How to Choose a Mail Forwarding Agency

Introduction

Have you ever tried unsuccessfully to get mail delivered to your address outside of the US? Some US stores simply won't deliver to you. Perhaps you are working outside the US, or you are a frequent international traveler, or even on a world cruise. For you, and many people like you who want to receive mail at a US mailing address and have that mail sent to you at your address outside the US, you'll be faced with the challenge of how to reliably get your mail.

You could try a US PO Box, but how will you get the mail, and many shippers don't deliver to PO Boxes. You could ask some unsuspecting soul to take care of your mail forwarding for you. Yet, even your most reliable friends and family may slack off the task of monitoring your mailbox, or contemplating whether or not to send you that latest issue of Time Magazine, not to mention your bills and various other items that may, or may not be junk mail. Then watch out for those high shipping charges.

If this sounds like you, then you're probably in the market for a mail forwarding service. A quick web search will reveal a variety of services ready and willing to handle all of these hassles for you.

How it Works

Mail forwarding services provide you with a US based street address for the receipt of your mail. These services then provide you with a means to request those items be shipped to you. Depending on the weight, size and how fast you want to get your mail will determine how much it costs you. Some mail forwarding services let you control what gets sent and others just send it all. These services typically charge a setup fee, an annual or monthly fee and some fees for your shipping. Understanding what you get for these fees can make the difference in which service you choose.

Keep in mind no matter who you use, you'll still be responsible for any customs, taxes, or tariffs and each country has restrictions on what items can be shipped to you.

Making the selection

We examined 5 mail forwarding services, Access US, Mail Forwarding Network, SkyBox, USA Box and Voyagers Service. First we looked at their basic services and rates. Then we compared them based on the cost to receive one 4.55 Kg (10 lb.) express package per month delivered to Brazil, Canada, England, Japan and Singapore. We also looked at the extra goodies that might help you choose the right service for your needs. The rates vary from country to country so it's best to go to each site and look for the rate for your country.

Our Pick

With a good range of service options, the best shipping rates and the most control over what gets sent to you, or pick for the top international mail forwarding service is USA Box. Read more to find out why…