tracking from US to UK - how?

llol_slim

Hello
I've bought a umpc from america, and I organised with the seller "Express Mail International" with usps.com which takes 3-5 working days.
He used "click 'n' Ship" So i got emailed a tracking number on 26/6/07 which allowed me to track it through the US.
The last status was

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Status: International Dispatch

Your item left the United States from Chicago (O'Hare) AMC at 2:21 PM on June 27, 2007. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later.

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Since then there has been no status update, so I guessed the website would only let me track it US side. so how on earth do I track it now?!
There's no info about the UK delivery company.
I have emailed the seller to ask him if he has any info, but I just wondered if anyone has any experience with this "Express Mail International"
We chose this service as it should be the fatest - in theory it could be delivered today but I'd just like some sort of tracking/company info!!

Thank you and sorry for the long post
Laurie
Oh : I have complete faith in the seller, I dont think he's pulled a fast one, I just worry that I dont actually know anything!

Cute_'n'_Quirky

It will show tracking as soon as the item has cleared customs in London/Manchester.

The message will then say "your item cleared customs at xxxxx on xxxxx date" You should get the item the following day.

I got two deliveries like this last week - on First Class Priority International, which is the lower service to the one your Seller used. Incidentally usps say mine was 5-7 days - one took 21 days, the other took 8!!! Your Express may take a little longer than you think!

llol_slim

oh no!! I hope not, I don't think I could wait that long!
So it goes through customs, do I have to pay import duties even if its second hand? Or is it a check for explosives etc.?
How does it work if i have to pay customs?
Argh -- the thought of waiting 21 days! nooooo

soolin

Duty and taxes will depend on what the item is being shipped and the declared value. Being secnd hand does not stop fees being chargeable, they will just be chargeable on the second had declared value. On top of the actual taxes to be paid there will be a handling charge levied.

However, having said that I often buy from the US and have the correct amount declared for customs purposes and have yet to pay anything extra, i think it just depends if it gets noticed or not.

Flexible_Friend

Try tracking it through ParcelForce's website

http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw/track?catId=7500082

Type in the US Tracking Number and tick the 'Incoming international parcel' box.


If the request is unsuccessful, that means it hasn't arrived yet in the UK or hasn't been entered onto the UK system.


However, if it is successful, when it brings up the next screen, click on the 'Parcel number' which is the UK number for the parcel and it will give you more details.

llol_slim

flexible friend, thanks it says :

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Status: Handed Over Last tracked at: CAPE ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS)

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what does "handed over" mean? Does that mean its been handed over to another company?
Thanks for all the answers guys.
Out of interest, it might've sounded like i was trying to avoid paying tax, i'm not, im happy to pay just didnt think i had to. I just hope its less than it would've costed by buying one in the uk!

Cute_'n'_Quirky

I do wish you would stop panicking.

Express Mail will arrive here faster than First Class Priority Mail.

Be patient and the usps tracking system will tell you when it is in the UK.

Express Mail is tracked every step of the way, ie signed for, so is secure. That is why it is so expensive too.

Patience!! Patience!

llol_slim

Cute_n_Quirky wrote: »

I do wish you would stop panicking.

thanks for the reassurance and info about the security.
Please realise that my panicking is a problem I recognise that I have. Think of it as similar to claustrophobia - if I dont know whats happening i freak out. Thats no exaggeration , I really struggle to cope.
But I understand what you are saying and thanks it helps a little.
I have just phoned parcelforce worldwide, and the lady said that it either is still in the US or in the holding area waiting to be checked over, then into customs. She said it all still happens over the weekend (which is cool) so I can still track it.
thanks!

Cute_'n'_Quirky

In nearly three years I have never had any items go missing, even the ones without tracking.

All will be well.

Flexible_Friend

Track it through the Parcel Force website .... the information will be more up to date. If you get charged customs duty, you'll get a letter from Parcel Force with the amount due. They're normally very good with the whole process.

llol_slim

thanks flexible friend, Ive just checked the parcelforce website and status is now
Service: Parcelforce 24
Status: In progress
Last tracked at: International Hub
29-06-2007 22:50 International Hub AWAITING CUSTOMS CHARGING
29-06-2007 22:50 International Hub AWAITING CUSTOMS CHARGES

So will they send out a letter before they send it on as I read somewhere that they delivery company can charge you when they deliver.
Interesting, I wonder what the difference between charges and charging is.
Thanks again