If you are going to do dip and pack only, use a company that is focused on dip and pack only. Not one who does the mounts as well. You here regularly you get better service when you do.
Also realize that "blaming it on the government " may be real and may be not wanting to deal with you that morning. This stuff can get done more quickly than typical, it just usually doesn't. And when you ask the answer will be "tomorrow " or "next week" then more silence. It's just the way it is over there.
This is where SSI comes in. They deal with the BS for you. I've both used them and not used them. They were great when I did and then the "easy" export that I thought I'd save money on, well, I should have the stuff back before too long. I'm betting 15 months in total, or more. Next trip they get the business again. I learned my lesson. The extra stress and especially the follow up with whomever. Is having a finger pointed at them at the time isn't worth it for me.