No wonder the USPS is going broke

[Bocabirdman]

Here is a tracking number breakdown for a package from California to Boca Raton FL.

Shipping Label Created

Dec-29-14, 18:50 PM, ONTARIO, CA 91761

Arrived at USPS Facility
Jan-02-15, 17:14 PM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099

ACCEPTED AT USPS FACILITY
Jan-03-15, 07:25 AM, POULSBO, WA 98370

Jacksonville is a few hundred miles from Boca Raton, so NATURALLY a trip back to the West Coast is the way to go......

[bnorth]

Before reading my guess was the highly overpaid sorting facility workers or the horrible union. With my wife being a former USPS sorting facility worker and one of my life long best friends wife being the head of the local union the stories I hear are simply amazing.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Human error happens. To me it's pretty amazing that 99 percent of the stuff gets delivered on time without a hitch.

[Batter67up]

I used to believe 99% of things got to where they are going ok but I am beginning to believe otherwise. My Brother had a signed jersey arriving at our parents house since he was not going to be home. They left it in the open garage door without even knocking at the door. The box had been so poorly handled during shipment that all of the tape on the outside was loose and you could feel the frame bouncing around in the box. Once opened on Christmas morning the frame had come apart and the paper on the back of the frame was torn. Not too nice of a way to start Christmas morning. Thumbs down for UPS. Can't knock on the front door and package was abused while they shipping -2 for UPS.

[rdwyer]

Dunno how they could be going broke when you look at this:

http://www.statisticbrain.com/us-pos...ce-statistics/

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by rdwyer

Dunno how they could be going broke when you look at this:

http://www.statisticbrain.com/us-pos...ce-statistics/

Just the salaries take up 74% of revenue taken in.

Add infrastructure costs to that and they must be losing a TON.

[Steve D]

That's nothin'. Check out this tracking summary for a package I recently ordered:

December 26, 2014 , 9:21 am Delivered, SCHERTZ, TX 78154

December 26, 2014 , 6:54 am Arrived at Post Office SCHERTZ, TX 78154

December 20, 2014 , 8:22 am Sorting Complete SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080

December 19, 2014 , 12:27 pm Arrived at USPS Facility ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

December 14, 2014 , 10:40 am Arrived at USPS Facility COPPELL, TX 75099

December 13, 2014 , 5:46 am Departed USPS Facility DALLAS, TX 75398

December 12, 2014 , 9:32 pm Arrived at USPS Facility DALLAS, TX 75398

December 11, 2014 , 1:54 am Departed USPS Facility DETROIT, MI 48233

December 10, 2014 , 9:42 pm Arrived at USPS Facility DETROIT, MI 48233

December 10, 2014 , 7:03 am Arrived at USPS Facility SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080

December 10, 2014 , 1:48 am Departed USPS Facility ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

December 9, 2014 , 10:08 pm Arrived at USPS Facility ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

December 9, 2014 , 6:01 am Departed USPS Facility SAN DIEGO, CA 92199

December 8, 2014 , 10:27 pm Arrived at USPS Origin Facility SAN DIEGO, CA 92199

December 8, 2014 , 10:49 am Acceptance LA MESA, CA 91942


The sender clearly printed my correct name and address on the envelope. Unfortunately, the USPS counter worker in California input the wrong ZIP code into the computer, so the barcode label was wrong. The people in Michigan sent the package to Texas, where it sat until the dummies in Coppell Texas sent it back to Michigan. USPS couldn't simply read the writing on the envelope, instead, relying on the erroneous barcode data. The workers in Michigan then sent it back to Texas, where it finally reached me after 18 days in transit (with the barcode torn off).

