Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2013 for sending packages from the United States to Russia

I’m continuing to post detailed fee structure for sending my packages from the United States of America to Russia. The fees of both Shipito and USPS grow every year, so you may find it useful to compare the figures from my previous post for 2010-2011 and 2012. This article will be updated each time I send a new package from the USA to Russia via Shipito throughout 2013.

Shipito fee structure 2013

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  10.80 lbs (4.9 kg)
  19″x14″x7″ (49x36x18 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $16.00 (8 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $104.58
  (Carrier) ($100.27)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($4.31)
  Insurance: $30.32 (3% delivery + damage insurance; higher than normal insurance rate because the package contains jewerly, a watch or a cell phone)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $104.58
    Insurance: $30.32
    TOTAL: $134.9
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $88.23
    Insurance: $41.95
    TOTAL: $130.18
  • Airmail Economy (15-30 business days)
    Postage: $102.56
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $115.1
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $113.14
    Insurance: $60.16
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $173.3
  • Airmail Express (15 business days)
    Postage: $104.58
    Insurance: $60.16
    TOTAL: $164.74

  

  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $32.53
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $28.81
  TOTAL: $159.4
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  14.30 lbs (6.49 kg)
  17″x13″x13″ (42x34x32 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $18.00 (9 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $130.40
  (Carrier) ($125.02)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($5.38)
  Insurance: $23.97 (3% delivery + damage insurance; higher than normal insurance rate because the package contains jewerly, a watch or a cell phone)
  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:
  • USPS Express Mail (5-6 business days)
    Postage: $130.4
    Insurance: $23.97
    TOTAL: $154.37
  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $113.93
    Insurance: $33.44
    TOTAL: $147.37
  • Airmail Economy (15-30 business days)
    Postage: $135.7
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $145.54
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $149.7
    Insurance: $49.35
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $199.05
  • Airmail Express (15 business days)
    Postage: $130.4
    Insurance: $49.35
    TOTAL: $179.75

  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $27.87
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $31.88
  TOTAL: $180.87
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  24.50 lbs (11.11 kg)
  26″×13″×13″ (67×34×34 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $20.00 (10 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $180.30
  (Carrier) ($172.87)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($7.43)
  Insurance: $10.04
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.70
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $28.5
  TOTAL: $218.84
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

Do you use Shipito or any other shipping forwarder? If you do, are you satisfied with its fees and service? How much did it cost you to send you package?

Modnique private sale (fashion sale, designer sale) site now ships to Russia and the Ukraine directly

Yesterday, when making yet another order on Modnique, I have found out that it allow to ship to Russia and the Ukraine now.

This amazing private sale club have been shipping to most countries of the world, but not to the two countries mentioned above. The news is really great because few private sale sites offer international shipping. Moreover many US online store that offer worldwide shipping use Fifty One, so they deliver packages to Russia via DHL Express. Luckily Modnique offers USPS Express Mail for customers from Russia instead!

Note that if you want to ship your order to Russia, you must pay via Paypal. If you want to use your debit or credit card, you may ship to your virtual US address instead.

Comparing shipping rates: Shipito Airmail Priority/Economy vs. USPS Priority/Express Mail

I’ve already mentioned that using Shipito Airmail instead of USPS makes sense in the following cases:

• For light packages with weight between 1-3 lbs (For this weight, USPS prices cannot compete with Shipito Airmail)
• When maximum dimensions are bigger than USPS but within the Shipito Airmail size limits.

Shipito shipping method comparison for Oregon warehouse: USPS, Airmail, Fedex

In the following charts I compare shipping rates for Shipito Airmail Priority/Economy, USPS Priority/Express Mail and other shipping methods. The shipping rates to Russia are for the Shipito warehouse in Tualatin, OR (Both Shipito Airmail and USPS Priority/Express Mail are cheaper in the Californian warehouses of Shipito).

