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Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 9:59 pm:   

In the past I sent an Artist EQ 2622 w/ flight case to the UK via Global Express Mail (EMS). I remember the size limit (maximum length and girth combined) to be 108 inches. I just looked at the USPS website and it says that the EMS limit is 79 inches - not enough to ship a guitar (safely) and certainly not enough for the 2622.

I verified that the limit for Parcel Post is 108 inches, however, the insurance limit is $857.

Am I missing something? How have people been sending guitars to the UK/Europe?

Thanks,
Michael
Fingersmcoy
Username: Fingersmcoy

Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 11:53 pm:   

I shipped a guitar to France, last summer -i had no problems,unless something has change.Europe is too broad. Have you looked up the specific country you want to ship too.If i didnt get the info. im looking for at the U.S.P.S web site- i would make a phone call to you local post office,or e-mail them, just to make sure you didnt make a mistake?It wouldnt hurt to ask !
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 10:28 am:   

The info I obtained was from the website specific for the UK. When I went to the post office, they took it without problem. I think it all depends on the person. The clerk didn't even measure it! Others are much more difficult to deal with.

mk
Fingersmcoy
Username: Fingersmcoy

Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 3:54 pm:   

Your correct MK! Same sort of thing happened to me also. The clerk even question herself and decided the measurements were ok lol!
Texasbob
Username: Texasbob

Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 6:00 pm:   

well guys,
I just happen to work for the good ol usps,and am currently as a window clerk. If you have specific questions for specific countries I will get you the OFFICIAL REQUIRMENTS for that country. Please keep in mind that treaties with the different countries do change from time to time. There are size and weight restrictions that are different for each country. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THAT WINDOW CLERK NOT TO HAVE MEASURED THAT GUITAR. I hope this will help you guys out. Bob
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 9:03 pm:   

I measured the guitar at 104 inches, just less than the 108 inch limit, however, if I read the USPS website regarding EMS to the UK, the limit is 79, not 108. The clerk (a) said the limit was 108, (b) took my word that is was less than 108 and (c) didn't even think about the size limitation until I asked him about it.

What is the 'official' EMS size limit to the UK?

mk
Texasbob
Username: Texasbob

Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 9:39 pm:   

the OFFICIAL EMS SIZE LIMITS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(not guaranteed but typically 3-5 business days)
LENGTH= 36 INCHES
MAX LENGTH AND GIRTH COMBINED = 79 INCHES
WEIGHT = 66 POUNDS
MAX INSURANCE = USD 5000

OFFICIAL GLOBAL EXPRESS GUARANTEED EXPRESS :
MAX LENGTH= 46 INCHES
MAX WIDTH = 35 INCHES
MAX HEIGTH = 46 INCHES
MAX LENGTH AND GIRTH COMBINES = 108 INCHES
MAX WEIGHT = 70 POUNDS
MAX INSURANCE = USD 2499

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, THE ABOVE IS TWO DIFFERENT SERVICES, THE WINDOW CLERK YOU SAW OBVIOUSLY DIDNT KNOW THAT. ALSO THERE IS AIRMAIL PARCEL POST AND ECONOMY (SURFACE) PARCEL POST AVAILABLE.
This is what i found for the UNITED KINGDOM.
I hope this will help,
Bob
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 9:45 am:   

Bob:

That's consistent with what I found - the clerk made a mistake.

Based on the guitar box dimensions and weight, it would have cost $250 via Global Express Guaranteed Express!! - too expensive!

EMS is no good due to the 79" limit.

Therefore, Parcel Post is the only choice, however, it has an insurance limit of $857, which is not enough.

UPS & FedEx are too expensive.

What to do??

mk
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 9:47 am:   

Bob:

One more question. Since the guitar was shipped via EMS, will it actually make it or will it get sent back because it's oversized?

mk
Texasbob
Username: Texasbob

Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 1:31 pm:   

MK,
I expect it to make it just fine. Why?
Because the USPS is more concerned with on time delivery of express mail, that all along the route it will be hurried along to make the next flight. Also the usps has entered into contract with UPS, FEDEX AND DHL to fly our express mail so we dont have to worry about commercial flights that have been delayed, etc.
The gauranteed service for international mail is a somewhat of a new service, so i'm sure it is not being looked at that closely. If it has EXPRESS MARKINGS, IT WILL GO, CERTAINLY THIS TIME OF YEAR.
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Sunday, December 17, 2006 - 5:19 pm:   

ok - thanks. I just didn't want someone to catch that it was oversized and not allow it to go through.

so...what to do next time???

mk

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