Talk:Surface mail/USPS international surface mail

In 2007, the US Postal Service discontinued its outbound international surface mail ("sea mail") service, mainly because of increased costs. Returned undeliverable surface parcels had become an expensive problem for the USPS. The discontinuation has been criticized by independent booksellers, by other small businesses which ship internationally, by the Peace Corps, and by military personnel. Domestic surface mail (now "Retail Ground" or "Commercial Parcel Select") remains available.

Alternatives to international surface mail include:


 * International Surface Air Lift. This service is available to commercial senders only. The service includes neither tracking nor insurance; but it may be possible to purchase shipping insurance from a third-party company.
 * USPS Commercial ePacket. This service is available to commercial senders only. The service is trackable.
 * Ordinary first-class international airmail.