Postage without insurance

Weight Dimensions Insured amount	USPS Express Mail	USPS Priority Mail International	Shipito Airmail Economy	Shipito Airmail Priority	USPS First Class International Parcel	FedEx International Economy	FedEx International Priority	DHL Express	FedEx International Economy Freight	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 2	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 1	USPS Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box
0 lbs. 8 oz. 9.60×6.80×5.40 $20.99	$43.6	$40.16	$5.01	$5.51	$13.58	$146.64	$170.45	-	-	$55.02	$69.93
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.60×6.80×5.40 $58.99	$49.51	$40.16	$5.93	$6.55	$16.11	$146.64	$170.45	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.80×7.40×4.40 $5.72	$49.51	$40.16	$5.93	$6.55	$16.11	$146.64	$170.45	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 0 oz. 16.00×14.40×2.60 $103.00	$55.64	$45.38	$19.09	$21.07	$28.72	$147.79	$171.6	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 15 oz. 14.00×9.40×7.20 $48.54	$61.79	$50.6	$28.01	$30.9	$38.8	$159.55	$187.7	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 3 oz. 14.20×12.80×10.40 $41.05	$67.92	$55.82	$30.37	$33.5	$215.35	$245.39	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 10 oz. 16.00×12.20×6.20 $27.99	$67.92	$55.82	$34.12	$37.64	$46.37	$178.79	$207.61	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 11 oz. 16.00×11.40×10.20 $94.12	$67.92	$55.82	$35.07	$38.68	-	$215.35	$245.39	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 14 oz. 24.00×15.40×5.20 $19.99	$67.92	$55.82	$36.47	$40.24	-	$215.35	$245.39	-	-	-	-	-
6 lbs. 4 oz. 20.20×16.00×11.40 $105.91	$84.27	$70.1	$59.03	$65.11	-	$312.94	$389.34	-	-	-	-	-
7 lbs. 7 oz. 25.80×15.00×4.80 $198.91	$89.37	$74.64	$70.31	$77.56	-	$198.55	$215.77	-	-	-	-	-
29 lbs. 2 oz. 36.50×19.00×14.00 $764.21	$199.4	-	$273.74	$301.97	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Insurance

Weight Dimensions Insured amount	USPS Express Mail	USPS Priority Mail International	Shipito Airmail Economy	Shipito Airmail Priority	USPS First Class International Parcel	FedEx International Economy	FedEx International Priority	DHL Express	FedEx International Economy Freight	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 2	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 1	USPS Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box
0 lbs. 8 oz. 9.60×6.80×5.40 $20.99	$0.42	$2.87	-	$0.42	-	$0.42	$0.42	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.60×6.80×5.40 $58.99	$1.18	$4.78	-	$1.18	-	$1.18	$1.18	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.80×7.40×4.40 $5.72	$0.11	$2.56	-	$0.11	-	$0.11	$0.11	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 0 oz. 16.00×14.40×2.60 $103.00	$2.91	$6.81	-	$2.76	-	$2.06	$2.06	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 15 oz. 14.00×9.40×7.20 $48.54	$0.97	$3.42	-	$0.97	-	$0.97	$0.97	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 3 oz. 14.20×12.80×10.40 $41.05	$0.82	$3.27	-	$0.82	$0.82	$0.82	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 10 oz. 16.00×12.20×6.20 $27.99	$0.56	$3.01	-	$0.56	-	$0.56	$0.56	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 11 oz. 16.00×11.40×10.20 $94.12	$1.88	$5.48	-	$1.88	-	$1.88	$1.88	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 14 oz. 24.00×15.40×5.20 $19.99	$0.4	$2.85	-	$0.4	-	$0.4	$0.4	-	-	-	-	-
6 lbs. 4 oz. 20.20×16.00×11.40 $105.91	$2.97	$6.87	-	$2.82	-	$2.12	$2.12	-	-	-	-	-
7 lbs. 7 oz. 25.80×15.00×4.80 $198.91	$4.83	$8.73	-	$4.68	-	$3.98	$3.98	-	-	-	-	-
29 lbs. 2 oz. 36.50×19.00×14.00 $764.21	$19.13	-	-	$20.18	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Postage with Insurance