Steve

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by Steve D

That's nothin'. Check out this tracking summary for a package I recently ordered:

December 26, 2014 , 9:21 am Delivered, Parcel Locker SCHERTZ, TX 78154

December 26, 2014 , 6:54 am Arrived at Post Office SCHERTZ, TX 78154

December 20, 2014 , 8:22 am Sorting Complete SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080

December 19, 2014 , 12:27 pm Arrived at USPS Facility ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

December 14, 2014 , 10:40 am Arrived at USPS Facility COPPELL, TX 75099

December 13, 2014 , 5:46 am Departed USPS Facility DALLAS, TX 75398

December 12, 2014 , 9:32 pm Arrived at USPS Facility DALLAS, TX 75398

December 11, 2014 , 1:54 am Departed USPS Facility DETROIT, MI 48233

December 10, 2014 , 9:42 pm Arrived at USPS Facility DETROIT, MI 48233

December 10, 2014 , 7:03 am Arrived at USPS Facility SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080

December 10, 2014 , 1:48 am Departed USPS Facility ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

December 9, 2014 , 10:08 pm Arrived at USPS Facility ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

December 9, 2014 , 6:01 am Departed USPS Facility SAN DIEGO, CA 92199

December 8, 2014 , 10:27 pm Arrived at USPS Origin Facility SAN DIEGO, CA 92199

December 8, 2014 , 10:49 am Acceptance LA MESA, CA 91942


The sender clearly printed my correct name and address on the envelope. Unfortunately, the USPS counter worker in California input the wrong ZIP code into the computer, so the barcode label was wrong. The people in Michigan sent the package to Texas, where it sat until the dummies in Coppell Texas sent it back to Michigan. USPS couldn't simply read the writing on the envelope, instead, relying on the erroneous barcode data. The workers in Michigan then sent it back to Texas, where it finally reached me after 18 days in transit (with the barcode torn off).

Steve

I humbly bow in defeat............

[bnorth]

mistake

[bnorth]

Check out the dates on this one. I was sending $ to a fellow member for a couple T210's.

[CMIZ5290]

I also love how their tracking numbers are 50 digits! (at least it seems that many). Whenever I give someone a tracking number, I get dizzy trying to look at the number while I'm emailing it to the buyer...

[ALR-bishop]

I have been retired since 2007 a travel internationally quite a lot. I have come to appreciate our postal service in general

[Cubswin82]

How about this...delivered it right back to my own box..

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Cubswin82

How about this...delivered it right back to my own box..

Hahahahaha. Perfect.

[Runscott]

I have had fairly good luck with USPS and UPS; however, had a package recently go from Arizona to North Carolina, then back to Washington state.

Fedex is where I have minor complaints, as they will indicate a package will be delivered on a certain day, I then wait all day for it to arrive, and then around 7-8PM they will update tracking to indicate 'NA' for delivery date. So if F's up two days instead of one. UPS always updates late deliveries prior to the original date.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

I have been retired since 2007 a travel internationally quite a lot. I have come to appreciate our postal service in general

I lived outside the US for a few years and am 100% in agreement. They mess up every once in a while and financially they are run terribly but the number of problems I have had vs the number of items I have sent/rec'd is pretty unbelievably good overall, but I may just be lucky.

[deadballfreaK]

I generally support the USPS. Only two transactions lost out of thousands of card transactions. That being said try to top this postal story:

About 10 years ago I bought a Frank Chance caramel card on ebay. I don't even remember the issue , but it was about $75 and that was ten years ago so a pretty good card (E95?). Never showed up in a couple of weeks. I made inquiries and the dealer was sure it had been shipped on a certain date. No reason to doubt him. Settled in to wait a little longer. A couple of more weeks went by and I received a card from the post office stating that a package sent to me had to be destroyed for health reasons. Sorry!

I had no idea what they were talking about, but I was sure it was the Chance. I took the card up to the post office to inquire. The postmaster who is a friend of mine snorted. He said I'm not supposed to tell anyone this, (BUT he couldn't wait)! Seems a lot of mail had been going missing in the area and they had traced it to a truck driver who delivered to my local post office among others. The guy had gone crazy (yes another crazy postal employee).
They searched his house and found scattered mail bags all over including the bathroom. There was quite a pile of mail he had done his business on. It was supposedly all destroyed. I just wonder if the Chance could have been soaked?

