Leslie Massey
In 2021, the US Postal Service (USPS) temporarily suspended its shipping services to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related carrier issues. The suspension affected First-Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International deliveries, while Priority Mail Express International services remained operational. The decision was made amidst a global shortage of aircraft and reduced passenger flights, impacting transportation capacity and causing backlogs in mail delivery. The suspension inconvenienced consumers and businesses, disrupting personal connections and commercial activities between the two countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of suspension | 3 September 2021 (First-Class Package International Service) 17 September 2021 (Priority Mail International) |
| Reason | Carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Alternative delivery options | UPS International Shipping USPS Priority Mail Express International GlobalPost International Standard |
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What You'll Learn
The COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic caused a significant reduction in air cargo capacity to Australia, affecting the regular international mail volume. The number of commercial passenger flights dropped by more than 90%, and there was a global shortage of aircraft, which also reduced passenger flights. These factors limited the transportation options available for mail delivery.
USPS temporarily suspended First-Class Package International Service to Australia as of September 3, 2021, and Priority Mail International services were suspended on September 17, 2021. The suspensions were due to carrier issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unrelated service disruptions. USPS advised customers to refrain from mailing items to Australia until further notice.
The impact of these suspensions was felt by both consumers and businesses. Many individuals and families who relied on USPS for staying connected with their loved ones in Australia were affected. Additionally, businesses that depended on overseas sales to Australia faced disruptions, with some expressing frustration and concern over the suspension's potential impact on their operations.
During the suspension period, USPS recommended alternative delivery options for sending items to Australia, including UPS International Shipping, USPS Priority Mail Express International, and GlobalPost International Standard. These options offered discounted rates and door-to-door tracking capabilities to ensure the continuity of shipments to Australia.
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Carrier issues
On September 3, 2021, the USPS temporarily suspended its First-Class Package International Service to Australia, followed by a suspension of Priority Mail International services two weeks later. The decision was made due to "carrier issues" related to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically a lack of available transportation and reduced air cargo capacity.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in commercial passenger flights, with Australia experiencing a reduction of over 90%. This resulted in a limited number of flights available to carry cargo, including parcels. The situation was further exacerbated by the high volume of parcels being delivered to Australians, leading to a backlog in Australia's domestic mail delivery.
The USPS stated that the suspension was necessary due to "unavailability of transport," which was beyond their control. They emphasized that the situation was temporary and regretted any inconvenience caused. During this period, alternative delivery options were available, such as UPS International Shipping, USPS Priority Mail Express International, and GlobalPost International Standard, which offered discounted rates and door-to-door tracking capabilities.
The suspension of USPS services to Australia impacted both consumers and businesses. Many individuals were unable to receive parcels from family and friends in the US, disrupting connections and causing frustration. Businesses, particularly those relying on international sales, also faced challenges, with some expressing their dissatisfaction through social media platforms.
To avoid any further inconvenience, USPS advised customers to refrain from mailing items to Australia until further notice. This suspension was part of a broader issue, as USPS also suspended services to 21 other countries, including New Zealand, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.
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Reduced air cargo capacity
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Australia's air cargo capacity. The number of commercial passenger flights dropped by more than 90% after the pandemic hit. This has resulted in a global shortage of aircraft and reduced passenger flights, affecting the ability to transport mail.
The Australian government has invested over $1 billion in the International Freight Assistance Mechanism, a scheme designed to keep key international air freight routes open during the pandemic. However, this scheme prioritises the export of high-value perishable products and the import of medical supplies, equipment, and other goods of national importance.
The reduced air cargo capacity has constrained regular international mail volume, and there are not enough international flights to carry cargo, including parcels. This has resulted in a backlog of domestic mail deliveries in Australia, further exacerbating the issue.
The USPS has been affected by these constraints, leading to the suspension of specific mail services to Australia, such as First-Class Package International Service and Priority Mail International.
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Transportation unavailability
On September 3, 2021, USPS temporarily suspended its First-Class Package International Service to Australia, followed by a suspension of Priority Mail International services two weeks later. The decision was made due to "carrier issues" and the unavailability of transportation to Australia, which was caused by a reduction in commercial passenger flights and cargo capacity.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Australia's international mail volume. With a sharp decline in commercial passenger flights, there were limited options for transporting mail and packages. This issue was further exacerbated by the high demand for air cargo capacity, as isolation facilities in Australia constrained the number of international flights available. The reduction in flights meant that there was not enough space to accommodate all the cargo, including parcels.
The unavailability of transportation to Australia was not unique to USPS. Australia Post, for instance, was also affected by the global shortage of aircraft and reduced passenger flights. This resulted in a backlog of domestic mail delivery and impacted the ability of international mail to reach the country.
To address the issue of transportation unavailability, the Australian government invested over $1 billion in the International Freight Assistance Mechanism. This scheme aimed to maintain the country's key international air freight routes during the pandemic by prioritizing the export and import of essential goods. However, the suspension of USPS services to Australia remained in place until further notice, impacting individuals and businesses relying on cross-border connections and trade.
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Strike of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated a nationwide strike on November 15, 2024, halting all Canada Post services. The strike negatively impacted judiciary operations, including check disbursements and Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) mail bound for Canada. In response, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) temporarily suspended international mail to Canada, including Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI), Priority Mail International® (PMI), First-Class Mail International® (FCMI), and First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS®).
The root of the issue was a collective bargaining dispute between Canada Post and the CUPW, which had been ongoing since at least January 2025. The dispute involved both the Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units. The Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) was established to review the issues, and Commissioner William Kaplan held hearings in January and February 2025. Despite these efforts, negotiations stalled, and the CUPW received a strike mandate from its members.
On May 20, 2025, the CUPW announced its intention to begin strike activity on May 23 unless agreements were reached. In response, the federal government appointed mediators to assist in negotiations. The parties agreed to resume negotiations, and as of May 20, 2025, they were scheduled to meet over two days with the support of mediators.
The strike had been paused as of May 14, 2025, and current collective agreements were extended until May 22, 2025, meaning no further disruptions could occur until then. However, there was still a possibility of another disruption as early as May 22 if a long-term resolution was not reached. Shippers were advised to take proactive measures to mitigate potential delays resulting from the strike and the resulting backlog.
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Frequently asked questions
USPS stopped shipping to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related carrier issues.
USPS stopped shipping to Australia on September 3, 2021.
No, USPS continued to deliver Priority Mail Express International to Australia.
Yes, other shipping companies like eBay and Etsy also paused deliveries to Australia.
I cannot find specific information on whether USPS resumed shipping to Australia. However, the suspension was stated to be temporary, so it is likely that shipping has resumed.
