More Freedom being taken away? Mailing something overseas now being store in a data base?

[lookingfortruth]

Okay My husband was sending out a couple CDs to two people 1 in the united states and the other to Canada.

When he got to the clerk and handed him the U.S. envelope first no problem guy weighted it label it (punch in zip code computer spit out tracking bar code.) no problem. Husband hands the Canadian envelope to the clerk who then started placing ALL the information on the envelope into the computer. Husband said "Your joking right?" Clerk was like "No, use to we just did it with priority mail Now it is with all first class mail leaving the country." Hubby put first initial down last name and the guy ask what his first name was.

So basically by this action are they tracking WHO you are sending packages/letters too and how often?

[drm604]

1. Can you just drop it in a mailbox with no return address?

[lookingfortruth]

2. With overseas mail and packages EVERYTHING needs to be weighed because each country has a different

distance and how it is shipped. Plus it is air mail so you can't just put a first class stamp on it even though it is canada.

[thatgemguy]

3. I buy things on eBay.

We often get things from Canada, India, Indonesia, and other places around the world. (My wife and I are big Bollywood movie fans.) I've noticed that the postal carrier will not leave the item from out of the country, without a signature. If I am not home, I have to pick up the parcel at the post office, we live in a rural area.

[Ednahilda]

4. I mail things overseas all the time.

Mostly to Germany, the U.K. and Scandinavia. On letters, domestic or international, I don't put a return address. I have a box full of nifty seasonal stickers that I buy at the dollar store and I stick one on in lieu of the return address. Because there's something in the corner, clerks don't notice that there isn't actually an address there.

When I send a package, I use my absolutely worst handwriting to cryptically fill out the customs label. Just a scribbled last name and the bare bones address (street but no house number, etc.). I also use the decorative stickers on packages, too, especially at the holiday season. So far, I've never been called on it. It is possible that I can do this because everyone at the P.O. knows me - I'm in there all the time - and I chat and joke with them. I don't appear to be a threat, which I'm not.

[FarCenter]

5. Canada Post -- Customs Requirements

http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGcustoms-e.asp

When you mail something to Canada, you are engaged in international trade and subject to the customs requirements of both the exporting country (USA) and the importing country (Canada). Ours are no doubt more onerous than theirs.

[lookingfortruth]

6. Went back to the post office: Guy at counter told me he doesn't know why they are asking this of

mail being sent but it started MONDAY 11TH. I am waiting for the Post master of my town to return my phone call.

They are taking the names and address of both mailer and mail-ee and what the package was.


I personally do not like this "BIG BROTHER STEP" to me it is invading my privacy and I will be making about this.