"What ever happened to surface mail?" Topic

I went to ship a package from the US to the EU recently and realized that, among all the options, surface mail was not listed.

Has it been away with? Why on earth would they do that when it was so useful for shipping large packages? Does this mean the end of RMS as a prefix for ship names?

Did away with it several years ago.But they came out with a new improved and harder to read Priority customs form since then that still lists surface mail.

Its called International First Class, but I think there are weight limits.

I thought I read something that the use of overseas surface mail dropped to the point that they would have to raise the postage so much to avoid big losses that the new cost was about the same as international priority. However, I wouldn't quote that as fact.

1st class is under 4 pounds and size limited to something like 36" length and girth.Over that, it has to go Priority or Express.
You used to be able to ship packages large and small, surface.
Not for at least 3-4 years.Was a lot cheaper, but took 4-6 weeks .
Shipping large items like castles, play sets etc is rather expensive anymore, and there is still size restriction.
I like the flat rate Priority boxes , you can send up to 20 pounds metal figs overseas to a painting service for about $60.00 USD.
All things considered a good deal.

Only if you have 20 lbs. of stuff to send, otherwise international shipping is now way too expensive in many cases.

>Only if you have 20 lbs. of stuff to send

Get together with friends and club mates to ship a bit order.

I have had stuff arrive in Australia by surface mail from the US, it seems that 'big' bulk users can still access it as part of their contract with the P.O., but not 'you & me' who only post a few items a month.

The other trick I've found is that if the parcel does not have enough/any 'Airmail' stickers plastered on it, the P.O. back office will send it surface (3+ months) even though the postage paid & address label is for Air.

too long and unpredictable in this day of delivery confirmation and ebays instant gratifacation buyer/bidders