[Elecraft] US Postal Service Express Mail to UK - rubbish!

[Dave G4AON]

Recently I ordered an item from the USA and specified USPS International 
Express Mail, I'm sure I've used that service in the past for Elecraft 
bits and kits. One memorable occasion resulted in a delivery four days 
after placing the order. Sadly, it seems the system has deteriorated as 
follows (from USPS tracking):

Attempted Delivery Abroad, October 27, 2007, 9:25 am, GREAT BRITAIN
 Out of Foreign Customs, October 26, 2007, 5:11 am, GREAT BRITAIN
 Into Foreign Customs, October 23, 2007, 5:33 pm, GREAT BRITAIN
 Arrived Abroad, October 23, 2007, 5:13 pm, GREAT BRITAIN
 International Dispatch, October 18, 2007, 2:18 pm, O'HARE APT/CHICAGO
 Processed, October 18, 2007, 11:49 am, CHICAGO, IL 60666
 Processed, October 17, 2007, 6:35 pm, DETROIT, MI 48242
 Electronic Shipping Info Received, October 17, 2007

I don't know what "attempted delivery abroad" on Saturday 27th means, no 
attempt to deliver here and nothing so far on Monday by 1720 hours local 
time. I might have to alter my K3 order to UPS delivery at this rate!

73 Dave G4AON