US freight getting dearer or is it just me??

[moree golfer]

I am looking at getting a quote on shipping a pair of shoes from the States and the USPS site says US$42 for a Medium Flat Rate Box. I can't see any other cheaper option with them but I am sure that I haven't paid that much recently, I bought a pair of shoes in April from the US for US$80 delivered. Anyone have a suggestion for a cheaper shipping alternative for a shoebox size parcel (with shoes in it of course!)?

[Russ]

It's expensive because it's a pre-paid flat rate box. You can ship anything in it up to a certain weight. If it's a 5kg maximum box, and your item only weighs 2kg, you still pay the full price.

Sending items in standard packaging, rather than pre-paid, means you only pay for the weight of what you send.

Pre-paids are a great way for the Postal Carriers to make a quick buck (or 10).

[moree golfer]

Gotcha. Thanks Russ. I have asked old mate who is selling the shoes for a quote and will se what he comes back with.

[moree golfer]

I got him to agree to US$37 for a shoe box sixed parcel.