Swordfish1989
New Member
Isn't that where the phrase 'going postal' comes from?
Trader Beware: Why the Post Office is going out of business...
- Thread starter Swordfish1989
- Start date
Isn't that where the phrase 'going postal' comes from?
What leads you to think this? You think they'd shut down a local hub of DELIVERING mail because it doesn't SEND enough mail?
If a post office closes down in your zip code, the post offices around that zip code will take over the route and split it between other post offices according to distance. Then the postal delivery worker will have more houses on his routes and that's how it works.
The_Charizard_Authority
Member
Post offices can be shut down for not generating enough revenue. They get revenue by creating postage in the store or when you print postage online. Depending on your return address there is "From -----" The zip code you use is then linked to a certain post office and they are then given that revenue. If revenue is too low for a period of times it shuts down. It happened twice when I lived in Raleigh and once in my current location.
Swordfish1989
New Member
So this post office was not affected by my purchases (or lack thereof) since it's in a different zip code from my sending address?
Hmm, the above doesn't make too much sense. If they go by the return zip, then it doesn't matter WHERE I mailed it from. And IF they DO actually shut down POs based on the volume of mail from a return zip code, that has nothing to do with the customer service reps there and everything to do with the fact that there likely isn't enough volume coming out (and in turn, probably not going in) to necessitate a dedicated Post Office.
garyis2000
Member
Pokegym should run the USPS
we'd show a profit and improve service.---------- Post added 07/02/2013 at 12:46 PM ----------
Dang...there would have to be an awfully pretty gal working there for me to drive 6 miles further:thumb:
Pokegym should run the USPS
If they did that all letters would be censored and the postmasters would shake a stern finger your way for walking funny
The_Charizard_Authority
Member
If you purchased the postage there, then it will be in their revenue. If you paid for postage online with a zip outside their area, then that would not affect there revenue. Some post offices cover several zip codes, but it is usually not a wide area. The only reason I know it because a postal worker stopped me one time when I was dropping mail off a town away. The worker asked me to change my return zip if I was going to be a regular. It struck me as odd and then the whole revenue situation was explained.
TheDancingPeanut
New Member
The post office is not run by the government. It is run independently, but must get congressional approval for major changes. The post office, unlike virtually every other national postal system, also is not funded by the government.
garyis2000
Member
Wrong again Peanut...
The USPS is an Agency!
The USPS was created as a government agency under Title 39, Section 101.1 of the United States Code which states, in part:
(a) The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by Act of Congress, and supported by the people through their taxes.
TheDancingPeanut
New Member
Wrong again? Have I ever heard of or corresponded with you? What the heck do you mean, "wrong again?" I haven't posted on this forum in months. Who are you? What's your name? Why would you say "wrong again?"
Listen, sure, the USPS is a government agency. What I said is that it's not run by the government. Read that original statement again. It's not run by the government. And it's not. Here's the rest of the about.com article you copied:
The USPS's problems do not stem from the fact that it's run by the government. Because it's not run by the government. And we are not pouring tax money into an inefficient government agency, because $96 million is a statistically irrelevant figure no matter what part of the budget you're comparing it to.
I make this point because it's unfair to pin the Service's problems on its relation the the government, when the government has essentially no involvement in its day-to-day activity.
Frankly, I think we should spend a lot more of our tax money on our postal system, which is one of the few things congress is constitutionally required to facilitate.
No. USPS is a very poorly run operation/business/company/government agency/whatever you want to call it. It is extremely inefficient and is leading itself to its own demise. What needs to be done is a strong, business-minded group of individuals needs to come in and revamp the whole system of employing and operating.
USPS is not that bad. I ship thousands of items per year and do not have many significant complaints. We all have had our experiences with disgruntled postal workers. Imagine how happy you would be having to wear those uniforms. :smile:
The reality of doing things privately is that you are going to pay on average $10 per item instead of your usual $1.69-$3.
Also, Fed Ex and UPS are not much better. I had an valuable guitar delivered by UPS with fragile stickers all over it. Literally right on top one of the fragile stickers was a footprint...
The reality of doing things privately is that you are going to pay on average $10 per item instead of your usual $1.69-$3.
