> Mike, not to open a can of worms, but I have a question: Would the China
> Post rates to us be the same from every area of China? Would the rates from
> Kunming be different from the rates from Shanghai or Guangzhou? Just asking.
>
> Michael

Yes Michael they can be different, thats what I meant when I talked
about surcharges based on "City of Origin". There is no difference
based on destination, USA is USA as far they are concerned, the only
differences are based on "City of Origin".

> However I have seen small differences due to
> surcharges based on "City of Origin". In other words Guangzhou might
> be a little different, not much, than Kunming. I have yet to find an
> online publication of these surcharges.

The other thing to consider, although Jim obviousley hasnt, is that
China Post offers discounts based on shipping volume, much like UPS
does here. In other words if you ship more than X in a month you will
get X discount, if you ship more than Y in a month then you will get Y
discount etc. Several vendors I have worked told me of getting
qualified for these discounts. That is probably why he had a few BOLs
that were below the published rates. Howvever until you get the first
quote from a vendor you cant count on them being qualified for the
discount, so I always use their published rate as that is the worst
case scenerio.

Mike