Global Express Mail™ (GEM) European Expansion

Effective March 29, 2003, the Postal Service is expanding its contract with Royal Mail Group’s Pan-European parcel delivery company, General Logistics System (GLS), for delivery of Global Express Mail (GEM) to 8 European countries. The contract will improve service and delivery times, as well as track and trace capabilities.

Current Royal Mail GLS Countries
Austria                  Denmark
Germany               France
Netherlands           Sweden

Expansion Royal Mail GLS Countries
Belgium                Malta
Italy                      San Morino
Luxembourg          Switzerland
Liechtenstein         Vatican City

GLS does not deliver GEM items in Andorra, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, nd Portugal. Postal administrations deliver GEM items in all other European countries.

The Postal Service entered into the agreement with Royal Mail/GLS to create a new model for postal delivery in Europe, using a single delivery agent to improve service delivery and tracking while maintaining current low rates. The Postal Service’s decision to expand the agreement with Royal Mail/GLS is a direct result of improved scanning, tracking, and delivery times offered by Royal Mail/GLS for delivery of Global Express Mail and Global Airmail Parcel Post in Europe. Royal Mail/GLS has demonstrated its ability to scan package information from acceptance through dispatch, arrival at the foreign country, in and out of customs, and delivery. The agreement will also reduce existing administrative fees for GLS European countries from 17 to 9.50 Euros.

Global Express Mail is a good bargain for businesses and consumers looking for speedy delivery at an affordable price. Customers can also get service volume rate discounts by opening an Express Mail Corporate Account. Additional discounts are available through the Global Package Discount program and through the International Customized Mail agreement program.

Royal Mail/GLS also delivers Global Airmail Parcel Post for the Postal Service in 22 European countries. This service to Europe is part of a continuing plan by the Postal Service to provide reliable and affordable international mail services to meet the rapidly expanding global needs of its customers.

For more information about this service or other international services offered by the Postal Service, go to www.usps.com/global. The website provides a world of information on customs forms, fees, and taxation. It includes a postage rate calculator, information on mail preparation, addressing, business tips, and, of course, it allows you to track electronically all your Global Express Mail shipments.

GEM highlights

GEM service is designed to be delivered in 3 to 5 business days, depending on origin and destination, to more than 190 countries, with prices to Europe starting at $17.00.

Online options enable customers to print labels, pay postage, arrange pick-up service, and order supplies. For more information, visit www.usps.com (click on Send Mail & Packages, then scroll down and click on International Delivery Options, then Go under either “Send Mail” or “Send Packages,” and then Global Express Mail) or call 1-800-222-1811.

Customer Opportunities

The agreement with Royal Mail/GLS will provide improved service at the same low price with increased tracking capabilities. All GEM items can be tracked online at www.usps.com. Just click on Track & Confirm and then enter the label number.

A discount program is available for Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) holders. All EMCA holders will receive a minimum 5 percent discount off Global Express Mail rates. Mailers who ship at least 600 pieces or spend $12,000 in annual postage are eligible for greater discounts as part of the Global Package Discount and International Customized Mail agreement program.

All GEM items are automatically insured against loss, damage, or rifling for up to $100 at no extra cost. Additional insurance is available up to $5,000 in value ($1 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof).

Customs, Fees, and Taxes

Each destination country charges customs and administrative fees on shipments containing dutiable items. General customs information is available online at www.usps.com/global/customs/htm. For information about specific destination countries, go to www.wcoomd.org, or go to the destination country Web site. For Postal Service customs information, refer to International Mail Manual (IMM) Section 123.

Global Express Mail (GEM) European Royal Mail/GLS Expansion Requirements for All Countries

• Maximum weight: 70 pounds
• Maximum length: 79 inches
• Maximum length and girth combined: 108 inches
• Delivery cannot be made to Post Office Boxes.
• A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided.
• An invoice, in duplicate, is required for all commercial shipments regardless of value and for all personal shipments valued at $300 or more.
• The invoices must be affixed to the outside of the parcel or may be enclosed in PS Form 2976-E with the customs declaration.

Changes and Additions

• Return receipt service for Global Express Mail items is no longer available to Belgium, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
• Two new countries have been added to Global Express Mail service: San Marino and Vatican City.

Rates

Global Express Mail
Rate Group 6
Countries: France and Luxembourg

          For each additional pound or fraction: add $3.10
                    Maximum weight: 70 pounds
Note: Only the weight limit is changed. Rates are unchanged.

Global Express Mail
Rate Group 7
Countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Malta, Netherlands, San Morino, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City

          For each additional pound or fraction: add $3.10
                    Maximum weight: 70 pounds
Note: Only the weight limit is changed. Rates are unchanged.