Weight Dimensions Insured amount	USPS Express Mail	USPS Priority Mail International	Shipito Airmail Economy	Shipito Airmail Priority	USPS First Class International Parcel	FedEx International Economy	FedEx International Priority	DHL Express	FedEx International Economy Freight	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 2	USPS Priority Flat-Rate box 1	USPS Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box
0 lbs. 8 oz. 9.60×6.80×5.40 $20.99	$44.02	$43.03	$5.01	$5.93	$13.58	$147.06 (list rate $149.84)	$170.87 (list rate $203.23)	-	-	$55.02	$69.93
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.60×6.80×5.40 $58.99	$50.69	$44.94	$5.93	$7.73	$16.11	$147.82 (list rate $150.6)	$171.63 (list rate $203.99)	-	-	-	-	-
0 lbs. 10 oz. 9.80×7.40×4.40 $5.72	$49.62	$42.72	$5.93	$6.66	$16.11	$146.75 (list rate $149.53)	$170.56 (list rate $202.92)	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 0 oz. 16.00×14.40×2.60 $103.00	$58.55	$52.19	$19.09	$23.83	$28.72	$149.85 (list rate $204.69)	$173.66 (list rate $273.6)	-	-	-	-	-
2 lbs. 15 oz. 14.00×9.40×7.20 $48.54	$62.76	$54.02	$28.01	$31.87	$38.8	$160.52 (list rate $277.64)	$188.67 (list rate $337.14)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 3 oz. 14.20×12.80×10.40 $41.05	$68.74	$59.09	$30.37	$34.32	$216.17 (list rate $409.19)	$246.21 (list rate $458.88)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 10 oz. 16.00×12.20×6.20 $27.99	$68.48	$58.83	$34.12	$38.2	$46.37	$179.35 (list rate $317.91)	$208.17 (list rate $378.79)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 11 oz. 16.00×11.40×10.20 $94.12	$69.8	$61.3	$35.07	$40.56	-	$217.23 (list rate $396.47)	$247.27 (list rate $459.94)	-	-	-	-	-
3 lbs. 14 oz. 24.00×15.40×5.20 $19.99	$68.32	$58.67	$36.47	$40.64	-	$215.75 (list rate $394.99)	$245.79 (list rate $458.46)	-	-	-	-	-
6 lbs. 4 oz. 20.20×16.00×11.40 $105.91	$87.24	$76.97	$59.03	$67.93	-	$315.06 (list rate $602.92)	$391.46 (list rate $764.35)	-	-	-	-	-
7 lbs. 7 oz. 25.80×15.00×4.80 $198.91	$94.2	$83.37	$70.31	$82.24	-	$202.53 (list rate $361.45)	$219.75 (list rate $397.82)	-	-	-	-	-
29 lbs. 2 oz. 36.50×19.00×14.00 $764.21	$218.53	-	$273.74	$322.15	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

USPS will not allow to ship ANY Lithium battery after May 7. That means no iPhones, cell phones, iPads, Kindles or notebooks.

USPS will not want to ship any lithium battery after May 7, 2012. That means USPS will not ship any iPhones, cell phones, iPads, Kindle or notebooks to international destinations (including APO, FPO and DPO locations).

Background:

Under current rules of various international agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), lithium batteries cannot be sent as mail matter on international commercial air transportation.

In keeping with these requirements, the Postal Service must maintain standards prohibiting the carriage of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries in postal shipments sent on commercial aircraft to international destinations, including to and from APO, FPO and DPO locations. On May 7, 2012, the Postal Service revised International Mail Manual (IMM) part 136, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) section 601.10.20, and Publication 52 section 349.22 to incorporate standards prohibiting outbound international mailing of lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries and devices containing lithium batteries.

The Postal Service anticipates that by January 1, 2013, aviation rules will be changed to allow specific quantities of lithium batteries (installed in the equipment they are intended to operate) to be sent by mail to destinations abroad.

Sample e-mails USPS customers receive:

Effective May 7, 2012, we are revising IMM part 136 to stipulate that
lithium metal or lithium-ion cells or batteries may not be sent in
international mail. The restriction applies regardless of quantity, size,
watt hours, and whether the cells or batteries are packed in equipment, with
equipment, or without equipment. The restrictions also apply when mailing to
an APO, FPO, or DPO location outside of the United States (including its
territories).

In addition, we will make parallel changes to other USPS publications that
make reference to the international mailing of lithium batteries such as the
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM(r)) and Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and
Perishable Mail.

