USPS Blew It

**Deadphans** · 01-13-2013, 14:12

I want the pony express back!

**DuctTape** · 01-13-2013, 14:12

The only reason USPS is "not profitable" is due to congress changing requirements to the pension system (in 2006) and requiring the USPS to pre-fund the pension system for the next 75 years. (Note, the pension system is 105% over funded.) If it weren;t for the 2006 law, the USPS would be operating at a surplus (profit) of over $1.5 billion, and the pension system would still be completely funded. /threadjack

**nothermark** · 01-13-2013, 14:22

Originally Posted by Chewy

I didn't mean to unload on USPS. We have some issues in our area. I see now why some of you are offended by some of the posts about USPS. If I had friends and family that worked there I would possibly have a different outlook. I'm sure for every bad encounter with USPS there is one for UPS and FED EX to go with it. Unfortunately the thread was about USPS. I'm sorry if I offended anyone that was not my intention. I think we have had some issues over the holidays and this thread got me fired up a bit. So that being said good luck with all your shipping. On a positive note you have a great family owned business on the other end of this and hopefully all is well shortly.

What you need to know about the USPS is that the Congress spun if off into a private company but they did not giver up control. They still set the rates and mandate the coverage. The result leaves the PO caught in the middle where they are always on the verge of broke. That is where the government wants them. They also run a long list of unprofitable routes for the same reason. If UPS or FEDEX had to match them they would be broke.

**Chewy** · 01-13-2013, 14:24

Originally Posted by DuctTape

The only reason USPS is "not profitable" is due to congress changing requirements to the pension system (in 2006) and requiring the USPS to pre-fund the pension system for the next 75 years. (Note, the pension system is 105% over funded.) If it weren;t for the 2006 law, the USPS would be operating at a surplus (profit) of over $1.5 billion, and the pension system would still be completely funded. /threadjack

This is primarily true if you use production from 2006. This is a huge reason why they are in the trouble they are in. And congress did pass this. That being said they are something like 22% down on mail sent so they continue to lose business with no sign of regaining it. Last year they threatened to shut down 3700 locations and end Saturday deliveries. So they are really fighting two huge battles. Hopefully they will figure it out.

**Chewy** · 01-13-2013, 14:30

Originally Posted by nothermark

What you need to know about the USPS is that the Congress spun if off into a private company but they did not giver up control. They still set the rates and mandate the coverage. The result leaves the PO caught in the middle where they are always on the verge of broke. That is where the government wants them. They also run a long list of unprofitable routes for the same reason. If UPS or FEDEX had to match them they would be broke.

This is true. If I remember correctly they were begging congress to let them end Saturday delivery and close multiple stores. I'm not sure how I posted my way into this but am not a USPS know it all. Just speaking on the news and personal experience.

**optimator** · 01-13-2013, 14:52

If the shipping label is printed thru PayPal you'll get a "Your order has shipped" email right away. When in fact all that has happened is that the postage has been paid. This happened to me once on a order from from one of our vendors here. I got the ship info on a Tuesday, when the package didn't actually get to the PO until late Thursday.

**OldRagFreeze** · 01-13-2013, 15:50

Originally Posted by Roadrunnr72

I have had similar experience, but not with HG, just USPS. Showed that it was hung up, then the next time I checked, the package was on the way. I wouldn't get too upset just yet......RR

Same here. No need to freak out yet.

**jerzybears** · 01-13-2013, 15:54

If you want real horror stories...try shipping overseas. I had gear sitting in Canadian customs for 2 weeks. Closer to home, my son had college text books shipped out of Virginia take a cross country tour through the continential United States. It saw Colorado, Iowa, Cleveland, and finally got stuck in Jersey City for a week. Long story short, everything finally came. I feel your frustration and hope for speedy delivery.

**breyman** · 01-13-2013, 16:00

Originally Posted by OldRagFreeze

Same here. No need to freak out yet.

Agreed - not freaking out (now or in the future). But still disappointed. When we stop holding folks accountable to what they're supposed to deliver in terms of quality, service, etc. we run into problems. I've personally never experienced any delays with anyone other than USPS. I know that others have better experiences - just not me.