Let's Shit-Can the U.S. Postal Service NOW!

[Epigonos]

No wonder the U.S. Post Office is a financial disaster. Two days ago a package was mailed to me (in Southern California) from Oregon. I paid extra to have PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY delivery. When the package didn’t arrive 48 hours later I went to my local Post Office to see why. I was informed that even though it clearly states on the label PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY it really means up to three days. When I asked how long it would have taken had I simply paid regular FIRST CLASS MAIL, I was informed 4 to 5 days. Then when I said it looked like I had wasted my money having paid for PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY the clerk agreed that yes that was true. Not satisfied with the clerk’s answer I returned home and called the Post Office 800 number. After waiting 20 minutes on hold the clerk informed me that my local postal employee was incorrect that PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY delivery really meant up to 6 days. When I remarked that the PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY label seemed to me to be fraud he object strenuously but agreed that paying for the PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY was indeed a waste of money.

[+ Funguy]

I'm lucky if I even get my mail. I usually have a lot of mail, though there is a lot of junk mail in the mix, and when there is nothing in my box for 2 or 3 days in a row the post office cannot simply say to me that i had no mail. Then mail comes again but it is obvious that the previously undelivered mail would never be delivered. This includes things such as TV Guide (weekly), etc. I have even mailed myself mail which has never been delivered.

 

If I have something important to send somewhere, rather than USPS registered, etc., I use FedEx - always reliable even if I have to pay a lot more!

[+ Gar1eth]

Priority mail is a joke but I've known that for a long time. Some of their other services are good though.

 

Gman

[+ azdr0710]

for a group I'm in, I'm in charge of filling out an annual PO statement that has to do with qualifying for a "periodicals" mailing rate for our bulletins....you wouldn't believe the numbers I have to come up with....how many mailings went in-county?, how many mailings went out-of-county?, how many copies did you give away free?, how many copies did you send first class?, what percentage of your mailings, therefore, were sent at the periodical rate?.....when I ask the PO questions about keeping this special rate, answers contradict each other......

 

but god bless the (sometimes) hard-working employees of the PO.....they try with what they have, I guess.....can't feel sorry for their pensions, though....that is the big problem here!!

 

a friend once said that young people in the not-so-distant future will marvel at the fact that we once had pieces of paper manually delivered to our very doorstep six days a week!

 

http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/usps-4.jpg

[Frequentflier]

I'll take the postal service over UPS and Fed Ex everytime. If the postal service had true evening hours the other two would really be hurting. Without the postal service UPS and Fed Ex would gouge its customers relentlessly. It's stupid Congress won't allow elimination of Saturday delivery but we know it doesn't care about taxpayers.

[+ ArVaGuy]

I'm lucky if I even get my mail. I usually have a lot of mail, though there is a lot of junk mail in the mix, and when there is nothing in my box for 2 or 3 days in a row the post office cannot simply say to me that i had no mail. Then mail comes again but it is obvious that the previously undelivered mail would never be delivered. This includes things such as TV Guide (weekly), etc. I have even mailed myself mail which has never been delivered.

 

If I have something important to send somewhere, rather than USPS registered, etc., I use FedEx - always reliable even if I have to pay a lot more!

 

The US Postal Service is in partnership with both FedEx and United Parcel Service to deliver packages for both companies. This is called "last mile delivery" in industry parlance. Packages are consigned to USPS for final delivery. This arrangement exists because the postal service delivers to practically every address in every zip code. FedEx and UPS don't have the networks nor even enough financial resources to accomplish such on their own.

 

I've had several Amazon Prime orders, as well as other companies, "express service" go awry and upon investigation discovered the package was in USPS hands. The parcel usually arrives one or two days later than expected. Very annoying to say the least.

 

So, depending on where you live, it may not be be FedEx or UPS delivering. You might see those nice express trucks out in the morning for the "absolutely, positively, overnight" deliveries, but don't count on them later in the day.

[+ deej]

but god bless the (sometimes) hard-working employees of the PO.....they try with what they have, I guess.....can't feel sorry for their pensions, though....that is the big problem here!!

 

Disclaimer: my dad was a lifelong postal worker.

 

The problem the postal service has right now is Congress, which is forcing the USPS to fully fund retirement for employees that have not been born yet. No business in the world works under such a requirement. They'd actually be making a profit without that requirement.

