Rant on shipping

[dragoneggs]

I have learned that FEDEX, UPS, Amazon, and USPS vary greatly depending your locale. Here it seems that Amazon is kicking butt. UPS is trying to improve and working with Amazon on services. FEDEX gets the bronze as they seem clueless, keeping up with the Jones's. USPS is here only because they have to. I cringe when I have to deal with USPS.

 

[jyoutz]

I have learned that FEDEX, UPS, Amazon, and USPS vary greatly depending your locale. Here it seems that Amazon is kicking butt. UPS is trying to improve and working with Amazon on services. FEDEX gets the bronze as they seem clueless, keeping up with the Jones's. USPS is here only because they have to. I cringe when I have to deal with USPS.

Where I live USPS is most reliable, Amazon and UPS tue for second, and clueless FedEx is still delivering my packages to other houses a half mile away. I’ve noticed that many UPS and Amazon are using USPS for the final delivery.

 

[goeduck]

My optional "Amazon day" is Monday, I try to select that to consolidate non urgent shipping. However, some shippments are direct from suppliers and/or consolidation to "Amazon day" is not available. I understand that, but it still seems crazy to get one small box when it is not urgent.

 

[newbury]

In Alexandria, Virginia the Amazon delivery comes down my court (8 houses) daily, and sometimes twice. Consolidating shipments for an Amazon day wouldn't save them much unless they did it for the neighborhood.

 

[dragoneggs]

My optional "Amazon day" is Monday, I try to select that to consolidate non urgent shipping. However, some shippments are direct from suppliers and/or consolidation to "Amazon day" is not available. I understand that, but it still seems crazy to get one small box when it is not urgent.

Yeah I feel a little guilty having Amazon trucks routinely deliver packages and seeing my pile of broken down cardboard build up.

But the gas and hassle I'm saving relieves my feelings on the subject. Prime Air needs to get those delivery drones in service. That will be a sight!

 

[PILOON]

OK
A win/win shipping tale.

I once shipped via Can Post/USPS an industrial sewing machine.
Due to size/weight it went in 3 parts.
I marked 1 of 3, 2, of 3, 3 of 3 respectably.

One casting got damaged in transit and PO wanted it back for examination.
(NB: it helped that I held a 'materials management certificate' and had pics of my packaging.)
So the honored my claim without seeing the actual damaged part.
Next as I had labeled 1 of etc. they had to honor the total insured price of that shipment.

NB; The damaged casting was firmly lashed between 2 plywood panels and padded so only a major force could have caused a fractur.

WIN/WIN as I was fully compensated (and had the initial remittance) and LOL the buyer also as he brazed the casting.

PICs and records sure paid off.

 

[goeduck]

One of the reasons for consolidated shipments is that I am at the end of a 1000' driveway shared by 4 houses. While my house is not an official turn-around, the drivers know I keep my vehicles/equipment in the garage/shop and my area clear. Others do not, so they use my place as a turn around. It would be nice to be able to be messy if I need to and have my stuff out. Sometimes I have to.

Sure enough one day that I had stuff all over, my neighbor had a stroke and the emergency vehicles piled up at the end of the shared driveway (my place). I had to scramble to put things away so they could turn around and even got b1tched out by one medic for not keeping "the turn around" clear. I light of the urgent situation, I stayed on task and got them space to turn around. They got the neighbor to the hospital in time and he fully recovered so it was worth it.

 

[ultrarunner]

USPS city route can be anytime regular delivery.

As early as 9:45 am or after 10 pm on a Saturday night with zero predictability.

Growing up it was always 10 am +/- with several mail drops all gone now.

Seeing letter carrier with flashlight at 10 pm on a Saturday night can't be cost effective but was told there are many vacant spots.

As a side note the uniform standard of old seems no more... often if not for the official postal truck you would not have a clue.

Growing up we had two carriers in the course of 25 years... both the nicest and helpful guys you could ask for.

Remember when I was going to Austria for 6 months working and waiting for a letter he saw it at the station and made a special trip just so I would have it... who does that?

When the postal truck had a dead battery or the neutral safety starter interlock went out I got the truck on the road...

 

[Larry Caldwell]

“That train don't run here any more
Not like it used to run before
When it brought Lady from the city
When it brought Stranger from the shore
Now it doesn't run here any more
That train don't run here any more
~ Robert Hunter

 

[kenmbz]

“That train don't run here any more
Not like it used to run before
When it brought Lady from the city
When it brought Stranger from the shore
Now it doesn't run here any more
That train don't run here any more
~ Robert Hunter

View attachment 747332

Looks like New Jersey Transit is caring for this one.