[Formulabruce]

I have found that " UPS" is using the " Mail innovations" program WAY Less than they once did. Mail innovation used THE USPS to do the final leg of deliveries.
Only thing I have seen that can help a lost priority package is to Track it OFTEN, from Both ends. The regional managers get a List Every day of highly searched packages and often some inside action takes place. I have had 4 friends also search for my incoming package.

[newmexguy]

Whjle the USPS has some advantages, mainly their "flat rate" boxes, the effects of single party "machine politics" is clearly evident in the agency, in this part of the country. Remember taking two exams, in the mid 00's in the then Las Cruces Hilton. Hundreds of test takers, some falling over themselves, to prove how many "points" they had, or thought they deserved.
Have made one formal complaint, against an employee of the agency. Six or seven years ago, went into a then country branch (Fairacres) to make a simple shipping inquiry. Roughly 1615, a few minutes before closing. The employee was busily engaged in "small talk" and banter with a "townie" for several minutes. Never said anything, just stood there while the BS continued. Walked out without saying a word. Made a formal complaint on their offical agency website. Did get a response from an alleged postmaster. Learned later, this particular employee was essentially "immune" from discipline, as due to his "protected" status. And they were constantly moving him around, following complaints.

[sdbob]

Just heard a story on USPS in Louisville. Not sure exactly location. A USPS worker anonymously contact media. Packages still in boxes from before Christmas. Pallet trucks broke, they are leased I think he said. Main bldg packed full,another bldg packed. Didnt say about enough help. Media contacted Mgr no comment. Sounds like not enough workers or mismanagement.

[Half-Inch Stud]

Finally got hosed-up by USPS. Ebay fella messaged he never got my vacuum tubes i mailed 8 Jan.

Tracking number say in Memphis as of 25 Jan. OMG that slow!!

[Mr Anonymous]

Personally, I dont "mind" that the USPS isn't profitable. As a federal agency, I don't believe its under any obligation to do so. HOWEVER, I do mind that they are somewhat incompetent.

I told my local carrier (I live out in the middle of nowhere), that if my stuff is just junk mail, dont even stop, just wait til I have something real and then bring it all. It actually works well, and speeds him up a little bit, I think other folks in our 'hood' have mentioned it as well. I sometimes go a few days without mail, and I'm not freaked out.

[PontiacHO]

You’re a more trusting soul than I am. To allow a mail carrier to determine what mail is relevant is putting a lot of faith in their judgement on your behalf. They must be one in a million!

[burd]

I get my wine delivered by the Brown, it’s always been good.

[poncho-mike]

I had one very bad experience with "The Brown" that goes back a number of years. I haven't shipped with them since that time.

Someone shipped me a very heavy package. I was upstairs working when I heard the door bell ring. I went to the bathroom window to see who it was. It was the "Brown" delivery driver. He had set my package on my deck rails. I started to open the window and tell him I would be down to get it. Just about that time, he pushed down on the corner of the box and let it freefall to my side deck landing. I was pi**ed. I opened the window and started yelling at him, called him some fairly nasty names. He left before I could get down. Luckily the item was cast iron and survived with no damage. I called "Brown" to complain, they told me to file a damage claim if I found any damage.

A number of years ago, I ordered a large flat screen TV. It was delivered by "Brown" and was damaged. It was pretty apparent it was damaged in transit, since there was a huge gouge in the cardboard. It looked like somebody ran a fork truck into it. The TV was toast.

I had pretty good luck shipping with DHL. I used them to ship, never had any damage to anything I shipped with them.

[limejudge69]

Brown does not and has never used forklifts . From pickup to delivery, it’s all done by hand.
Brown Freight ( formerly Overnite) does use forklifts but they also drive tractor trailers and mostly deliver to docks

[Green Elephant]

I’ve got to eat a little crow this morning, not too much though. I received a package from a PY member this morning and he shipped it last Friday via USPS. It basically took one day to get here, but the check I sent to him, which weighed quite a bit less, took eight to nine days. Not sure how that all works but I’m glad the parts arrived without issue.

[dataway]

Originally Posted by Half-Inch Stud

Finally got hosed-up by USPS. Ebay fella messaged he never got my vacuum tubes i mailed 8 Jan.

