Lexi Webster
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted postal services worldwide, including USPS deliveries to Australia. In September 2021, the United States Postal Service (USPS) temporarily suspended First-Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International shipments to Australia, citing carrier issues related to the pandemic. The suspension was expected to be in place until further notice, with USPS recommending alternative shipping methods during this period. The pandemic has caused fluctuations in online shopping and staff shortages, resulting in challenges for postal services in processing the increased parcel volumes. While some sources indicate that USPS deliveries to Australia are still affected, others suggest that alternative carriers, such as UPS International Shipping and GlobalPost International Standard, can be used to send packages to Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Suspension | September 3, 2021 |
| Reason | Carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Status | Temporarily suspended |
| Alternative Services | UPS International Shipping, USPS Priority Mail Express International, GlobalPost International Standard |
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What You'll Learn
- USPS temporarily suspended deliveries to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- USPS Priority Mail Express International is still delivering to Australia
- Packages may be returned to the sender during the suspension
- Australia Post Global is still delivering packages to Australia
- Alternative delivery options to Australia during the suspension
USPS temporarily suspended deliveries to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2021, USPS temporarily suspended First-Class Package International Service to Australia, followed by Priority Mail International in mid-September. The suspension was attributed to “carrier issues” and “limited airlift” related to the ongoing pandemic.
During this suspension period, customers were advised to use alternative shipping methods, such as UPS International Shipping, USPS Priority Mail Express International, or GlobalPost International Standard. USPS emphasized that the suspension would be in effect until further notice and urged customers to refrain from mailing items to Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused fluctuations in customer online shopping, resulting in unprecedented pressure on the postal service in Australia. This, coupled with staff shortages due to self-isolation and testing requirements, led to temporary facility closures and parcel volumes comparable to the Christmas peak period.
USPS's suspension of mail services to Australia impacted individuals and businesses alike. Online sellers, including those on eBay and Etsy, were warned that packages mailed during the suspension would be "returned to sender." The suspension also affected individuals expecting parcels from the United States, causing delays and disruptions.
While USPS did not provide a specific end date for the suspension, it assured customers that it was taking reasonable measures to minimize the impact. The suspension highlighted the challenges faced by postal services worldwide during the pandemic, particularly in managing increased demand and operational constraints.
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USPS Priority Mail Express International is still delivering to Australia
As of September 17, 2021, the United States Postal Service (USPS) temporarily suspended Priority Mail International shipments to Australia due to carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, USPS Priority Mail Express International is still delivering to Australia.
Priority Mail Express International is a fast, reliable, and affordable service that ships to about 180 countries, including Australia. This service offers flat-rate options, allowing customers to ship envelopes weighing up to 4 lbs at a fixed rate, starting at $59.50. Alternatively, packages can be shipped by weight, with prices varying based on the destination country and package weight, starting at $61.60.
When using Priority Mail Express International, customers must complete a customs form. If using the Click-N-Ship service to print postage, a customs form will be generated automatically. Otherwise, customers can fill out the form online or at a Post Office location.
While USPS Priority Mail Express International is still delivering to Australia, it is important to note that the Postal Service has temporarily suspended the guarantee on this service to certain destinations due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations. These suspensions are in effect until further notice, and the Postal Service is taking measures to minimise the impact on customers.
For those seeking alternative delivery options to Australia during this suspension period, UPS International Shipping and GlobalPost International Standard are recommended. UPS offers discounted rates of up to 76% off, while GlobalPost International Standard provides door-to-door tracking capabilities to over 200 countries.
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Packages may be returned to the sender during the suspension
The US Postal Service (USPS) has been facing disruptions to its international mail services, including to Australia, since 2021 due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations, and carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this suspension period, packages may be returned to the sender for several reasons. One reason could be that the package is a First-Class Package International Service parcel that was already in transit when the suspension came into effect. In such cases, the international carriers will endorse the items as "Mail Service Suspended — Return to Sender" and then place them back in the mail stream for return.
Additionally, mail shipments containing food articles that do not have the required prior notice conformation number on the customs declaration may also be returned to the sender. According to regulations issued by the Food and Drug Administration under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, all shipments of food articles to the United States must be preceded by a prior notice of shipment. This includes food for humans or animals, dietary supplements, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and food and colour additives.
Furthermore, the United States has introduced new tariffs on goods imported into the country, which may affect how parcels are sent from Australia. Items that do not have the required tax amount paid within the given timeframe will be returned to the sender or abandoned, following the sender's instructions.
It is important to note that USPS provides a Package Intercept service that allows the sender or recipient to stop delivery or redirect a package for a fee. This service is available for most domestic mailings with a tracking or extra services barcode. Customers can request this service online through their USPS.com account and will be provided with an estimated total cost for the interception and redirection.
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Australia Post Global is still delivering packages to Australia
As of September 2021, the USPS has temporarily suspended Priority Mail International shipments to Australia due to carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this suspension does not include Priority Mail Express International, which is still delivering packages to Australia.
Despite the USPS's temporary suspension of certain services, Australia Post Global is still delivering packages to Australia. Australia Post Global may experience delays due to various factors, such as airport closures, limited flight capacity, or civil unrest in the destination country. It is recommended to check the Australia Post website for the latest service updates and delivery estimates.
Australia Post Global provides international delivery services to over 220 destinations, including Australia. They offer different service options, such as International Courier, Express, Standard, and Economy. The delivery times vary depending on the origin and destination locations, with items sent from South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory requiring additional transit time before departing the country.
To ensure timely delivery, senders are advised to refer to the International Post Guide, which outlines the rules, customs forms, charges, and size and weight guidelines for each destination. Australia Post Global also provides a tracking tool that allows customers to calculate expected delivery dates and stay informed about the status of their parcels.
In summary, while USPS has temporarily suspended some services to Australia, Australia Post Global continues to deliver packages to the country. Customers are advised to refer to the Australia Post website for the most up-to-date information on service updates, delivery estimates, and potential delays.
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Alternative delivery options to Australia during the suspension
The US Postal Service has temporarily suspended its First Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International delivery services to Australia due to carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension has been in effect since September 3, 2021, and September 17, 2021, respectively.
UPS International Shipping
UPS (United Parcel Service) is a popular choice for businesses as it is known for its reliability and quick delivery times. UPS International Shipping offers discounted rates of up to 76% off with no peak surcharge.
GlobalPost International Standard
GlobalPost International Standard provides door-to-door tracking capabilities to over 200 countries. It uses a network of postal carriers to provide a similar service to First Class Package International Service at a lower rate.
FedEx Ground or FedEx Express
FedEx is another option, with its famous tracking systems and customizable delivery options. FedEx Ground is a cheaper option, while FedEx Express is suitable for faster delivery. FedEx also offers freight shipping services like air, ocean, and ground.
USPS Priority Mail Express International
Although USPS has suspended some of its international services to Australia, its Priority Mail Express International service is still operational. Discounted rates of up to 7% off Post Office rates are available for this service.
It is important to note that these alternatives may have different strengths and weaknesses in terms of package size, delivery speed, and cost. Therefore, it is recommended to consider your specific needs and compare the carriers' features to make an informed choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of September 2021, USPS has temporarily suspended mail services to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other service disruptions.
The suspension affects First-Class Package International Service, Commercial ePacket, International Priority Airmail Packets, and International Surface Air Lift Packets.
Yes, alternative shipping options to Australia include UPS International Shipping, USPS Priority Mail Express International, and GlobalPost International Standard.
Packages that have already been mailed during the suspension period will be returned to the sender.
USPS has not provided a specific date for the resumption of shipping to Australia, stating that the suspension will be in effect until further notice.
