How does post travel France /UK?

[The Riff-Raff Element]

It seems that post 'twixt France and the UK has slowed down dramatically. How exactly does it make the journey I wonder? Is it via the tunnel these days or by air / sea? It just occured to me that with the reduced services at the moment perhaps this is the source of the delay. Anyone out there know?

Thanks,

[dr orloff]

I've had letters from the Inland Revenue that come via Sweden!

[Clarkkent]

I don't know for certain ... but I do recall many years ago visiting the Post Office headquarters near St Pauls. In the international sorting office mail for France was being sorted by French postal districts, even by Paris arrondissements. I was told that most European mail went by air - largely by flag carriers as airfreight. I was told that there is no need to use an airmail sticker since it will go by air anyway.Since then, Royal Mail has largely closed down its rail operation, preferring to use road haulage and a fleet of aircraft based at East Midlands Airport. If the tunnel is involved it will only be as a ferry for road freight.

[Will]

Yes, virtually all mail within Europe goes by air. Large parcels are the only things that go by surface mail - though Royal Mail will tell you that underpaid European mail is delayed because it goes by surface rather than air.

Senders of bulk mailings, like HMRC, frequently use forwarding agents for foreign mail. This often proves both more efficient and more economical, if the agent is in a country with comparatively low postal rates. HMRC uses a forwarding agent based in Malmo for its European mail.

[PaulT]

Several years ago some American friends wanted me to send them over a Belfast sink. I was amazed to discover that air freighting it was much cheaper than going by sea.

Paul

 

[woolybanana]

So it only feels as if it goes via Camel Airlines based in Timbuktu.

Have you noticed how every packet is opened or torn?

[The Riff-Raff Element]

So nothing to do with the channel tunnel then? Shame, I thought that I'd found the answer.

Stuff isn't getting lost, just taking a long time.

Perhaps it's just me.

Thanks anyway,

[woolybanana]

Handling problems at Nantes airport?

[Clair]

Some items sent by Play take under 1 week to arrive and some others take up to 3 weeks, even though they are sent on the same day. There seems to be no sense to it.

[chrisb]

[quote user="woolybanana"]

 

Have you noticed how every packet is opened or torn?

[/quote]

That's just the security services checking up on you WB

[woolybanana]

I did wonder. We Bananas are always harrassed. They made Randy peel once. Wicked little bizzim went back next day for more.