Guarantees for Priority Mail Express International to China, Hong Kong Temporarily Suspended

Between violent political protests and the recent coronavirus outbreak, China and Hong Kong aren’t exactly the most desirable destinations at the moment. In fact, airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights to both areas. This, in turn, has impacted international packages out for delivery. Due to the widespread cancellation of flights, USPS has temporarily suspended delivery guarantees for Priority Mail Express International to China and Hong Kong.

The Normal Delivery Guarantees for Priority Mail Express International

The delivery guarantee for Priority Mail Express International is anywhere between 3-5 business days. USPS typically relies on international flights in order to meet these service guarantees. In fact, all carriers partner with commercial airlines at one point or another to provide expedited international shipping services.  Of course, this process only occurs when everything in the world is normal. Airlines have already cancelled so many flights to China and Hong Kong, and more cancellations are on the horizon. As a result, it’s currently impossible for the Postal Service to meet these quick timeframe guarantees.

Suspended Delivery Guarantees to China and Hong Kong May Last a While

Unfortunately, USPS insiders don’t currently have an estimate when the normal guarantees for Priority Mail Express International to China and Hong Kong will be reinstated. The flow of international packages is sometimes impacted by geopolitical events and unforeseen circumstances, such as the coronavirus outbreak. Until airlines revert back to their normal schedules, USPS can’t provide guarantees for express packages headed to those two areas.

In the meantime, if your eCommerce business is shipping to any customers located in China or Hong Kong, it would behoove you to set reasonable expectations for delivery.