 

I'm actually against disbanding the USPS, not least because it's mandated in the Constitution but moreso because it is the ONLY organization in the country that maintains end-point delivery to every address in the US. UPS? Nope. They get packages close and hand them off to USPS for final delivery. FedEx? Same. Even at my address in exurban Los Angeles my UPS and FedEx packages are often delivered by the good old USPS.

 

Disband the USPS and you'll put a serious dent in amazon.com's and other e-tailer's businesses. Nobody will buy the stuff if they can't get it delivered and it's the USPS that does that end-point delivery. Power company mailing out bills? NOPE! The entire magazine publishing industry? GONE.

 

Be careful what you ask for. You might get it. Good and hard.

[Rudynate]

No, let's FUND the post office.

[bigvalboy]

The problem the postal service has right now is Congress, which is forcing the USPS to fully fund retirement for employees that have not been born yet. No business in the world works under such a requirement. They'd actually be making a profit without that requirement.

 

This is precisely the problem, and yet they are blamed for fiscal incompetence, how it is that people don't see or understand this is beyond me.

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

No wonder the U.S. Post Office is a financial disaster. Two days ago a package was mailed to me (in Southern California) from Oregon. I paid extra to have PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY delivery. When the package didn’t arrive 48 hours later I went to my local Post Office to see why. I was informed that even though it clearly states on the label PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY it really means up to three days. When I asked how long it would have taken had I simply paid regular FIRST CLASS MAIL, I was informed 4 to 5 days. Then when I said it looked like I had wasted my money having paid for PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY the clerk agreed that yes that was true. Not satisfied with the clerk’s answer I returned home and called the Post Office 800 number. After waiting 20 minutes on hold the clerk informed me that my local postal employee was incorrect that PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY delivery really meant up to 6 days. When I remarked that the PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY label seemed to me to be fraud he object strenuously but agreed that paying for the PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY was indeed a waste of money.

 

You should see the little tantrum I throw every time I have to write someone a check and mail it, because they won't take electronic transfer of funds.

[rvwnsd]

No wonder the U.S. Post Office is a financial disaster. Two days ago a package was mailed to me (in Southern California) from Oregon. I paid extra to have PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY delivery. When the package didn’t arrive 48 hours later I went to my local Post Office to see why. I was informed that even though it clearly states on the label PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY it really means up to three days. When I asked how long it would have taken had I simply paid regular FIRST CLASS MAIL, I was informed 4 to 5 days. Then when I said it looked like I had wasted my money having paid for PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY the clerk agreed that yes that was true. Not satisfied with the clerk’s answer I returned home and called the Post Office 800 number. After waiting 20 minutes on hold the clerk informed me that my local postal employee was incorrect that PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY delivery really meant up to 6 days. When I remarked that the PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY label seemed to me to be fraud he object strenuously but agreed that paying for the PRIORITY MAIL 2-DAY was indeed a waste of money.

 

I just priced sending a 2lb, 10x8x4 package via 2-day air by UPS and USPS. UPS would charge $42.11 to get it there Saturday and USPS would charge $11.30 flat-rate for delivery Saturday. Think UPS will charge 45 cents to deliver a letter anywhere in the United States? Still want to shit-can the USPS?

[Kevin Slater]

Whenever I buy something online, I always opt for standard USPS shipping. It usually arrives just as fast as it would have through those other methods they were going to charge me an arm and leg for. If there is any actual expediting for the upcharge, it seems to be in the shippers end (leaving the factory) not the shipping (USPS v UPS v FedEx) end.

 

Kevin Slater

[Guest Starbuck]

...I'm actually against disbanding the USPS, not least because it's mandated in the Constitution but moreso because it is the ONLY organization in the country that maintains end-point delivery to every address in the US. UPS? Nope. They get packages close and hand them off to USPS for final delivery. FedEx? Same. Even at my address in exurban Los Angeles my UPS and FedEx packages are often delivered by the good old USPS.

 

Disband the USPS and you'll put a serious dent in amazon.com's and other e-tailer's businesses. Nobody will buy the stuff if they can't get it delivered and it's the USPS that does that end-point delivery. Power company mailing out bills? NOPE! The entire magazine publishing industry? GONE.

 

Be careful what you ask for. You might get it. Good and hard.

 

+1 to all of that.

 

And, on a purely personal note, the guy who runs the USPS sub-station in my little out-in-the-boondocks town is the best eye candy around. He is personable, broad-shouldered, slim-hipped, with thick fingers and a nice amount of chest hair showing at the open collar of his shirt. I always ask to see what commemorative stamps are available and take the time to make a thoughtful choice. I never run out of stamps. Drop mail in the outdoor pick-up box? Are you kidding!? Not when I can go inside, slip it through the slot there and say hello.