Rick Klutts
Product Classification
USPS Headquarters
US Postal Service

MEDIA STATEMENT ON Outbound International Mailing of Lithium Batteries

REACTIVE ONLY — FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.

This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.

This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.

International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.

We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.

USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.

We appreciate our customers’ business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner

Hope this problem will be resolved much sooner than January 2013.

Update from USPS (May 03, 2012)

Starting May 16, USPS will prohibit international mailing of lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries. The new regulations also prohibit shipments to or from Army, Fleet and Diplomatic Post Offices.
The Postal Service is instructing retail associates to question whether lithium batteries are in any international shipments.
The prohibition doesn’t include packages containing lithium batteries when mailed in the U.S. using domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
The International Civil Aviation Organization and the Universal Postal Union already prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments transported on international commercial air flights.
The Postal Service’s modification will remain in effect until at least January 2013. At that time, international aviation rules may be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in personal electronic devices they’re intended to operate.
The Postal Service is working with other organizations to determine if exceptions to the new rule can be developed before January 2013.

Update from Shipito (May 04, 2012)
The last day USPS will accept shipments with Li-ion batteries is May 15, 2012. If you package is not mailed out on this day, Shipito will not be able to ship it by USPS.

This change will not affect Shipito Airmail Economy and Priority shipments (at least not at this moment). Other carriers like FedEx, DHL and TNT allow shipping li-ion batteries with the proper warning sticker.

Update from USPS (May 04, 2012)

OUTBOUND INTERNATIONAL MAILING OF LITHIUM BATTERIES
Until January 2013, the Postal Service will not be able to accept packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries addressed to international destinations. This includes mail destined to, or from, APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations.
This change is required by the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), both of which currently prohibit lithium batteries in mail shipments that are carried on international commercial air transportation.
This change will not apply to packages containing lithium batteries and electronic devices containing lithium batteries when mailed within the United States on domestic commercial air or ground transportation.
International organizations apply different rules to the carriage of lithium batteries in mail shipments carried on commercial aircraft as compared to domestic requirements.
We anticipate that by January 2013, international aviation rules will be changed to allow mailing of lithium batteries when installed in the personal electronic devices they are intended to operate.
USPS is working with expert organizations to determine if any new exceptions can be developed prior to January 2013. Further announcements will be made should USPS be able to accept lithium batteries in certain types of mail shipments as soon as any new options become available.
We appreciate our customers’ business. We recognize this change will pose an inconvenience to our customers and we look forward to continuing to be their international shipping partner.
Currently, mail from the United States to all countries is being handled under normal operating conditions, with these exceptions (Effective 05/03/12).

Luckily USPS is not the only shipping method for delivering packages from the USA. Please subscribe to the RSS news feed to learn about other shipping options. You may also follow this blog via Twitter.

Update from USPS (November 11, 2012)

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, USPS will start accepting specific quantities of lithium batteries – when installed in the equipment they are intended to operate – to be sent to many international destinations, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) locations when permitted by the destination or host country.

Items which can be shipped may include: cameras, video cameras, mobile/smart phones, Bluetooth headsets, laptop computers, shavers, portable DVD players, tablets, two-way radios, GPS devices and most other small electronic devices requiring lithium batteries to operate.
Items which cannot be shipped include any lithium batteries not installed in the equipment they are intended to operate. In addition, when installed, they may not exceed the quantity or limits defined in the IMM or DMM.

Domestic shipments of packages containing lithium batteries, and electronic devices containing lithium batteries currently remain unchanged.

The Federal Register final rule, and IMM, DMM and Publication 52 revisions, will be available at pe.usps.com.

Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2012 for sending packages from USA to Russian Federation

I’m continuing to post my expenses on sending packages from USA to Russian Federation. The fees of both Shipito and USPS grow every year, so you may find it useful to compare the figures from my previous post for 2010-2011. This article will be updated each time I send a package.