[edjs]

Originally Posted by deadballfreaK

I generally support the USPS. Only two transactions lost out of thousands of card transactions. That being said try to top this postal story:

I cannot and hope never to be able to top your story.

[deadballfreaK]

One less Frank Chance in the grand scheme.

[BicycleSpokes]

Would have loved to see the qualifier on that Chance.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by edjs

I cannot and hope never to be able to top your story.

+1

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by edjs

I cannot and hope never to be able to top your story.

+1 I have a lot of good ones but Ken is the winner by far.

I complain about the business side being run like Bozo the clown is in charge but in 1000's of transactions I have never lost a single item.

I have a 1 of 12 known card right now that has been out for delivery since Friday. Buyer is flipping out about it, I just keep replying to relax it will get there eventually.

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by bnorth

... I complain about the business side being run like Bozo the clown is in charge ...

I think a major part of the problem is that Congress won't let the USPS run itself like a business for fear that this would upset too many of their constituents, because far too many "want to have their cake and eat it too." We all saw the recent furor over the USPS's request to eliminate regular residential delivery on Saturdays to help reduce its massive deficits. IMHO, the USPS needs to go much farther than this - it should reduce regular residential delivery to 3 days a week, with half of us receiving mail on M-W-F and the other half on Tu-Th-S to better help bring its costs more in line with its revenues.

Going further, the USPS was an absolutely necessary government service for its first 200 years or so, but I don't believe it is needed any longer, especially if it keeps running huge deficits that we taxpayers have to absorb. I say this for the basic reason that I don't believe that government should be involved in running any type of business that private enterprise can accomplish with reasonable competition. With the advent of companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc., I have little doubt that private industry can more efficiently handle all of the mail services the USA needs, albeit with there likely to be many changes to the way it is being done by the USPS.
Val

[japhi]

If anyone really wants to know why USPS posts losses check out The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. The act forces USPS to pre-fund a whole bunch of future liabilities like healthcare for the next 75 years. The Repubs put this in place to bankrupt USPS so they could take them private.

And it's working, look at all the bellyaching on this tread about the USPS being poorly run, which is not true. They are forced to manage the books unlike any private org so they show large paper losses.

In truth USPS does post an operational profit and they are very efficient.

If USPS is privatized expect large subsidies to the firm that wins the contract, less service to urban markets, decreases overall service levels and an increase in shipping costs.

I worked 5 years for a major shipping company in a management role and it anything things that the private carriers are any more efficient your nuts. More profitable, absolutely.

[kilo]

This much mis-information is upsetting. Being a USPS carrier myself, i do have some knowledge to add (and correct):
USPS is the ONLY branch of the federal government that runs completely autonomous. It is no longer funded by federal dollars of any kind, and recieves absolutely NONE of your (our) tax dollars. We process and deliver over 20 million pieces of mail PER DAY including an average of 35,000 parcels. We are the only ones to deliver packages 7 days a week. The percent of all miss-deliveries (including lost/destroyed) is less than .1 (read: less than a tenth of a percent). More than 75 percent of our revenue goes to wages, as there are roughly 50,000+ of us. Another 20 percent goes to benefits and retirement packages (the latter of which are not only required, but will pay for your grandchildrens' retirement should they decide to work for USPS). The rest (less then 4percent) goes to maint/operations/mechanicals/vehicles/etc and related costs. Most of us carriers work an average of 9hrs per day, 6 days a week. We deliver in every kind of weather extreme you can imagine. And most of us deliver to 750+ adresses every day.
So please, the next time someone decides to vent their frustrations (which we all have had at some point), remember what it is that the USPS does.

--mike kilo.

