Update on the research stuff

Celeste the Customs lady did call me back, and told me that all my questions would be answered by the publications on the Customs website.

This was not the case, but the publications did answer at least some of my questions. For instance, if the box was mailed, I can make absolutely sure that the box will be held for pickup by putting in a bottle of wine. If I put in two, she'll also have to pay duty, I think -- 19 cents, but if you have to pay any duty at all, you also have to pay a $5 Customs fee. Which is just a delightful bit of knowledge that I can use to completely piss off my protagonist.

I also did some further research and determined that the package might be shipped to Duluth instead of Chicago, as it's also a port accessible via the St. Lawrence seaway. Conveniently, the Duluth port has a contact person for "promotion of the port." I may try calling or e-mailing her tomorrow. The Duluth port is closed this time of year, so my guess is she'll either be gone, or she'll have the leisure time to answer research questions.