Mail Forwarding
By Dave and Jaja

This week SetSail asked our cruising contributors about mail forwarding.

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Dear SetSail:

We have been relying on family to collect our mail for years. I can't say it is an ideal situation, but it works most of the time.

We do not have many bills, so our mail is not such a big problem. Our VISA card is a debit type card. We have set up a program with our bank so that as soon as the card is used (either ATM or in a store) it debits our account automatically. We have a proper Mastercard credit card and if we have to use it I call Mastercard and verbally give them a check number and the amount--ASAP. Then I make a follow up call to make certain there is no outstanding balance.

Some of the magazines we write for will do a direct deposit into our account. This is very easy.

My brother-in-law is an accountant and he does our taxes.

If your mail is forwarded to you in a big lump, it always pays to have it sent by courier. ALWAYS. Regular mail is unpredictable. Couriers are nearly foolproof. And in a cruising situation, fast is a prerequisite. Even if the postage costs 50 dollars it is cheaper, in the long run, than trying to find lost mail,(i.e. recreate lost bills, find out if a magazine has sent a profitable contract to sign, or maybe find out if any rich relatives sent you a big check for your birthday.) Lost mail is a curse.

Be very careful not to give a post office address for a courier. They must have a street address. I know this sounds like a no brainer these days, but the mistake is still made. (I once specified some mail be sent regular airmail post to my PO Box. The business in question sent it Fed Ex 'cause they thought it would be safer. It took 6 weeks to finally get the document.) Be specific with your demands and explain why it must be done such and such a way. Do not assume it will get done right.

If you are overseas it pays to do little research as to who is the best courier to use. Just ask any business who they rely on. Last year in Canada UPS surcharged 50 dollars for a custom clearance. Fed Ex was free. Sometimes, couriers do not reach small places. In this case the overnight US postal service style delivery might work best. Remember, always research what U.S. service will work in an overseas town.

Good luck. Dave and Jaja.