First, I want to say that I am amazed that the US Postal Service can deliver a letter for about 50 cents to anywhere in the US in a few days. To me this is a remarkable service for an unbelievably low price.
That said, my experience with the package delivery from USPS is anything but remarkable. Recently, I had several orders that were shipped via a “carrier” (FedX or DHL or UPS) and then “handed off” to USPS for the last mile.
Anytime this happens here’s what is guaranteed:
- The estimated delivery date that I’ve been tracking will be delayed by a minimum of 2 business days.
- All updates from the tracking system stop. The last update will say “carrier delivered item to USPS”. That status will not change until after my item is delivered (late of course).
- If possible, USPS will jam the package in my neighborhood’s mailbox carousel instead of delivering it to my door. I suspect they have a plunger to do this because I’ve had several packages jammed into my tiny mailbox that I had to struggle to remove.
My question is – If FedEx, UPS, and Amazon can get shipping and tracking right why can’t the US Post Office?
We’re not launching rocket ships into outer space. We’re not inventing something new. It’s basic scanning, logistics and operations with a bit of code and communications behind it.
My guess is that eventually another lower cost alternative service will scoop up the last mile as USPS slowly deteriorates until it is primary a delivery service for bulk mail ads and occasional cards and letter sent by geriatric family members.
That’s too bad. The fixes seem so obvious.