I could easily say the same about the postal service here in the US. Only country that's worse, as in speed of delivery, is Canada.
There are two main dealers I purchase parts from here in the States, the main one is 440 miles (708 km) away, that about a 7 hour drive. I'm lucky if I get the parts in 2 to 3 weeks and have waited longer! Yet I can order from Oz, or the UK and get it faster.
I actually placed an order for a couple inner steering columns, and other assorted parts, from a dealer in the UK. The order was place early Friday morning central US time. The package arrived mid afternoon the very next Monday!!! Hand to Heaven - that's the fastest I've ever had a parts arrive from anywhere!!! I also ordered some parts from Cairo Egypt and they arrived within 7 days.
What irks me the most is shipping cost. I do not understand how, all of a sudden like, shipping rates have gone through the roof!!! Well, not all of a sudden, but within the past couple years. Example: there are a few Classic Land Rover magazines on eBay (seller is in the UK), they are selling for around $1- $2 each; yet the shipping is $32!!!