USPS shipping discount. on international mail?

(usps, Not ups)

[kirikara]

Hi everyone,
so I have a very specific biz model that requires me to use USPS for international priority shipping for my widgets.
I have been trying to lower shipping for a long while, it is insane. Volume is not super high (30 parcels a month approx, 2 lbs each)

I tried working with mail forwarders (P. bowes and the likes) that give you bulk ship discount but they dont offer tracking on priority mail like usps does, or they do but at a higher cost than directly with usps.

Yesterday I was doing some research and found express1.
They look like they offer discounted rate on usps too.
However, when I checked their simulated shipments in the software, they come out more expensive that usps online rates.

Anyone knows them? are they good? are they really discounted?
Are you ever able to get more discount on usps than the 5% online discount. My shipments almost cost more than the product iteself..

thanks!

[dpd1]

I'm not really sure how any of the third party people can offer better tracking or anything, seeing as they're basically just using the postal service as well, right? I mean it all comes down to what the actual PO can offer I think... Doesn't it?

[Realbrisk]

Check out Endicia and stamps .com

[kirikara]

Hi thanks, but endicia and stamps.com dont actually offer a discounted rate on usps do they? they just allow to print online easier (which usps does fine)

dpd1: thanks, I dont need better tracking I just want similar tracking than what usps does. and it seems mail forwarder usually dont do tracking at all...strangely

[sleepy_eye]

We use Endicia
Through their software it makes it much quicker to ship which saves time/money but they don't discount shipping. You pay a monthly service fee. Also the tracking info gets pulled from the post office so no better info is available although through Endicias interface makes the job quicker. The tracking info tells you where the pakage has been, not when it will arrive.
Also you can have Endicia email that info to the customer.