Shipito fee structure

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail International from USA to Russian Federation in 2012

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  29.10 lbs (13.2 kg)
  37″x19″x14″ (93x49x36 cm)
  USPS Express Mail® Int’l change
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $24.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $199.40
  (Carrier) ($191.18)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($8.22)
  Insurance: $19.13
  (Carrier) ($11.49)
  (Warehouse 1%) ($7.64)
  (No content photos 1%) (not charged)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.28
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and USPS insurance): $48.36
  TOTAL: $251.03
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($50 / year)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  36.80 lbs (16.69 kg)
  36″x18″x17″ (92x45x42 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Repacking fee: $22.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $234.34
  (Carrier) ($224.68)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($9.66)
  Insurance: $29.40
  (Carrier) ($17.37)
  (Warehouse 1%) ($12.03)
  (No content photos 1%) (not charged)
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.23
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and USPS insurance): $62.19
  TOTAL: $304.24
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($50 / year)

As you can see I haven’t received any shipping discounts this year, because I don’t have the Gold or even Silver status anymore. Plus Shipito added 2 additional hidden charges:

1. All customers pay the warehouse insurance of 1% (has nothing to do with insurance – just a hidden charge of Shipito)
2. All customers not having Silver, Gold or Diamond status need either to make pictures of all incoming packages (A special request for incoming packages allows to take 3 pictures of the package content for $1.00) or pay 1% insurance. Since I send my packages by USPS Express Mail, it is USPS that insures my packages (Carrier insurance) not Shipito. So again this is not insurance, but another hidden charge of Shipito.

Not to mention that they charge the bank fee of 4.3%. Yet again it is not mentioned on the “Our services & prices” page.

If you want to calculate USPS shipping costs only, you can use USPS Shipping Calculator for Russia

USPS Postage International Price Calculator: Russia

Update (09/14/2012)
Since August 2012 there is no more warehouse insurance on Shipito. And you can choose whether you want to insure your package or not. Plus Shipito offers a 10% discount for USPS Express Mail for customers from Russia from 09/13/2012 to 11/15/2012. So it costed me less to send my last packages:

• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  29.50 lbs (13.38 kg)
  36″x17″x17″ (92x44x44 cm)
  USPS Express Mail® Int’l change
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $16.00 (8 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $179.46
  (Carrier) ($172.06) (10% discount)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($7.40)
  Insurance: $15.49
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.4
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and insurance): $31.9
  TOTAL: $219.45
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($50 / year)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  37.50 lbs (17.01 kg)
  36″x17″x12″ (92x44x30 cm)
  USPS Express Mail International
  Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Repacking fee: $20.00 (10 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $215.39 (10% discount for customers from Russia until November 15th, 2012)
  (Carrier) ($206.51)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($8.88)
  Insurance: $15.83
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.86
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $47.38
  TOTAL: $269.72
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  12.60 lbs (5.71 kg)
  17″x13″x13″ (44x34x34 cm)
  USPS Express Mail® Int’l change
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $10.00 (5 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $114.56
  (Carrier) ($109.84)
  (Bank fee 4.3%) ($4.72)
  Insurance: $17.63
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $26.39
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping and insurance): $18.5
  TOTAL: $150.69
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)
• Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  19.40 lbs (8.8 kg)
  26″x13″x13″ (67x34x34 cm)
  Mailout fee: $8.50
  Repacking fee: $20.00 (10 packages consolidated)
  Shipping method: USPS Express Mail International (5-6 business days)
  • Postage: $149.49
    (Carrier) ($143.33)
    (Bank fee 4.3%) ($6.16)
    Insurance: $17.05
    TOTAL: $166.54

  Alternative shipping methods offered by Shipito for delivering this package to Russia:

  • USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days)
    Postage: $129.02
    Insurance: $28.25
    TOTAL: $157.27
  • Airmail Economy (15-30 business days)
    Postage: $184
    insurance not available
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $184
  • Airmail Priority (8-20 business days)
    Postage: $202.98
    Insurance: $45.99
    Tracking is not available
    TOTAL: $248.97
  • Airmail Express (15 days)
    Postage: $149.49
    Insurance: $45.99
    TOTAL: $195.48

  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $22.16
  Total Shipito fees (not including USPS shipping, insurance and Shipito monthly fee): $45.55
  TOTAL: $195.04
  Shipito service plan: Old Virtual Mailbox ($100 / year, available for old customers only)

  

Do you use Shipito or any other shipping forwarder? If you do, are you satisfied with its fees and service? How much did it cost you to send you package?

