Mailing to St John- Some facts...some guesses

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Sat May 25, 2013 4:54 pm

Last time we went to the VIs we stayed on STT and mailed a package down ahead of time, and it took FOREVER to get there, we got it maybe a day before we left or something like that. Our host on STT commented on how bad the mail service through PR is and said "you never know"...

After looking into mailing to connections on STJ, I was made aware of the importance of labeling the package exactly the way the scanning computers in PR will recognize it and be able to automatically route it correctly...I thought "that makes sense, maybe we shouldn't blame it on the staff in PR, maybe we should also understand the technology we're counting on in this process"...so I did a little more looking and found out that the USPS clearly defines the standard labeling methods, and I would guess their computer/scanners are programmed for these standards only. I called our rental agent office and they were not aware of this,,,,couldn't tell me what the ZIP+4 code for their office was...OK, no problem this is a "techie thing" that alot of people just don't think about or know about...she commented on the island perspective...."oh if you put our name and Coral bay on it it will get here, there's only one delivery person over here..."...the local view of the world, not thinking about automation in PR...very friendly but not in the know on the format requirements for scanning in PR...

So, if interested here's the techie info on USPS formatting for mail scanning through PR:
https://ribbs.usps.gov/addressing/docum ... NGLISH.PDF

And, you can look up USVI ZIP+4 codes here: https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupActi ... fresh=true

Peace.

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sat May 25, 2013 5:30 pm

Sherman good information but honestly it won't make a bit of difference. I'm waiting on Priority package mailed 5 weeks ago. The normal USPS Priority time for STJ is 7-10 days. I have had a few arrive in 3-4 days and one took 6 weeks all using the USPS format

Pia

Coconuts · Post by **Coconuts** » Sat May 25, 2013 8:04 pm

I just checked the tracking numbers on four boxes that I sent via USPS Priority Mail last Saturday, and was surprised to find that two were delivered on Tuesday, one on Wednesday, and the last on Thursday. That is an all-time record in my experience, and I hope that it suggests that they are finally figuring out how to do this. My normal track record is closer to Pia's, five to nine days being my typical experience. USPS is the only cost-effective game in town; FedEx and UPS are many times more expensive; it feels as though the Post Office is subsidizing service to the VI. USPS Express Mail is also pricey, but if they don't meet their delivery commitment, you are entitled to a full refund (but you only get it if you compare the actual delivery time to their commitment, and show up at a Post Office with the receipt). Last year, I had seven urgent items that I sent Express at the same time, and six missed their delivery time. The postal clerk had to refer me to the Postmaster for the large (~$400) cash refund, which he considered highly irregular, but suited me just fine!

All the best,

Kevin

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Sat May 25, 2013 9:23 pm

Well, I guess all you can do is try to set yourself up for success...then hope for the best!
Thanks...

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Sat May 25, 2013 9:57 pm

Shipping USPS Parcel Post or even the worst, Media Mail, the old "book rate" will take a long, long time - usually - as mentioned Priority Mail seem to work at about a week - with a delivery confirmation slip you have a little, not much though, recourse at the PO to check for you.
I always insure any Priority Mail that is essential and even without it often get my packages that are mailed Here -- delivered stateside -- in 3-4 days and sometimes even less. Coming this way that timeframe is rare.

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Tue May 28, 2013 5:43 pm

I mailed our box today, USPS Priority Mail...it has two weeks to get there we'll see what happens...mailed it to the villa rental office.
Roll the dice, spin the wheel, hope for the best!

adsjayhawk · Post by **adsjayhawk** » Tue May 28, 2013 6:51 pm

I have had suprisingly good luck with "parcel post" although last time (May 6) they told me it's no longer called parcel post...can't recall what it is called now. Last year I sent seven large "flat rate" boxes. Six of the seven arrived right on time. the seventh took 4 weeks.

This last shipment I mailed "parcel post" and it was "oversized" (extra $5). Mailed in on May 6th. Passed though Jacksonville May 11. Left Jacksonville May 12. Processed through St Thomas May 22. Arrived St John 9:43am on May 23. Picked up May 24. No mention of Puerto Rico. So if you have the time you can save a lot of money this route.

Lovermont · Post by **Lovermont** » Tue May 28, 2013 6:52 pm

I always use the USPS website to print out a label, and pay the postage, at a discount. That way, the address is standardized for the USPS, plus your label has a barcode for the destination. I'm sure there might still be some hiccups with some packages, but I feel that I'm at least doing as much as I possibly can to get the boxes to STJ.

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Tue May 28, 2013 11:00 pm

Sherban - you will be fine with 2 weeks

Pia

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Tue May 28, 2013 11:36 pm

Pia wrote:Sherban - you will be fine with 2 weeks
Pia

Pia- PROMISE??

haha- thanks!

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Wed May 29, 2013 6:07 pm

https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmA ... _zipcode1=

augie · Post by **augie** » Wed May 29, 2013 8:01 pm

It's kind of entertaining comparing the tracking on subsequent items sent. So far, without fail, the longest leg of the journey (in time, not distance) is between the PR processing facility and STT.

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 5:20 pm

sherban wrote:https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmA ... _zipcode1=

This isn't looking good, it's been a week and no status at PR...nothing....uh-oh...

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 5:28 pm

7-10 Sherban, 7-10

Don't worry it will show up

Pia

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Wed Jun 05, 2013 5:50 pm

I usually don't get any tracking updates until it arrives in STJ. Ruth received a package and 2 hours before it was still in CT

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