[Milsurplus] International Trade..

[pete williams]

 G'day... mail charges don't help us  here in OZ with stuff   from USA... a 6 lb13.3 ozs 
just arrived in 5 days, but with a post  chargeof $45 incl insurance... The  item only 
cost $50 but the  question has to be  asked- was the  transaction worth it ?-- like 
beauty, it's in the  eye of the  beholder--- if you've GOT to have it the  answer's 
obvious..
My info re  Postal Charges is that US Govt  sources were having difficulty in  checking 
security on posted items coming via  sea  routes  Air shipments  easier to  control with, 
presumably, security checking  equipment more  effectively deployed.
Our post still offers  surface mail with respectable rates(comparatively)
Airfreight is complicated with a  variety of charges at each end adding to the  cost--  
having to  go to the  airport to collect is a pain as we all don't live in  the major 
city entry ports.
Roll on cheap international airfares..almost at the  stage of  getting a return ticket 
and we can get to  bringing the item back in a bag after chucking out the  socks in the 
departure lounge- excess baggage  costs not  withstanding! Be nice to your maiden aunts 
too--- they might be planning a retirement trip and for a  consideration...... !
 In the interim, keep the  crying towel handy.!
Cheers
Pete VK 3IZ


Pete D..Williams
METUNG, 3904
AUSTRALIA
jupete at bigpond.net.au