While on my flight to the UK (I'm British) I realised I hadn't brought a document that I need to be able to get back on my flight home to the US. I bought express 3-5 day shipping and had my neighbour mail it for me. Parcelforce accepted it but there was no movement. After a few days, I called. The assistants said there was no way they could even speak to the customs team to find out if there was an issue - and the supervisor on duty flatly refused to speak with me. It was eventually released and a day later - as the rest of my family flew home - I received notice it was delivered. But... not to my house. And Parcelforce themselves have no record of where it might have ended up as the delivery person did not get a signature or scan it. It's another day later, and another day closer to losing another $1800 flight home and I've been waiting for someone on their service line to answer the phone for.. 1 hour and 6 minutes now.
Recommendation: Go with a private courier - they just aren't set up to care