[ValKehl]

Matt, I truly doubt that the USPS gets any where close to posting "an operational profit." The reason I say this is that Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (referred to as GAAP by those in the profession) require that an operating profit (or loss) for a business entity be properly determined by taking into account all operating revenues and all operating expenses, regardless of when the cash related to these revenues and expenses is actually received or paid out. And, operating expenses include all the employee costs associated with producing the operating revenue - i.e., these expenses include employee post-employment healthcare expenses and pension benefits earned currently, even when they don't require require cash to be paid out until several years in the future. To determine a business entity's profit (or loss) in any other manner would be misleading.
Val

[ValKehl]

Mike, if the USPS "is no longer funded by federal dollars of any kind, and receives absolutely NONE of your (our) tax dollars," then I have one question for you - Who does pay for the USPS' losses/deficits?
Val

[kilo]

USPS is required to put $xxx amount into their retirement fund each quarter, a percentage of which is matched by the federal gov, (These funds are also available to the federal governement to help fill some holes in their quarterly budget, but thats a different issue). When there isnt enough profit to contribute that preset mandated amount, they call it an "operational loss". USPS has been running self-sufficient since the 70's....

[ValKehl]

Mike, from where (besides us taxpayers?) does the federal govt. obtain the "percentage of which is matched by the federal gov?" The USPS isn't "running self-sufficient" if it can't fully cover its retirement obligations to its employees (which it can't!). My response to your telling me "USPS has been running self-sufficient since the 70's" is that "I'm from Missouri," which is known as the "show me" state. From everything I have read, the USPS is not close to running self-sufficient, unless one is using something other that GAAP accounting, because if it were, there wouldn't be all the recent proposals to reduce residential service and close lots of small, inefficient post offices. But, I invite you to prove me wrong - kindly send your proof to ekehl333@aol.com.
Val

[Bobmc]

< The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. The act forces USPS to pre-fund a whole bunch of future liabilities like healthcare for the next 75 years. >

IMHO, In the history of the world, I don't believe any business has been ordered to pre-fund expenses 75 years out. No business could survive doing that; but USPS was directed to do that by Congress. Now, if you want to blame someone for USPS financial losses, one only needs to look at Congress as the reason. I believe it is factual to say that USPS would be breaking even or better if the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was not implemented. Do you think Congress is really setting aside expenses USPS is mandated to fund 75 years in advance? USPS is a piggy bank for Congress, and not many people seem to get that.

[1963Topps Set]

I have been a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for over 22 years now. I welcome anyone to walk my route with me for one day, then see what they have to say. In all of the years I have been around, I have seen so MANY people come through those doors as carriers thinking they were going to have a cake walk. You would not believe how fast they drop out! Being a carrier is hot / cold / wet, etc.. I am not complaining, I love what I do, but walk in my shoes before YOU complain!

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by 1963Topps Set

I have been a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for over 22 years now. I welcome anyone to walk my route with me for one day, then see what they have to say. In all of the years I have been around, I have seen so MANY people come through those doors as carriers thinking they were going to have a cake walk. You would not believe how fast they drop out! Being a carrier is hot / cold / wet, etc.. I am not complaining, I love what I do, but walk in my shoes before YOU complain!

Tom I have the utmost respect for the carriers. I live in South Dakota and we have some horrible winters. My problem is with the way the sorting facilities are run because of the insane Union rules. Also in my area they are paid almost twice what other unskilled workers make in this area.

[nebboy]

Originally Posted by Bobmc

< The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. The act forces USPS to pre-fund a whole bunch of future liabilities like healthcare for the next 75 years. >

IMHO, In the history of the world, I don't believe any business has been ordered to pre-fund expenses 75 years out. No business could survive doing that; but USPS was directed to do that by Congress. Now, if you want to blame someone for USPS financial losses, one only needs to look at Congress as the reason. I believe it is factual to say that USPS would be breaking even or better if the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was not implemented. Do you think Congress is really setting aside expenses USPS is mandated to fund 75 years in advance? USPS is a piggy bank for Congress, and not many people seem to get that.

Its nice to know someone has their facts straight before posting.