[Kenny]

You are exactly right. Reagan style Supply-siders in Congress want to privatize the USPS and further destroy unions so are working to bankrupt it. Instead, it should be expanded -- for instance, providing basic banking services, such as paycheck cashing for low income people who don't have banks and get ripped off by check-cashing companies.

Disclaimer: my dad was a lifelong postal worker.

 

The problem the postal service has right now is Congress, which is forcing the USPS to fully fund retirement for employees that have not been born yet. No business in the world works under such a requirement. They'd actually be making a profit without that requirement.

 

I'm actually against disbanding the USPS, not least because it's mandated in the Constitution but moreso because it is the ONLY organization in the country that maintains end-point delivery to every address in the US. UPS? Nope. They get packages close and hand them off to USPS for final delivery. FedEx? Same. Even at my address in exurban Los Angeles my UPS and FedEx packages are often delivered by the good old USPS.

 

Disband the USPS and you'll put a serious dent in amazon.com's and other e-tailer's businesses. Nobody will buy the stuff if they can't get it delivered and it's the USPS that does that end-point delivery. Power company mailing out bills? NOPE! The entire magazine publishing industry? GONE.

 

Be careful what you ask for. You might get it. Good and hard.

[instudiocity]

I'll take the postal service over UPS and Fed Ex everytime. If the postal service had true evening hours the other two would really be hurting. Without the postal service UPS and Fed Ex would gouge its customers relentlessly. It's stupid Congress won't allow elimination of Saturday delivery but we know it doesn't care about taxpayers.

If UPS or FedEx could replace the Postal Service, profitably, they would have already replaced USPS. Because USPS operates at break-even or even a loss while providing delivery to every address nationwide, it will always be the only service that does so.

 

FYI, USPS has contracted it's Overnight Service to FedEx now. Priority Overnight is carried by FedEx. Final mile delivery has been spread between UPS and USPS depending on the delivery address. I've received Amazon and Apple packages that were carried by UPS to the Postal Service local office and I've received packages from UPS that was delivered to the local Customer Center by USPS. It's an interesting synergy really. Some organization has figured out the most economical method to transport and then deliver packages to my door and spread the work between UPS and USPS.

[instudiocity]

I just priced sending a 2lb, 10x8x4 package via 2-day air by UPS and USPS. UPS would charge $42.11 to get it there Saturday and USPS would charge $11.30 flat-rate for delivery Saturday. Think UPS will charge 45 cents to deliver a letter anywhere in the United States? Still want to shit-can the USPS?

That's 48¢ now!

[+ deej]

Think UPS will charge 45 cents to deliver a letter anywhere in the United States? Still want to shit-can the USPS?

 

And don't forget: if the person has moved with no forwarding address they'll drive it all the way back and return it to you.

[+ deej]

You should see the little tantrum I throw every time I have to write someone a check and mail it, because they won't take electronic transfer of funds.

 

I went to a conference last weekend that I attend every year. I chided the organizer because the check I wrote to him was exactly one number higher than the check I wrote to him last year.

[rvwnsd]

That's 48¢ now!

 

I stocked up on "forever' stamps before the rate increase. For me, a letter will always cost 45 cents.

[actor61]

My complaint is not with pricing or length of delivery time. It's the bad attitude I have to endure from the belligerent, aggressive and terminally cranky people (usually women) behind the windows.

[wklucas]

Except for unique situations (maybe weather-related) I don't think that I've ever experienced a delay sending something Priority 2-day....& the stuff (letters and/or packages) gets delivered exactly on time.....I also like the online tracking option available for all priority services included at no extra charge.....Sending stuff overseas however is a joke....Priority is supposed to take, in some cases 6-10 biz days, but when a package gets hung-up in another country's customs clearance process, all bets ( & delivery times) get thrown out.....sending USPS international, the one service that comes with a guaranteed time delivery is "global express" but that service is usually a disproportionately high priced affair - the price of a small 10 lb box = the cost of 30 minutes with a quality NYC rentboy .......in any case, really, really important stuff = FedEx.....simply for the attached cachet / sense of importance that FedEx exudes / oozes.

