for email alerts and liked the idea of getting an email from the USPS letting me know where my item was. That option is no longer available on the USPS website for the FCPI but still available for the Priority Mail. Yes, you are right, any scan after acceptance in the US is a bonus and sometimes there is no scan until it gets to our customs department. There are always conflicting scans once it arrives here.

Thank you femmefan for emailing the USPS and letting us know what the actual is. The USPS is obviously promoting their most expensive service which I doubt is any faster.