Tracking number say in Memphis as of 25 Jan. OMG that slow!!

Memphis is like a Roach Motel, Mail checks in, but it never checks out

Most of my stuff goes through Memphis, it's horrible, sometimes it will sit there five days.

[burd]

Good BBQ there though.

[dataway]

Ever been to the Rendezvous? Best ribs in the world ... at least they were 50 years ago when I used to go there.
Wild times when I was a kid, we'd get off work at the grocery store and head to downtown Memphis for ribs. The trip back was usually pretty sketchy.

Not sure a person wants to go to downtown Memphis these days.

[poncho-mike]

With this thread going, there's no way I could let this go without an update.

Someone we don't know from a nearby subdivision pulled into my driveway yesterday while I was walking the dog. They handed me three pieces of mail, which included two tax documents and some type of statement from my bank (probably a credit card bill). They said that the letters had been left in their mailbox. They said they also had issues with missing mail, and since they were nearby, they dropped them off in person. Our addresses are nowhere near similar.

[Mr Anonymous]

Originally Posted by PontiacHO

You’re a more trusting soul than I am. To allow a mail carrier to determine what mail is relevant is putting a lot of faith in their judgement on your behalf. They must be one in a million!

He's an interesting character, and wears the Crocodile Dundee hat. Very nice guy. And if he doesn't know junk mail from good stuff, he's probably got the wrong job.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by poncho-mike

I had one very bad experience with "The Brown" that goes back a number of years. I haven't shipped with them since that time...

I have been following this, because as much as our version of USPS frustrates me, it has been reliable (knock-on-wood);
I have found that any USPS->Canada packages typically get to Canadian customs REALLY quick, and liekly because of hte USPS/Canada Post agreement - I have NEVER had a USPS package go "missing"...
Within Canada, that's another story.

I wanted to specifically chime in with 'the brown' comment;
Up here, DHL has almost no presence;

It's pretty much Fedex, Purolator, and UPS;

• Fedex has some sort of agreement with Canada Post, so I can use them, so far they have been fine. I will typically use them to receive shipments.
• Purolator I have used on occasion, but I prefer not to, because they simply will NOT insure packages against getting lost - I am not cool with this. I will on occasion receive a package with them.
• USP is the carrier I prefer when shipping state-side because they WILL insure packages against damage/loss - that's a biggie to me; I will avoid using them to receive shipments from the 'states at all cost, because their duty/brokerage fees are astronomical.

Just my

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by Mr Anonymous

Personally, I dont "mind" that the USPS isn't profitable. As a federal agency, I don't believe its under any obligation to do so. HOWEVER, I do mind that they are somewhat incompetent.

I told my local carrier (I live out in the middle of nowhere), that if my stuff is just junk mail, dont even stop, just wait til I have something real and then bring it all. It actually works well, and speeds him up a little bit, I think other folks in our 'hood' have mentioned it as well. I sometimes go a few days without mail, and I'm not freaked out.

The problem is USPS is NOT a “federal agency”; it IS a quasi federal agency that has a monopoly on mail service. When the USPS was taken out of the federal system in the 1970s it was set up to be self financing; that plan has failed miserably.

[MarkS57]

Originally Posted by burd

I get my wine delivered by the Brown, it’s always been good.

What can Brown do for you? Oh I'm going straight to hell for that one! UPS generally has been pretty good, even USPS hasn't been to much of an issue here in central NJ.

Regarding Memphis, Fed Ex International goes through there & I always cringe when Memphis comes up in tracking stuff for my company. They seem to delight in customs delays. They of course blame it on the Feds.

[scott70]

Originally Posted by MarkS57

What can Brown do for you? Oh I'm going straight to hell for that one! UPS generally has been pretty good, even USPS hasn't been to much of an issue here in central NJ.

Regarding Memphis, Fed Ex International goes through there & I always cringe when Memphis comes up in tracking stuff for my company. They seem to delight in customs delays. They of course blame it on the Feds.

Oh that ain’t right. Lol

[OG68]

A driver gotta stay cool. UPS doesn't believe in air conditioning their vans