[Electra225]

I do a fair amount of business with the U.S. Post Office. My two cents: The USPS operates under a Sword of Damocles thanks to the U.S. Congress that wants them to pre-fund their health insurance and retirement fund to the tune of many billions of dollars. This has the effect of transferring the responsibility for these two items from the U.S. Taxpayer (where it belongs) to the USPS itself--which cannot afford it under the payment and amortization terms that Congress has imposed upon the USPS. This means a continuing decline in the quality of service, the continuing decline in the maintenance of the USPS infra-structure, etc. I believe that under their present circumstance, the USPS does a decent job of delivering and handling the mail. What they need to do, in my opinion, is to get Congress to re-negotiate the terms and conditions of their pre-funding issue for health insurance and retirement programs, get the financial support they need from Congress to do what they need to do (this applies to Amtrak, too), and, to save money, cut back general delivery of mail to five days a week (Monday--Friday and NO Saturday delivery (not getting mail on Saturday would not negatively impact the vast majority of business, commercial, and private citizen users). Of course, the big elephant in the middle of the room for the USPS is the decline of the use of First Class Mail--thanks to the internet and email (and I still send out, via USPS mail, personal letters, notes, and cards and those that receive them really appreciate the time and trouble I take to do this--both personal and professional).

[Epigonos]

I would also suggest that the USPS needs to close hundreds of local Post Offices. I'm not, necessarily, talking about single Post Offices in small rural communities. But duplicate offices in smaller suburban communities. In the suburb in which I live there are two Post Office where one would do just as well. The problem is that the constituents of our federally elected members of Congress, especially the House, will scream rape if their treasured local Post Office is closed. The same is true of Saturday delivery. Members of the U.S. House are elected locally and their constituents want both their Saturday delivery and their very local Post Office. In this case all Congress is doing is reflecting to will of the people.

[bigvalboy]

I do a fair amount of business with the U.S. Post Office. My two cents: The USPS operates under a Sword of Damocles thanks to the U.S. Congress that wants them to pre-fund their health insurance and retirement fund to the tune of many billions of dollars. This has the effect of transferring the responsibility for these two items from the U.S. Taxpayer (where it belongs) to the USPS itself--which cannot afford it under the payment and amortization terms that Congress has imposed upon the USPS. This means a continuing decline in the quality of service, the continuing decline in the maintenance of the USPS infra-structure, etc. I believe that under their present circumstance, the USPS does a decent job of delivering and handling the mail. What they need to do, in my opinion, is to get Congress to re-negotiate the terms and conditions of their pre-funding issue for health insurance and retirement programs, get the financial support they need from Congress to do what they need to do (this applies to Amtrak, too), and, to save money, cut back general delivery of mail to five days a week (Monday--Friday and NO Saturday delivery (not getting mail on Saturday would not negatively impact the vast majority of business, commercial, and private citizen users). Of course, the big elephant in the middle of the room for the USPS is the decline of the use of First Class Mail--thanks to the internet and email (and I still send out, via USPS mail, personal letters, notes, and cards and those that receive them really appreciate the time and trouble I take to do this--both personal and professional).

 

If we're going to blame someone, let's at least put the blame where it is deserved. Congress needs to get up off their rear-ends and do the right thing.

[rvwnsd]

I would also suggest that the USPS needs to close hundreds of local Post Offices. I'm not, necessarily, talking about single Post Offices in small rural communities. But duplicate offices in smaller suburban communities. In the suburb in which I live there are two Post Office where one would do just as well. The problem is that the constituents of our federally elected members of Congress, especially the House, will scream rape if their treasured local Post Office is closed. The same is true of Saturday delivery. Members of the U.S. House are elected locally and their constituents want both their Saturday delivery and their very local Post Office. In this case all Congress is doing is reflecting to will of the people.

 

I would sacrifice Saturday delivery and one weekday of post office hours if the post office would remain open for a full day on Saturday for package and letter pickup. I agree with you on the topic of consolidating offices. My local PO is tiny, always busy, and the staff does the best they can with the space they have. As the postmaster explained to me, he could not increase staff if he wanted to because there is not enough space to create an additional service window. Typically, all windows are open. Another nearby post office is slightly bigger but not as busy as the one near me. If they consolidated the two into a modern building, they could increase service with the same staffing, mainly because the idle staff at PO #2 could augment the super-busy staff at PO #1. Another idea that should be adopted is placing POs in shopping centers. One of the local malls has a PO and the place is always busy with people shipping packages. They recently moved to a smaller space, but it is more efficiently designed and has more space for workers and less space for customers to mill around.