John Larkin wrote:
So the Chinese set the rate that they pay to have the USPS deliver stuff? No
wonder they often include free shipping!

The International Postal Union sets the rates between members by treaty.

The local post offices are free to charge whatever they want to their
customers.

About 5 years ago, the USPS decided to make a cash cow out of foreign
shipping. They dropped surface mail, and did a survey of competitor's prices.
Then they set their rates to half of the average price of using a
competitor, e.g. FEDEX or DHL.

The figured it was low enough for anyone who really wanted to ship something
cheaply to use them, and not so high that they would go to a competitor.

There is very tough cometition in the bulk mail, both letters and packages
business, but none in the one time letter or package business. The courier
services don't want to pick up one package at a time, and charge accordingly.

Geoff.

--
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, N3OWJ/4X1GM/KBUH7245/KBUW5379
Gung Hay Fat Choy! (May the new year be prosperous).