Mail forwarding service suggestions?

[wildhitsuji]

I'm looking for an affordable service which will hold my mail for me, then ship it to various destinations as I reach them (west coast/Mexico/Hawaii being the most likely). Doesn't need to be an international or business-type arrangement, just a way to get personal letters and packages once I am permanently detached from land. Anyone have ideas?

[AnchorageGuy]

we have been using NATO in Sarasota Floriduh for about 15 years and they are excellent and very experienced with cruisers needs.

[Hud3]

We use St Brendan's Isle, in Green Cove Springs, FL. Very personal service--they will take care of whatever your needs are.

Mail Forwarding Services at St Brendan's Isle

[windsaloft]

Second for Brendan's Isle --- check out their new "all digital" approach to dealing with your mail. Wow. They do tons more than mail, too, and are insanely organized and responsive. And, quite affordable.

[svcattales]

I've used Voyagers mail service in Islamorada, Fl for 10 years and have been very happy with the service. Very personalized service and never lost any shipments.

[pushybroad]

They will both hold, and forward your mail to where you like, nationally or internationally. I have friends cruising from the Bay Area to Mexico who swear by it.

cheers
Lori

[RaptorDance]

We've been cruising in Canada, the US and Mexico for the last 4 years.

St. Brendan's Isle is the most reliable we've found. Unlike many of the other services, they actually understand the process and paperwork to get stuff to you worldwide. In 4 years, we've never had a package go missing (we get on average a monthly shipment).

SBI generally use DHL in Mexico, who's much more reliable and generally a little cheaper than UPS. Many of our friends who have used other services (especially UPS) have had packages get stuck in customs or just go missing.

One problem though... no matter who you use, a shipment of monthly mail (say 5 to 10 pounds) will cost you something around $150 US!

Regards,
Bill Finkelstein
SV Raptor Dance
SV Raptor Dance - Mary Mack & Bill Finkelstein's Valiant 50

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by RaptorDance

One problem though... no matter who you use, a shipment of monthly mail (say 5 to 10 pounds) will cost you something around $150 US!

EGADS!

There goes the [beer] kitty.

More reason to cut more ties.............

[Bella Sera]

In addition to the various mail forwarding services, you might want to first check with your local Post Office. Mine understood the term "Snow Bird" and was more than willing to hold my mail, then forward to General Delivery when I called them and told them where I was (or was planning to be).....I left them funds in advance (paid for postage only), but could have used credit card when I called if needed. Worked great along the ICW and in the Bahamas.

[waterworldly]

I happen to be in the mailbox/forwarding business (although not for long!) and have many clients that receive their finanical mail etc and then we forward it once a month. If you "clean" your mail by not using a postal forwarding, just notifiy all those that your NEED, your mail monthly will only cost about $35 via FEDEX almost anywhere in the world. Most finanical services companies allow you to op out of their mailings for an on line statement. I sent to a rather robust receiver in Mexico every month and the cost is always around $30. If you use UPS it is a flat rate for as much as you can stuff in the envelope. Another money saver is to open your own account on line and have the forwarding service us that instead of their account. This is done by having FEDEX send preprinted airbills directly to you. I

[Randyonr3]

St. Brendan's Isle has taken a new aproch to forwarding your mail.. they photo your envelopes and you chose which you want forwarded. you can also opt to have the mail opened and they will photo the pages for you to read on-line..and all within 24 hours.
Its not just a mail forward, its a cruiser management company as they will pay your bills, collect your money, make deposits, prepare paperwork and what I think is
the best they have to offer..
They manage your yearly documentation paperwork..
Randy