preferred method of shipping from the US ?

[Rippin]

Originally Posted by EmilyB

I always choose USPS for shipping.

However the UPS guy told me (after a huge charge on some lighting I had shipped) to have it shipped expedited, to save customs having to check at this end.

Another vote for USPS. If they can't send by USPS then don't buy from them.
I would only use UPS if it's a big ticket item - something in the $1500+ range.

As a note: UPS Expedited service is usually more than 3 times the cost of the standard service, and in the end, might be more expensive than standard service + brokerage charges.