List of prohibited items and restrictions you must check before making any purchases in the USA

Before making any purchases in the USA for International shipping you must check the customs list of prohibited articles on the Universal Postal Union (UPU) web-site. However this list is not the only one you must pay attention to. You must also learn about restrictions, prohibitions,… that your postal service or your courier has.

I use USPS Express Mail International (EMS) most of the time, so I check the prohibitions, restrictions and other information on the USPS web-site. The information provided there is country specific. If you need Country Conditions for Mailing to Russia (Russian Federation) by USPS Express Mail, see here.

Now I will explain why it is important to follow the restriction on the USPS web-site. I have shipped a dozen of jewerly items and a couple of watches to Russia by USPS Express Mail. I got them without any problem. The customs of the Russian Federation allows these articles to be sent to Russia. However if your insured package with prohibited items is lost, USPS refuses to pay the insurance. So if your lost package contained a $17 watch or a $10 jewerly item, USPS will refuse to pay the insurance not only for the watch or jewerly, but for the whole package!

Is it a good idea to send laptops (notebooks), cell phones (including iPhone), iPods, iPads to Russia via USPS Express or Priority Mail?

Personally I got my laptop, 4 cell phones and a router without any problem. All of these items were sent either via USPS Express Mail (EMS) or USPS Priority Mail. But many Russian customers had their laptops (including MacBook Air), cell phones (inlcuding iPhones), tablets (including iPad), iPods and other items stolen. The problem is that USPS denies insurance claims for the items from the UPU list of prohibited items. So if your laptop (notebook), cell phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod, macbook was stolen you won’t get any insurance from USPS, because transmitters and transceivers of any power, except Panasonic radiotelephones, models KX-T7980, KX-T9000, KT-T9050, and KX-T90890 are prohibited items.

USPS just ignores the fact that Russian customs doesn’t confiscate items silently (except for maybe weapons and drugs). If something like laptop (notebook), cell phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod is missing, it was stolen, not confiscated. When something is confiscated by the customs, you get a confiscation act. Actually when prohibited items are sent, the following options are possible:

• Seizure of the prohibited articles only, the rest delivered to the addressee.
• Return of the item to the country of origin.
• Seizure of the whole item.

But the fact that you didn’t get a confiscation act won’t stop USPS from not paying you for the insured items from the UPU prohibited list.

Now you know that sending something like laptop (notebook), cell phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod to Russia via USPS is risky. But there are things you can do to reduce the risk:

• Do not send send laptops (notebooks including macbook), cell phones (including iPhone), iPods, iPads via USPS.
• Don’t use the names like iPad, iPod, iPhone, MacBook… that are often stolen in the customs declaration. Declare iPad as a tablet, portable electronic device, electronic gadget,… Declare iPhone as a cell phone, portable electronic device, …Declare MacBook Air as a notebook, laptop
• Buy additional insurance for your electronics whenever possible. Some package forwarders offer this service.

Shipito.com alternatives. Part 2: VIAddress.com review and comparison with Shipito

VIAddress is a worldwide shipping forwarder offering a USA virtual address for making online purchases in America. Its membership is free. There are no fees for package consolidation, you may store your packages for free for 90 days. Assisted purchases are available. And VIAddress can ship to worldwide destinations via UPS, FEDEX, DHL, USPS. Looks attractive, isn’t it? Let’s find out whether there is any catch.

Comparing VIAddress and Shipito shipping rates

If you take a look onto VIAdress homepage, you will find a very attractive chart:

So I decided to compare VIAdress estimated shipping costs to the costs of real packages I sent to Russia in 2011 via USPS Express Mail using Shipito

Weight, lbs	VIAddress Estemation	Shipito
12.3	$127.38	$121.89
19.9	$180.42	$135.25
34.7	$279.86	$222.59

I do pay $50 for a yearly membership in Shipito, while VIAdress membership is free. But if I send a package of 34.7 lbs via USPS to Russia using VIAddress, I will pay extra $55+ compared to Shipito.

Some more details about VIAddress

Unfortunately shipping fees is not the only problem of VIAddress. VIAdress has the lowest possible rating on BBB. And there many complaints about VIAddress from around the world, some of them even lead an investigation by The Indiana Attorney General’s office.

