An Post to Europe

Discodog

I have sent a few packages to Europe & notice that most show at Dublin mail centre & then at the destination. A couple have gone via Heathrow & they always seem to take longer. They also get a different number prefix. The Heathrow ones get a CB prefix but the Dublin ones get a RL prefix even to the same destination.

Does anyone know why ?

ED E

RA-RZ Letter post: registered, but not insured delivery. The use of RZ requires bilateral agreement.

CA-CZ Parcel post; the use of CZ requires bilateral agreement. It is not required to use CV for insured parcels but if the service indicator CV is used, then it is recommended that it be used only on insured parcels.

What you're seeing in effect is the difference between courier service and postal service.

Discodog

Is that the difference between what Anpost call & Packet versus a Parcel ? Or is it defined by what the carrier is used at the other end ?

ED E

Exactly.

On our side Packet and Letter = Mail Man = Public Service. Parcel = Van = Private Business. This matches to the classifications used by the receiving national carrier.