Also, Fed Ex and UPS are not much better. I had an valuable guitar delivered by UPS with fragile stickers all over it. Literally right on top one of the fragile stickers was a footprint...
I am content with my experiences with USPS, but they run a pretty solid deficit (that's what I was complaining about in my first post).
My dad works for UPS, so I can't complain there ;D
However, I do hate FedEx. Seriously. I shipped one thing. It was a very large package to Canada, and it turned into a 5 month ordeal because they couldn't find the address of the buyer in Canada. The only thing wrong was that I marked it as residential when it was business - the address was perfect. Extremely stupid = never working with FedEx ever again.
My dad works for UPS, so I can't complain there ;D
However, I do hate FedEx. Seriously. I shipped one thing. It was a very large package to Canada, and it turned into a 5 month ordeal because they couldn't find the address of the buyer in Canada. The only thing wrong was that I marked it as residential when it was business - the address was perfect. Extremely stupid = never working with FedEx ever again.
My brother is a postal carrier. Any post office employee will tell you that the biggest problem facing the post office is being federally mandated to pre-fund its retiree health care benefits. No other business has to do that. The post office would turn a profit but for this mandate. I also personally think that its pretty messed up that Fed-Ex and UPS routinely drop packages off at post offices when uneconomical to deliver them.
Still, smpratte is right. USPS is the way to go. First class mail is a great deal and flat rate can also be good. USPS will even ship you the flat rate boxes for free from its website.
Still, smpratte is right. USPS is the way to go. First class mail is a great deal and flat rate can also be good. USPS will even ship you the flat rate boxes for free from its website.
garyis2000
Member
If the government didnt use our money to absorb the billions in losses created by this government RUN agency then it wouldn't exist. That's for sure...
---------- Post added 07/03/2013 at 12:59 AM ----------
It's simply an old expression.
Your trying to separate the government from the USPS's ineptitude is delusional... and, believe me, you're no competitor.
Now, though, it is accurate to say wrong again.
100% of the USPS losses are paid by us. And those losses are huge because it is run like ALL government agency's. This is truly amazing considering they are the ONLY delivery service that has found a way to LOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS every year.
You say the government has no involvement in the day to day. That's inaccurate but lets say it was true. They spent a billion dollars of OUR money last year and they are "not involved"? Typical.
And the reason i say you're no competitor is because anybody who would support a dead loser like the usps is no business threat to anybody.
---------- Post added 07/03/2013 at 01:05 AM ----------
Very true Daelum. I'm usually content with the USPS too. I do use your dads company often though because its waaaay more professional and there's times I must see a clerk and I hate those huge lines at the post office.
---------- Post added 07/03/2013 at 01:08 AM ----------
LOL...that's hilarious Scott. Hope it wasn't an old d-18 Martin
---------- Post added 07/03/2013 at 12:59 AM ----------
TheDancingPeanut said:
It's simply an old expression.
Your trying to separate the government from the USPS's ineptitude is delusional... and, believe me, you're no competitor.
Now, though, it is accurate to say wrong again.
100% of the USPS losses are paid by us. And those losses are huge because it is run like ALL government agency's. This is truly amazing considering they are the ONLY delivery service that has found a way to LOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS every year.
You say the government has no involvement in the day to day. That's inaccurate but lets say it was true. They spent a billion dollars of OUR money last year and they are "not involved"? Typical.
And the reason i say you're no competitor is because anybody who would support a dead loser like the usps is no business threat to anybody.
---------- Post added 07/03/2013 at 01:05 AM ----------
Very true Daelum. I'm usually content with the USPS too. I do use your dads company often though because its waaaay more professional and there's times I must see a clerk and I hate those huge lines at the post office.
---------- Post added 07/03/2013 at 01:08 AM ----------
LOL...that's hilarious Scott. Hope it wasn't an old d-18 Martin
USPS is ideal for envelops, no contest. $1.64 for a domestic 3 ounce envelope with tracking and delivery confirmation is unmatched. This is because the company can fall back on money received from the government via tax payer dollars. You would definitely not see that number if it was a stand-alone company.