[waiting4katie]

Hi, I think I have learned my first lesson on the paper chase...I mailed my first agency fees, and certified documents first class, certified receipt on April 15th from Ohio and they still have not arrived in CO and it is April 25th...is this normal? Is there a preferred carrier I should be using? Any other suggestions in mailing to prevent any headaches? I would appreciate ANY advice...
Thanks! ~ Kim

[seanbeck]

Kim- We use fed-ex because that's what our agency gave us to use, and we sent it overnight. It's more expensive that way, but more peace of mind for me. Does the certified receipt offer tracking? I would definitley get something that you can track, whatever you use.

Hope your envelope gets there today or tomorrow!

[waiting4katie]

Hi Becky, yes, it does provide tracking but only if it has been scanned. I am checking daily (okay, numerous times a day!) and it just tells me it was accepted in my home town on the 15th...my P.O. is concerned but the govt 1-800 number says it could take up to one more week...here come the gray hairs! I guess it is time to ask the Big Guy for help!
Thanks for the info! ~ Kim

[KDhappygal]

We also use FedEx for anything really important. We used regular postal services for our first application fee too. From CA to CO took well over 10 days. I was very surprised that the postal service was so slow.

[cfc]

sometimes if it isn't something you really want to be there the very next day, but you still want the protection of fed ex tracking you can do their express saver, it almost always gets there faster than in the 3 days it promises and saves quite a bit off the normal fed ex cost of overnight.

[specialk4b]

Many people here advised us to set up a FedEx account. That was the best advice! I can prepare labels on the computer and track them at all times. You even get a discount if you use the online service!

First class mail really doesn't offer the ability see where your package is between mailing and receipt.

[CoatAnnHat]

You can set up a fed ex acct online by using your credit card. I only went into the fed ex store once and that was to pick up a bunch of airbills and envelopes to keep at home. You can look up online where they have manned fed ex stores and where there are free standing drop boxes (kinda like a mail box on a corner) I have a drop box right around the corner from me and it was VERY convenient.
I stalked the fed ex tracking site daily!

[TaraL]

I overnighted everything important (which to me was everything as I have no trust in any other type of mail) through the US postal service. You can track it and it was much cheaper than Fedex. I never had a problem. The postal service did offer 2 adn 3 day service which was also trackable and just as good. Again, its all much cheaper than Fedex (who I felt were way too expensive). I live in PA and also had an agency in CO so doing trackable mail was a must.

[kimmie11]

I used the USPS Express mail for everything and have no complaints.I was able to track the mail and it usually arrived way before the scheduled time. I guess its just a question of preference

[L_M_D]

Hi!

I know I am "going against the usual grain" here, because we used the US post Office Overnight Express Mail. It cost about $13.25 for each mailing, but it had a tracking number and always arrived the next day to the destination as promised.

Many people use Fed Ex, but I have had had problems with them in the past and decided to give uncle Sam the benefit of the doubt. He did fine!

Laura
DH Jim
LID July 13

[TaraL]

I agree Laura. If I am not mistaken it is like double the cost to send something overnight with Fedex. I found the USPS very reliable and with a reasonable cost.

[CoatAnnHat]

There is more than one way to fed ex overnight. There is overnight priority where it will get there first thing in the morning and then overnight standard which will get there by 3pm. I sent everything standard overnight and it cost me anywhere from $8-$18.

[waiting4katie]

Well...it finally arrived! Sent 4/15 and arrived 4/28! Thank you, to everyone for the advice...I will not be sending first class anymore, that much I do know! ~ Kim