The UK-based international delivery expert Parcelhero says that America's state-owned United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue to deliver parcels and letters, including those sent from the UK. However, Parcelhero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., warns the shutdown could still have an impact on UK businesses and individuals sending products, gifts and mail to the US.
Says David: 'There were some fears a shutdown could disrupt low-cost UK-US mail deliveries. However while some international couriers, such as Parcelhero, use the USPS for final delivery for certain economy, non-urgent services, these are not being impacted. That's because the USPS is funded through the sales of products (such as stamps) and services, and not directly by the US government. That means deliveries should not be interrupted.
'The USPS has issued a statement, saying: "US Postal Service operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown, and all Post Offices will remain open for business as usual. Because we are an independent entity that is generally funded through the sale of our products and services, and not by tax dollars, our services will not be impacted by a government shutdown."
'The USPS has an unofficial motto chiselled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." It seems that government shutdowns will also not "stay" its deliveries.
'The US Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) said during a recent shutdown scare that "Essential work from agencies such as Customs and Border Protection's cargo processing and inspection at ports, will continue, but functions less essential to day-to-day work but ultimately critical to these agencies' long-term capabilities, like training activities, will be suspended."
'Additionally, many UK products are airfreighted to America, often in the belly hold of passenger services. Delays to passenger flights therefore equal delays to airfreight. "While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure the security of our transportation systems, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports," a US Transportation Security Administration spokesperson told USA Today in December, when a previous shutdown loomed.
'The US is Parcelhero's biggest individual overseas market. For expert advice on UK-US shipping, including Customs information, help for exports and prohibited items details, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/en-gb/international-courier-services/usa-parcel-delivery
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Source: ParcelHero
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