Way back in April I made a pretty substantial order (pretty big for a hobbyist like myself) from Alpha Knife Supply and Tru Grit Abrasives. It was about $500 USD. I had it shipped to my PO box in Niagara Falls NY where I would normally pop across the boarder to pick it up. I really wasn't expecting the boarder shut down to last as long as it has and the way things are progressing, I now see it lasting well into the new year. Who knows if I'll ever see that order again. I used up what steel I had but have been dead in the water for months. Finally broke down and made a second order, this time to be shipped directly to my home. Belts from CDN knife maker and steel from Alpha. My shipping went from $28 USD (when normally shipped to NY) to $268 US from Alpha. I've been getting a lot of requests lately and as my shop isn't heated, I only have a month or so of good weather to get making again. Oh well, if that's the worst thing to happen to me during this pandemic I'll consider myself very lucky.
Lots of suppliers are dropping USPS and going with UPS or Fedex due to shipping delays. Plus USPS has had a substantial rate increase in the last year
The thing I like about the usps is that their brokerage rates are way less than ups. Mind you its been a long time since ive had anything shipped across the boarder so that may have changed. I hate not knowing what I'll be charged at the boarder.
There was a post a while back by @Grouch on how to self clear your incoming shipment and save on brokerage fees. https://canadianknifemaker.ca/index.php?threads/beware-of-shipping-rates-unknown.895/#post-11266 Might be helpful in your situation if you live close to CBSA office. Also check out the how to on Border Bee https://borderbee.com/2014/01/13/how-to-self-clear-your-parcel-with-customs/ Dan