Would you recommend to use VIAddress?

I have never been a customer of VIAddress, but personally I prefer to stay away from it.

Shipito shipping rates are one of the best. Considering the amount of services Shipito provides, their quality and cost, I think Shipito is one of the best freight forwarding companies.

Comparing shipping rates to Russia: Shipping Epson v600 Photo from Amazon via Shipito vs. from B&H Photo Video directly using USPS Express Mail (EMS)

I’ve decided to use USPS Express Mail for shipping Epson v600 Photo scanner to Russia. This way of shipping is faster than USPS Priority Mail. Besides your parcels are delivered to your door when using USPS Express Mail, while they are delivered to your postal office when using USPS Priority Mail. USPS Express Mail is slightly more expensive than USPS Priority Mail, but it is worth every penny.

Shipping Epson Perfection v600 Photo Scanner using USPS Express Mail from B&H Photo Video costed USD $141.00.

Shipping Epson Perfection v600 Photo Scanner using USPS Express Mail from B&H Photo Video

 

Shipping Epson Perfection v600 Photo Scanner from Amazon (not its marketplace) to a USA location is absolutely FREE. So I shipped the scanner to my middleman, a US company called Shipito, for free. I’ve used the “FREE with Super Saver Shipping” option on Amazon.

Then I used Shipito to ship the scanner to Russia via USPS Express Mail. It costed me USD $105.24. Other expenses when using the “Individual packages” plan are equal to zero (no setup fees, no monthly fees).

Shipping Epson Perfection v600 Photo Scanner from Amazon using Shipito and USPS Express Mail

 

As you can see, the same shipping method was chosen (USPS Express Mail), but it was USD $35.76 cheaper to ship from Amazon using Shipito, than to ship from B&H Photo Video directly.

Note: The american version of Epson v600 Photo supports 110V only, so you need a different power supply or a voltage stabilizer to use it in Russia. Personally I use Robiton IN3800S AC adapter (Input: 100-240V, 50-60Hz, Output: 24V, 1.5A). It was cheaper to buy Robiton IN3800S and replace its cable with the one from Epson A411B than to buy Epson A411E AC adapter (Input: 220-240V, Output: 24V, 1.3A) or to buy Epson v600 compatible AC adapter (Input: 220-240V, Output: 24V, 1.5A) on eBay. Note that replacing the Robiton IN3800S cable will require you to use special tools and a soldering iron, you won’t be able to do it with regular screw drivers only. Besides Robiton I was also suggested to use an AC adapter from MeanWell.

Robiton IN3800S (100-240V, 50-60Hz) with Epson A411B cable

Note: Usually Amazon sends multiple goods in several packages, so it is recommended to use the “Virtual Mailbox” plan on Shipito when buying multple items. “Virtual Mailbox” allows you to consolidate packages (You pay only $2 for every consolidated package).

Some samples on how much it costs to send packages/parcels to Russia using USPS and Shipito

Shipito allows you to shop online in the USA and then ship your parcels/packages to international addresses. Shipito has one of the best shipping rates (compare with their competitors).

In this article I will show you some real examples how much shipping to Russia costs. You can notice that USPS Express Mail is slightly more expensive than USPS Priority Mail, but the former allows to deliver your parcels/packages much faster (usually 2-3 weeks instead of 2-3 months), plus your packages will be delivered to your door.

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail to Russia in 2012

See the following article: Examples of fees charged by USPS Express Mail and Shipito shipping forwarder in 2012 for sending packages from USA to Russian Federation.

