Just thought I'd share our recent experience:
We just shipped over 4 boxes of clothes and a some other household items. We had planned on sending them airmail parcel post, but when we got to the post office, the clerk told us that for just a few dollars more, we could ship them Global express and get a tracking number and insurance.
The boxes were sent out on Tuesday, 20 March and we just heard today (Friday, 23 March) that they arrived safely at our cousin's house near B'ham! What service! The postal clerk told us to wait 3-4 days to check the tracking numbers online, and we hadn't even gotten there yet!
It wasn't cheap, but I'm sure the price was probably comparable to UPS or DHL. Our heaviest box was 35 lbs (DH's hand tools for work).
We only had to fill out the form at the post office for customs (2976-A), but we were fairly detailed on the box. We wrote "used personal articles", and then things like "linens, towels, overcoat, women's tops, etc." General, but sort of specific. Just trying to avoid any problems at customs.
I have to say that we're extremely pleased with the experience! The hardest part was figuring out what to send...
