We are currently experiencing some delays with deliveries to the US due to extra security measures imposed by the US and the bad weather. Because of this, unfortunately we cannot predict likely delivery times, although many packages remain unaffected.
Royal Mail gives the following explanation:
USA
Start date: 18th November 2010
End date: Ongoing
Update 28th January 2011:
The United States Department of Homeland Security is continuing to require
increased security measures for items carried on passenger airlines. As a
result, some mail entering the US from around the world, and including the
UK, that would normally be sent via passenger aircraft must now travel by
other means, including ships and cargo planes.
Most items, including personal letters and cards, magazines, CDs, DVDs and
lightweight packets, will be delivered in the US within a few days of
posting. However, there are delays of about two weeks for some heavier
packets. These delays are currently affecting stamped items, franked items,
and items posted under contract, with the exception of Destination Sort
and/or M-Bag* items.
Royal Mail is very sorry for these unavoidable delays. We have implemented a
number of contingency plans to ensure as much of our customers’ mail reaches
the US as quickly as possible and are continuing to work to minimise
disruption to our customers, whilst ensuring we comply fully with the US
directives and regulations.
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USA - North America
Start date: 1st February 2011
End date:
Winter storms have again hit the United States with severe weather
conditions impacting the following cities/areas: Tulsa, Kansas, Des Moines,
St Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York
and Boston.
As a result, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is declaring a Force
Majeure. This latest storm has affected all inbound and outbound mail
flows, including collection and delivery in the affected areas. Several
airports have already been closed and hundreds of flights cancelled. This
same weather has also resulted in severe thunderstorms with damaging gusts
towards the south, along the Mississippi-Alabama line, and from south-east
Louisiana into west-central and south west Georgia and the Florida
panhandle; the damage in these areas is still being assessed. Because the
weather front moved further north, the Washington DC area was not affected.
The USPS international service centres in Chicago and New York will be
unable to carry out receipt or dispatch operations to or from the areas
impacted.
