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Originally Posted by soozieq /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I know Priority Mail parcels are handed to Parcelforce once they reach the UK, but I don't know about envelopes. And I think USPS stops tracking once it's in the UK (not positive about that, just a feeling)
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As "Priority Mail" is a(n out-going) service offered by Parcelforce, I'm inclined to believe that even the envelopes are handled by them. In which case, ask the recipient to key in the reference/tracking number into the Parcelforce system and see if it comes up with the package.
One highly plausible and common reason for the long delays is the slow processing through customs. Mail is selectively (more so than randomly) chosen to be screened by customs and if they do indeed decide to levy a charge against the recipient, then it can take quite a while for them to determine the amount. From personal experience, mail processed by Parcelforce is more likely to be charged import duties than those handled by Royal Mail. Having said all that, items usually zip through the customs even if import duties are required. (in my experience)
I have only had one bad experience with Parcelforce and that was when their computer system failed to register the fact that custom fees had to be paid and the parcel just sat in the local distribution hub for a week until I called up and asked them to do a "depot search". Nowadays, Royal Mail/Parcelforce won't deliver something unless the import duty/VAT is paid
beforehand. That is why the reference number is so important, without which they can't perform any investigations into the whereabouts of the package.
Lately, I've also noticed that international mail from the US is taking longer than usual to arrive (waiting for a couple of packages), but that might just me imagining things. If you phone up your local Parcelforce depot, you might be 'greeted' by an automated message saying how there has been an increased amount of international mail lately hence explaining the delays.
Best of luck.
