I’ve generally been using the United States Postal Service International Priority mail for shipping to other countries with no problems. Recently though I’ve had a few vanish without a trace. Not totally without a trace: I can track them until they leave the US, but once they’re in the hands of the recipient’s country’s mail system I can’t follow the package.
I’ve looked into UPS and FedEx which can use their own facilities overseas, but the costs are exorbitant. Does anyone (particularly whistle makers) have any good alternatives?
The registered mail option for first class international packages may help there since it provides additional updates and services for shipments (at more cost as you might guess, but still). Here’s the link for information on it:
Did the whistles vanish ‘for real’ as in never reached their destination? I know all about national tracking.. 
I too can follow the parcel until it leaves the US, then it apparently gets a new unique number by (in my case Swedish post)
Never had anything get lost forever though, even if there’s some nail biting days before the stuff re-surfaces..
Paul,
I’ve been using USPS Priority insured for international shipping for many years and haven’t lost one yet. This I have found is by far the cheapest way to ship but realize that many countries won’t insure for the full amount, so usually ship to that country First Class without insurance, which is much cheaper. So far so good on that.
The Priority shipping receipt has a number that they say can be used for tracking, but I’ve not had to use it so good luck with that.
Ronaldo