Best way of getting a document to the US?

Jon_01

Not sure if this is the right forum, but...

I have to get a doc to the US asap next week. A single sheet of A4.  I normally use parcel2go or parcelmonkey but they focus on larger items and entering the the size of an A4 hardbacked envelope confuses their system.

Is there some place I'm missing when I search?  Beside the Post Office, which is a total joke and unusable.

Thanks...

Sandtree

Does it need to be a physical document? Obviously quickest way is email.

You can book with couriers directly, likes of DHL have document rates.

You can use other agents like Parcel Compare that also have document rates.

Jon_01

Sandtree said:

Does it need to be a physical document? Obviously quickest way is email.

You can book with couriers directly, likes of DHL have document rates.

You can use other agents like Parcel Compare that also have document rates.

Yes, it has to be a physical document. Complete with a notarized seal and stamp.
We have tried to open an account with FedEx in the past, but they said we didn't send enough for them to be bothered with us!

I'll try DHL and Parcel Compare.

Thanks...

Sandtree

You dont need an account with Fedex to send, you just go to their site, have the check rates/times option which give you prices, ignore the open an account if you want and just click on the service you wish to buy and go through the normal sender, received, contents, payment process.

Jon_01

Sandtree said:

You dont need an account with Fedex to send, you just go to their site, have the check rates/times option which give you prices, ignore the open an account if you want and just click on the service you wish to buy and go through the normal sender, received, contents, payment process.

Thanks.  Just checked and yes, BUT... without an account the best price for an envelope is £76.  The same thing on Parcel Compare is £29!
They clearly don't want anyone to use them without an account!!!

LessImpecunious

What's your objection to using Royal Mail? - Tracked/Signed Large Letter under 100g would be £9.75...

Jon_01

LessImpecunious said:

What's your objection to using Royal Mail? - Tracked/Signed Large Letter under 100g would be £9.75...

Because it needs to get there in a reasonable time. FedEx 2 days. RM, might get there in 7 days if you're lucky...
Tried RM twice.
First time, told it'll be in the US in 5 days. After 6 days it hadn't even left the UK. After 11 days it arrived at the address in the US

Second time, told the first time was a 'one off'. Tried again. Took 2 days to leave the UK and then it vanished for a week, was delivered after 8 days. Tracking caught up a week later.

LessImpecunious

OK - fair enough! - I just did a search on the Interparcel website (I used 2.5cm as depth - which is max allowed for Large Letter - but 1cm gave the same results - anything less was not recognised) - and got prices starting at £15.35 for delivery 2nd - 8th Aug, going up to £25 ish for 28th July - 1st Aug (FedEx economy) with others in the £27-35 range for deliveries on 28th or 29th... (inc FedEx)

lr1277

I use the shop Mail Boxes. They have contracts with the major carriers including UPS and Fedex. They also contract with Royal Mail. They advise me on timescales and costs.

I normally use them to send presents to relatives in the US but have also sent documents to Asia. But I cannot remember the cost.

I go in maybe once a year, but the guy knows me and gives the cheapest rate on not the cheapest sevice. Also an advantage for me is that they sell the stuff to package your items and help you with that. Which is useful when sending presents.

The only downside is the opening hours.

If there is one year you, give them a call and see if you can get an estimate.

MalMonroe

Would they accept a scanned copy?

Just a thought.

You can then attach that to an email. 

I've just done it with a contract that had to be signed and witnessed and a scan was acceptable since it cannot be altered.

Jon_01

MalMonroe said:

Would they accept a scanned copy?

Just a thought.

You can then attach that to an email. 

I've just done it with a contract that had to be signed and witnessed and a scan was acceptable since it cannot be altered.

It HAS to be the original. It has to be notarized (US legal thing) with a seal and a stamp.