How reliable is the USPS when it comes to international shipping?

[zachteG 1]

Hi everyone!

I am about to send my I-134 and the other documents to my fiance, and I wasn't quite sure which international couriers I should use to ship my packet overseas, such as the Netherlands?

I heard that the USPS is the cheapest option but it may take between 4-14 business days.

Ideally, I want my packet get to my fiance's hand no less than 7 business days

Can someone give some recommendations, and can you tell how much did it cost you and how long did it take for the shipping?

Thanks!!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Europe & Eurasia regional forum - topic about mail courier for Netherlands ~

[LC2016 15]

It is the cheapest way....BUT its not that reliable in my opinion. A few months back I sent my husband in Colombia a certified letter with tracking number for my mother in laws visitors visa and almost 6 months later we still have no clue where the letter is. Also for packages from the US to Colombia they usually take 5-10 business and that's priority mail. <_<

Good Luck!

[D&Wontheroad 3]

My fiance used Fedex and his papers where shipped on Saturday and it arrived at my door on Monday in Holland. Very quick and very reliable, but hefty in cost as it was 68 dollars to ship the envelope with papers. Would recommend it though, if your appointment is soon, you dont want to depend on something like this for 20 or 30 dollars.. right?

[Al422 221]

The gold standard for internatinoal shipping, both in speed and reilability, is DHL. You pay a little more, but the best often comes at a price.

[Confusedtinybird 41]

I have used it to ship to Africa and Europe and I have found it's great in the USA, but as soon as it leaves the USA service really goes downhill. For important documents/packages I pay a little more and do Fedex or DHL.

[novedsac 355]

USPS International is very reliable. However, USPS responsibility ends once they pass off the package to the postal service of the destination country. You're real question should be how reliable is the postal service of the destination country - that's where packages get opened, delayed, lost, etc.

Private global carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) have their own operations in most places and are therefore more reliable to some countries. Private regional carriers are hit-n-miss, depending on the networks they've managed to create with partners.

[zachteG 1]

Thank you all for your replying!!

I realized that I don't need to send so many docs since I can send those electronically to my fiance, but as for the original I-134 form and the letter to intent to marry, I sent those 2 to him via post.

I decided to send the letter via USPS mail on the 15th, hopefully it will get there by next week on the 28th. If not, then I will have to rely on DHL!!!

His K-1 visa interview is on the 6th of May, wish us luck!!