USA Order Delays

This appears to be a growing concern for myself and other shops sending orders into the USA. I've currently got at least 5 orders "MIA" since the beginning of this year, which isn't a lot compared to what some shop owners are dealing with, however for me that is still quite substantial.

In case you don't know, US customs have changed how they handle international mail since November and this is causing rather a lot of delays in getting orders to customers there. I just wanted to point out the current information concerning this problem direct from the Royal Mail website:

Update Feb 15 2011
The United States Department of Homeland Security is continuing to require increased security measures for items carried on passenger airlines. As a result, some mail entering the US from around the world, and including the UK, that would normally be sent via passenger aircraft must now travel by other means, including ships and cargo planes.
Most items, including personal letters and cards, magazines, CDs, DVDs and lightweight packets, will be delivered in the US within a few days of posting. However, there are delays of about two weeks for some heavier packets. These delays are currently affecting stamped items, franked items, and items posted under contract, with the exception of Destination Sort and/or M-Bag items.

Royal Mail is very sorry for these unavoidable delays. We have implemented a number of contingency plans to ensure as much of our customers’ mail reaches the US as quickly as possible and are continuing to work to minimise disruption to our customers, whilst ensuring we comply fully with the US directives and regulations.

So while I'm sending out orders ASAP, after they have left me it is out of my hands on how long they take to arrive. I have placed a message on the etsy shop to let customers know about the delays.

It's hugely frustrating to me, because I get a lot of custom from the US so I hope this doesn't frighten people off. I'm hoping that a better outcome will be reached soon!