And YES I was TE for a few years until USPS changed the name of the job and cut the pay way back. It is a hard job!!!! Example every year or so I would lose most of my toe nails from walking up/down hills in rain or snow. Or had gang related shooting going on around my area/ route far to often. Walking over dirty dippers or piles of dog **** in from of the mail slot to make sure each person got their mail. I could go on and on but the fact is ah mistakes are made but the USPS does a incredible job for all the things they put up with.

(((( I loved the job))). My Name is John Hanssen

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by kilo

USPS is required to put $xxx amount into their retirement fund each quarter, a percentage of which is matched by the federal gov, (These funds are also available to the federal government to help fill some holes in their quarterly budget, but thats a different issue). When there isnt enough profit to contribute that preset mandated amount, they call it an "operational loss". USPS has been running self-sufficient since the 70's....

I believe the USPS was mandated to fund $5.5 Billion a year starting in 2007 (with $5.8 Billion due in 2016) for future retirees. 2016 was originally supposed to be the last year, but one year they were allowed to put up only $1.4 billion and they did not meet the federal mandate a few other years so they are behind. And yes, this is above and beyond what they pay to meet their current obligations. In essence, it's funding the retirement program of people who haven't even been hired yet.

[Luke]

Mike,

I have a question for you:

I just moved away from a post office where the employees are friendly, and there is always at least two people at registers. I moved right next to a post office I have always tried to avoid. There are always huge lines, the staff are standoffish, and often make up their own rules about things, seemingly just to be difficult.

I often will drive a few extra minutes to go to my old post office, but sometimes I go to the close one because I think it will save time, and I always regret it.

Is there any way to voice my concerns with this post office in a way that will be heard? The supervisor of this branch is the main problem in my opinion and it would be no use trying to talk to or leave a message for him.

Thanks.

[Runscott]

Luke, what you describe is exactly what I've also found in the Seattle area. I avoided the lower Queen Anne post office for the reasons you describe. No issues whatsoever with any of the Tacoma post offices.

[celoknob]

USPS has consistently delivered for me, thousands of packages over many years with minimal glitches. The employees who work in my town are extremely friendly and helpful. I am thankful for USPS.

[1963Topps Set]

I have always considered the people on my route "my extended family". And I let them know that. As for employee problems, if the Postmaster can't help you then go to the area manager. No manager likes to see problems go out of their office. As for the pre fund retirement fund, I agree what stupidity, but then I don't make the rules. Those who do have their golden parachute ready for when the crap hits the fan.

[Bocabirdman]

Geez guys, my original post was a light-hearted tongue-in cheek jab at a silly situation. You took that and turned it into the Great Postal Debate of 2015. I never figured to elicit such deep seeded, impressive, expressive responses, both Pro and Con. Hot Damn!

By the way...it looks like it was a cyber transcontinental trip. It was scanned into my local Post Office less than two days after the Washington State scan,,,

Shipping Label Created
Dec-29-14, 18:50 PM, ONTARIO, CA 91761

Arrived at USPS Facility
Jan-02-15, 17:14 PM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099

ACCEPTED AT USPS FACILITY
Jan-03-15, 07:25 AM, POULSBO, WA 98370

Arrival at Unit
Jan-05-15, 02:41 AM, BOCA RATON, FL 33428

[chipperhank44]

Mistakes happen. I find the USPS to be incredibly affordable and overall an amazing service. I've had one issue with the USPS, a multitude of issues with UPS.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Bocabirdman

Geez guys, my original post was a light-hearted tongue-in cheek jab at a silly situation. You took that and turned it into the Great Postal Debate of 2015. I never figured to elicit such deep seeded, impressive, expressive responses, both Pro and Con. Hot Damn!