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail to Russia in 2011

Updated on December 23, 2011: Added a USPS Express Mail package

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  26.10 lbs (11.84 kg)
  36″x17″x17″ (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $18.00 (9 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $151.53
  Discount: -$2.91
  Insurance: $7.01
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.38
  TOTAL: $182.13

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  35.70 lbs (16.19 kg)
  36″x17″x17″ (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $14.00 (7 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $201.61
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $8.9
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $8.88
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.31
  TOTAL: $247.85

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  34.70 lbs (15.74 kg)
  36″x17″x17″ (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $10.00 (5 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $179.4
  Discount: -$3.59
  Insurance: $10.28
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $8
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $14.14
  TOTAL: $222.59

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  30.30 lbs (13.74 kg)
  36″x17″x12″ (92x44x31 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $26.00 (13 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $162.4
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $12.1
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $7.36
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.47
  TOTAL: $223.11

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  35.50 lbs (16.1 kg)
  36″x17″x17″ (92x44x44 cm)
  Package Location: Tualatin, OR
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $18.50 (including $10 surcharge for heavy packages over 30 pounds)
  Shipito Repacking fee: $14.00 (7 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $201.61
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $17.73
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $9.26
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.21
  TOTAL: $257.06

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  23.50 lbs (10.66 kg)
  26″x20″x11″ (67x51x28 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $6.00 (3 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $132.65
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $12.39
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $6.23
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.55
  TOTAL: $165.77

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  19.90 lbs (9.02 kg)
  26″x13″x13″ (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $6.00 (3 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $115.65
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.56
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.56
  TOTAL: $149.41

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  21.70 lbs (9.84 kg)
  26″x13″x13″ (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Insurance: YES
  Shipito Mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito Repacking fee: $22.00 (11 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $124.15
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.93
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $17.7
  TOTAL: $174.28

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  24.10 lbs (10.93 kg)
  26″x13″x13″ (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $136.9
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $6.48
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.25
  TOTAL: $177.58

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  12.30 lbs (5.58 kg)
  17″x13″x10″ (44x34x26 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $8.00 (4 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $85.9
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $15.15
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $4.34
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $21.84
  TOTAL: $121.89

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  14.50 lbs (6.58 kg)
  26″x13″x13″ (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $12.00 (6 packages consolidated)
  Storage fee: $2.00
  Postage: $94.4
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $4.65
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $20.55
  TOTAL: $135.25

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  19.90 lbs (9.02 kg)
  26″x13″x13″ (67x34x34 cm)
  Package Location: Torrance, CA
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $6.00 (3 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $115.65
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.7
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.56
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $16.56
  TOTAL: $149.41

Note that Shipping companies like to increase prices by few percent each year in January. FedEx, UPS, DHL and USPS increased prices in January 2011.

Packages sent by USPS Express Mail to Russia in 2010

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)
  27″x17″x10″ (69x44x26 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Postage: $70.75
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $2.15
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.13
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.61
  TOTAL: $84.53

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  19.50 lbs (8.84 kg)
  19″x16″x15″ (49x41x39 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $16.00 (8 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $113.25
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $13.55
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $5.45
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $17.73
  TOTAL: $156.75

• USPS Express Mail Int’l
  14.90 lbs (6.76 kg)
  28″x20″x9″ (72x51x23 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Postage: $92
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $0.75
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.99
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $15.57
  TOTAL: $105.24

Package sent by USPS Priority Mail to Russia in 2010

• USPS Priority Mail Int’l
  13.50 lbs (6.12 kg)
  26″x15″x10″ (67x39x26 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $10.00 (5 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $73.75
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $18.4
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.96
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $18.73
  TOTAL: $114.61

• USPS Priority Mail Int’l
  12.30 lbs (5.58 kg)
  17″x13″x10″ (44x34x26 cm)
  Shipito mailout fee: $8.50
  Shipito repacking fee: $8.00 (4 packages consolidated)
  Postage: $70
  Discount: -$4.04
  Insurance: $18.4
  Shipito bank fee 4.3%: $3.8
  Total per 1 kg of gross weight: $19.48
  TOTAL: $108.7

If you want to see more detailed examples about fees charged by Shipito (including Shipito mailout fee, Shipito repacking fee, Postage, Insurance, Shipito bank fee), please click onto the image below.

Shipito: Packages/parcels sent by USPS Express Mail and USPS Priority Mail

 

If you want to calculate USPS shipping costs only, you can use USPS Shipping Calculator for Russia

USPS Postage International Price Calculator: Russia

 

Hope this will help you to understand better whether shopping in the USA and delivering packages with Shipito is cheaper than buying in Russia or not. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

 

Visit www.Shipito.com to learn more about the company. You can register for FREE (there are no monthly fees) and upgrade your account anytime.