Yes, patience is required indeed!? My latest (small) order was actioned by Hans in a day or so.? TNT then sent me an email saying "Collecting" on 10th July. It remained at the same status for precisely a week.? On 17th July the status changed to "In transit" and today (18th) it has reached Istanbul.?
Actually on re-thinking this I don't think this is normal or acceptable. And now I am embarrassed. It should take 1-3 business days to get from my QTH to Izmir FedEx' depot. Between my colleagues and the local TNT/FedEx agent network and a masterclass in incompetence, service has clearly deteriorated and it is time to kick a$$. Let me see what I can do tomorrow to get this sorted out...?