whats the difference between EMS and FEDEX ?

if some one shipped me a few games from U.S to England, whats the diff between them.
Is one better than the other and how? and whats the rate for items going missing for both ?

EMS is a service of the USPS, while FedEx is a private shipping company. Personally, I like FedEx and UPS better than USPS, but I'm in the minority.

what about things going missing and which one is more expensive, I assume its FEDEX ?

I have tested both system for USA->France shipping and I have not seen any differences. Both are good.

OK as the games are quite expensive and I won't put the full value I would like 2 know all u see ? but thanks for the added info Bobby

Fed Ex is more expensive in my previous shipments.

Which has a higher loss of packages? Can't answer that one, and I doubt you'll get anyone with any real info on this.

I've received literally 100s of EMS packages and only ever had 1 damaged. Seems like a good service to me personally.

Fed Ex, because of the expense, doesn't see much use from me. I've received a bunch of packages and never had one damaged, so take that for what it's worth.

EMS ships 365 days a year (at least in the US). Sunday and Holiday delivery is free, it all just depends on when the package gets to the local distribution point. Fed Ex charges for this service.

UPS, even though you didn't state it as an option, has almost always delivered a package that looks like shit. Rarely are the contents damaged, but I can definitely see how they could easily be damaged.

EMS is handled by the Post Office in the US, but it is handled by the post office or a 3rd party in other countries. I believe the UK uses a 3rd party, not their postal system.

EMS is usually pretty damn fast as well, with packages from Japan reaching me in MD in 3-5 days, usually 4 days.

Although I use EMS for many overseas shipments, there is one big problem with it going to Europe from the US: most of the time the carriers don't scan/update the tracking info. As has been said, the US mail carrier is no longer carrying it outside of the US so the new carrier may or may not "respect" the tracking info. FedEx packages are always carried by FedEx employees (actually, in the US, the USPS is delivering some FedEx stuff, go figure) so you have a bit more reassurance that it's going to get there.

In summary, I haven't had any issues with EMS packages being damaged or lost, but FedEx, while more expensive, is probably more reliable.

D-Lite said:

Although I use EMS for many overseas shipments, there is one big problem with it going to Europe from the US: most of the time the carriers don't scan/update the tracking info. As has been said, the US mail carrier is no longer carrying it outside of the US so the new carrier may or may not "respect" the tracking info. FedEx packages are always carried by FedEx employees (actually, in the US, the USPS is delivering some FedEx stuff, go figure) so you have a bit more reassurance that it's going to get there.

In summary, I haven't had any issues with EMS packages being damaged or lost, but FedEx, while more expensive, is probably more reliable.

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Yeah, that's a good point.

almost all EMS shipments are picked up by Parcelforce in the UK. I have never received any damaged, and none have been lost either.

I personally have never had any problems with Parcelforce updating tracking info on shipments.

The only problem I have with EMS packages is that the post office returns them to the regional depot if you're not in when they try to deliver. I then have to phone up, get them to drop it at my local depot, go and pick it up and get charged 50p for the privilage. Guess thats what you get for living in the UK.