I could not tell you about registered mail in Oz, however in the US registered is one of the worst and slowest ways to send something. Express fine, signature confirmation fine, Registered not good. The reason is Registered must be kept in a locked security bin and signed for by each employee that moves it. (really) . This slows delivery by days. On top of this it means the package will not get update scanning as often as other trackable mail.

 

Usually you can take that same code and plug it in to Australia post. Often Auspost will provide tracking details before USPS does (within Australia).

They're pretty slow at the moment. Here's one of mine:

Auspost-side doesn't show anything (yet).

 

Isn't priority supposed to be the quicker service too? Mine has been out even longer. Usually there's updates by now. I'm not worried, it's just annoying how "tracking" doesn't actually track much at all.

 

Ah, yes. I always mix up USPS express/priority. I'd actually wanted that one shipped Express, oops.

Fedex is the only company I've had consistent success with. You get what you pay for. When I was doing Aus immigration paperwork a few years ago, they were the only company I'd trust with important documents (that can't be late or missing).

 

For domestic US I occasionally use registered mail. I admit it is slow and not really traceable in real time, and somewhat of a pain to wrap, but it is very safe and sure, and relatively economical. I just sent a $2300 watch to be repaired yesterday for $21. It's not something that needs to be there the next day, or even in a few days...

 

My last registered came from Australia and was lost in the USA for 8 weeks. You can send domestic Express with signature required and it is fast, track-able, and safer in my view.

 

I was just speaking for domestic US shipping. For international I wouldn't use it.