USPS sucks

[elbert]

You'll be paying for Government mail and franking privileges one way or another. And of course, as a former UPS employee I know that the private market has its own customer service issues. We lost one of our largest shipping clients in the region because someone didn't pull a Next Day Air package onto the right truck. Inside the package was frozen ice cream destined for a scheduled TV commercial shoot in NYC.

 

[crpntr1]

I have a pipe lost in space (or the postal system one) right now. sent from an individual, tracking ID says it was delivered yesterday but, it wasn't there. Just spoke to the PO and they're running a GPS track, I assume that means they're tracking where the truck was when it logged in that it was delivered? anyway I'm awaiting a return call now.

 

[warren]

Living in Alaska does have one very distinct advantage. Packages and letters make the majority of their travel by air, no long treks on trucks, and less handling. Amazon orders are regularly at the house in three business days. No matter who actually handled the order in transit, five business days seems to be the longest. Saves ordering second day or first class costs.
Going from Alaska most everything starts in a plane. I've had very few problems with any of the three major shippers. I think the more a shipment is actually handled the higher the chances of a mistake or damage. Seems logical anyway.

 

[judcole]

Sorry you had a tough time. I use USPS by preference consistently, and have not had these issues. ::

 

[deathmetal]

I think the more a shipment is actually handled the higher the chances of a mistake or damage.

A cybernetic model supports this: the more decision points where it is routed, the multiplication of chance for error. When in transit without stops, the only possibility is a failing of connectivity itself (e.g. a plane going down or truck catching fire).

 

[cosmicfolklore]

UPS uses the USPS from hub to hub. So the extra you pay to send UPS, you are only using a glorified version of the USPS.

 

[peteguy]

This is how my last package arrived on my doorstep. The exact same position it was in and exactly how they left the label etc. I guess it arrived so I shouldn't complain.

 

[iamn8]

Cosmic, as I understand it's less than 50% currently and rising. It's going to break a service already on the edge. The whole quasi governmental agency thing is SO very unhealthy. It's going to get increasingly expensive to prop it up with no end in sight. To compete in a free market system these entities must be allowed to die to create a healthy system. At least I think so.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yeh, like one of the oldest US institutions is really going to tumble us down. If congress would quit stealing from the USPS without paying it back, and then pointing to it as a doomed agency... But, I will keep the politics out of this. But, with two brothers working for UPS, I hear all the time that the only difference between UPS and USPS is who delivers the stuff to your door, all USPS trucks and planes carry UPS cargo. This was mandated by the very same congress that points to the USPS as doomed, showing that the UPS is merely a government subsidized alternative that costs twice as much.

One is no better than the other. All differences are merely the political wool being pulled over your eyes... IMO.

 

[zitotczito]

Sorry to hear of some of these problems, but I am very pleased with the service I get from the USPS. Had a slight mix up with my order from SPC and I called them last Friday afternoon and they had the replacement sent USPS and it was on my door step Monday afternoon. Now it's only from SC to PA but what more can you ask for. I can not tell you the times packages sent to me via UPS are then given to the USPS to deliver to me and that transfer adds an extra day to my delivery.
Things happen but considering the volume they handle I consider them to be very good. A package to CA from PA in 2 days is excellent. I will continue to use USPS for my shipping.

 

[zitotczito]

Here is an example of my latest order transferred to the USPS from UPS.
Location Date Local Time Activity

10/20/2015 11:44 A.M. Package transferred to post office

Northumberland, PA, United States

10/20/2015 7:04 A.M. Destination Scan

10/20/2015 4:44 A.M. Arrival Scan

Harrisburg, PA, United States 10/20/2015 3:17 A.M. Departure Scan

Harrisburg, PA, United States 10/19/2015 11:21 P.M. Arrival Scan

Bethlehem, PA, United States 10/19/2015 9:50 P.M. Departure Scan

10/19/2015 5:35 P.M. Origin Scan

United States 10/19/2015 5:52 P.M. Order Processed: Ready for UPS

 

[iamn8]

Informative article HERE
"The USPS has generated about $1 billion in operating profit so far this year, but that is before its approximate $5.5 billion required annual contribution for retiree benefits."

 

[perdurabo]

Complete Privatization on USPS would fix all of these problems. I think their semi privatized. I know theres at least 5 different unions functioning inside the USPS. Nothing but communism in the work place.

 

[skraps]

Both UPS and FedEx utilize USPS for "last mile" delivery quite often. Obviously, the fleet and reach that USPS has is extensive. That is not free though, and all the more reason why the USPS should not be suffering so badly.
There is a severe problem when what you are paying out, exceeds what is coming in. That is basic math.

 

[gogosamgo]

Gosh it's sad to hear about all these negative experiences. I've honestly have always preferred usps and haven't had an issue as of yet.

 

[leacha]

Complete Privatization on USPS would fix all of these problems...

It would need to be that along with a few bankruptcies to truley fix it.

 

[deathmetal]

A package to CA from PA in 2 days is excellent.

No such luck in TX, at least with tobacco firms (record labels are a different story).

 

[radio807]

Any carrier that's been in business for longer than a week has misdirected, lost or destroyed something. You can take the title of this thread and replace USPS with UPS, FedEx, or whomever you're currently mad at and you'll have an equally accurate thread. Everyone has their fans as well as haters. You want insurance? Go pick it up yourself, and while you're at it see if you can make the round trip for the shipping cost.

 

[jorgesoler]

I have ordered a parcel from 4Noggins last week (this is on Monday), I live in England, and my parcel hasn't arrived yet.