Does mail still go by ship from us to uk

A great question about the history of international mail!

Yes, mail can still be sent by ship from the United States to the United Kingdom, although it's not as common as it was in the past. Here's a brief overview:

Historical context: Prior to the mid-20th century, mail between the US and UK was primarily transported by ship. The first transatlantic mail service was established in 1847, with the Cunard Line's RMS Britannia carrying mail between Liverpool and Boston. The service was later expanded to include other routes and steamship lines.

Modern era: With the advent of air travel and the development of modern postal services, air mail became the primary method of transporting mail between the US and UK. In the 1950s and 1960s, air mail services like Pan American World Airways and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) dominated the market.

Current situation: While air mail remains the fastest and most common method of sending mail between the US and UK, some postal services still offer oceanic mail services. Here are a few examples:

  1. USPS (United States Postal Service): The USPS offers a "Surface Mail" service, which can take 6-8 weeks to reach the UK. This service is generally cheaper than air mail but slower.
  2. Royal Mail: The UK's Royal Mail offers a "Sea Mail" service, which can take 6-12 weeks to reach the US. This service is also slower and cheaper than air mail.
  3. Private courier services: Some private courier services, like DHL and UPS, may use a combination of air and sea transportation for certain routes, including the US-UK corridor.

Why choose oceanic mail? While oceanic mail is slower than air mail, it can be a more cost-effective option for sending lighter packages or documents. Additionally, some postal services may offer special services, such as tracking and insurance, for oceanic mail.

In summary, while air mail is the dominant method of sending mail between the US and UK, oceanic mail services are still available for those who prefer a slower, more cost-effective option.