By the way...it looks like it was a cyber transcontinental trip. It was scanned into my local Post Office less than two days after the Washington State scan,,,

Shipping Label Created
Dec-29-14, 18:50 PM, ONTARIO, CA 91761

Arrived at USPS Facility
Jan-02-15, 17:14 PM, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32099

ACCEPTED AT USPS FACILITYu
Jan-03-15, 07:25 AM, POULSBO, WA 98370

Arrival at Unit
Jan-05-15, 02:41 AM, BOCA RATON, FL 33428

This whole thread is bogus. Poulsbo, WA is a suburb of Daytona Beach, FL.

[ALR-bishop]

Too late Mike, you lost control a long while back

[Bocabirdman]

One would have better luck carrying a hundred pound sack of coconuts than "controlling" a thread around here.

[lharri3600]

Lol

[Paul S]

Originally Posted by Bocabirdman

One would have better luck carrying a hundred pound sack of coconuts than "controlling" a thread around here.

Lord of The Flies - The Sequel.

[ALR-bishop]

"Always carry two large sacks of something around with you. Then, if someone asks you to lend a hand, you can say you would like to, but you have these two large sacks"...Jack Handey

[buymycards]

There really isn't a good reason why packages are delayed or damaged or lost, except when you look at the scope of the process. During December of 2014, the Postal Service delivered 524 million packages. If the USPS was 99.99% successful and only had problems with .01% of packages, that would mean that 52,000 packages were lost or damaged, and those 52,000 are the ones we hear about, not the 523+ million that were successful. How many of you are 99.99% mistake free at your jobs?

Rick

[ullmandds]

If only I could have videotaped my experience at the USPS yesterday morning...as evidence as to why the USPS is bankrupt!!!!!!!


3 customers myself included...2 ahead of me being helped by 2 USPS employees.

1 of the employees excused herself to take a phone call...and in the 15 minutes I was there never returned...leaving the customer alone at the desk livid...wondering what the hell was going on. Meanwhile the other customer had a stack of papers that had to be sorted and put in envelopes which she should have done at home. The teller suggested she step aside until she was ready...but she claimed that she was indeed "ready" and proceeded to shuffle through her papers collating them frantically.

Tick tick tick...smoke was coming out of my ears!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the USPS's lack of educating and penalizing customers for being stoopid that contributes to this problem!

They should teach all new citizens and children how to act at the Post office!!!!

[barrysloate]

Part of the problem is first class mail is way too cheap. I can drop a letter in the mailbox from Brooklyn and it will arrive at someone's door in California in three days- 3000 miles away- for the cost of 49 cents. Are you kidding me?

It's time for the USPS to face the reality that prices have to come up. If I send a two day fedex it might cost me around $20. Most letters arrive in two days for 1/40th of that amount. Raise the price of a letter to 75 cents or a dollar, or whatever it takes to start making it profitable. They will lose some volume but that is happening anyway.

[buymycards]

Hi Barry, you are correct. The problem is that a law passed by our Congress limits our price increases to the annual cost of living increases, so we cannot raise prices enough to meet the cost of processing a first class letter.

We have been asked 100's of times - why didn't you just raise the price to 50 cents rather than 49 cents? The answer is - we cannot, because of this law.

In addition, whenever the Postal Service proposes a price increase, the lobbyists come out of the woodwork to battle these increases. Paper companies, logging companies, Amazon, Walmart, newspapers and magazine publishers, trucking companies, all 4 of the Postal Unions - the list is endless. So, the Postal Regulatory Commission compromises, and usually the Postal Service is left holding the bag.

My thoughts are that we should emulate some of the other countries by charging for specific services like holding mail, forwarding mail, etc. Then, maybe, we could properly staff our offices so situations like Pete's don't happen. Every PO that I am aware of is horribly short staffed and we don't have enough employees to properly serve the public. Situations like Pete had yesterday shouldn't happen, but in most PO's there just aren't enough people to take care of everybody. During December I was working 55-60 hours a week, including Saturday and Sunday, because we don't have enough people and we aren't allowed to hire anyone. Since I am a salaried employee, I don't receive OT or extra pay, but we have to move the mail.

Rick