USPS Shipping warning Update and fix

[vermonster13]

The PO has changed their rules. I shipped a bow in a carpet tube today and tubes are nolonger in the computer system. It is either a square, rectangular or odd package now. My shipping price went from $16.95 to $33.95 because of the "odd" designation. They want everything to be machine handled now it seems even with Priority Shipping.

[wingnut]

The change took place this summer.  If you are shipping in zone, the program has the tubes.  Outside the zone it's treated as a square.  A 3" tube is then a 3x3x70 (or whatever).  The price is for under 84" total.  If you are over, you pay a premium.

Trick is to know the postal rules better then the postal employees.

LOL

Mike

[snag]

hmmmm, so what you are saying is the PO can't fit a round peg in round hole anymore...they only can do it in a square hole...and for more money! Sounds about right for a govt. agency! lol

[vermonster13]

Mine was two inches under Mike. Didn't matter the new software asks "Square" "Rectangular or "Odd" now. I've shipped many tubes since the changeover this summer and this was different.

[Mechslasher]

i'm screwed everytime i have to ship something across the mississippi.  the price almost doubles.  one would think they have to swim the dang package across for what they charge.  in today's economic climate, ineffiency will not be tolerated.  the usps will not be immune to the effects.

[Biggie Hoffman]

What do you expect from a government entity?

[wingnut]

Heck if your so disatisfied with USPS, go to UPS.  Pay more, get less and if you ever have a claim. . .bend over.  LOL

I ship over 400 items a year with USPS.  You can complain, but they are still the best choice.

Heck I had a bow to ship to New Caledonia this morning.  UPS wanted $288 to ship a 3" tube 68" long.

Now that's worth complaining about.      

Mike

[caleb7mm]

I shipped a bow ups yesterday and was told I couldnt use a pvc tube because of a pipe bomb scare in the area. Wonder if its country wide or its just down hear? So I uped the insurance and shipped it in the original box it came in.

--c--

[OkKeith]

What does the USPS being a GOVERMENT ENTITY have to do with it? No... I don't work for the Postal Service, but have been in local, state and federal service my entire career.

The “Government” has never been sole proprietor of inefficiency, or screw-ups.

Not jumping on anyone in particular. I just get a little riled when everyone assumes I either can not, or will not do my job since I am a government employee.

A lot of the crappy policies or rules come about because we try to make EVERYONE happy (customers want more service, but don’t want to pay more; legislators want to take credit for more service, while cutting budgets). Those of us, who try to do our jobs in spite of all the flak, are caught in the middle.

WHEEW!!! Ok… I’m fine now.

OkKeith

[Bill Turner]

Just checked in. Had to go back and make sure I was on the right site. Happy holidays to all.  

[vermonster13]

Guys I just posted this to prepare you if you go ship a bow in a tube. Not complaining, just telling you how it was for me today. Would be bummer to go to the PO with X number of dollars in your pocket and find out it now costs Y after waiting in line.

Take it for what you like.

[AdamH]

Just shipped 2 a month ago in Cardboard carpet tubes, both under 66'' No Problem here ...

[Biggie Hoffman]

My point was only that the government can't do ANYTHING right. It's not the employees, it's the business models (or lack of) that they use.

Heck Keith, you'll probably be the only one on here that still has a job in another year!

[Lost Arra]

I've always printed and paid for my Priority Mail label at home online and have the postman at my office pick it up. No problems with a 72" pvc tube (longbow).

You might be better off avoiding the post office.

I'm getting ready to mail a stave. I don't think I'll put it in anything. Just tape the label to it.

[OkKeith]

Hey David,

Didn't mean to high-jack. Thanks for the heads up! Would a PVC tube for protection, inside a square box work?

A buddy ordered a bow, that was mailed in a triagular box (USPS issued box no less)and the bow, along with two pieces of box arrived. No damage, but we were a little worried at first.

OkKeith

[JRY309]

Wow,I just shipped a bow yesterday in a 3" PVC tube Priority mail with $400 ins. from OH to PA,it was under 84" and I paid $13.95 to ship.Alot depends on where it is shipped too also,I think.Back in the summer I shipped a box with arrows from OH to CA and it cost me $11.20 with no insurance.

[KSdan]

USPS is not government. . .

[Flinttim]

When these things come up, ask to see the Supervisor. You would be amazed how many of the clerks do not know the rules or how to interpret the rules. I got into a hassle a couple or three years ago over shipping a muzzleloader. The gun was sent to me via USPS for repair, but when I took it in to send back they told me they could not ship guns. Au Contraire said I. The Super even came out and told me the same thing. I pointed out that it was a muzzleloader and therefore was exempt.He said it could only be sent to an FFL. Wrong again said I. I went home, got on the computer and downloaded THEIR rules and went back downtown. Still NO. I came back home and emailed the District Super of the USPS. I swear to goodness, 10 minutes after I emailed him I got a call from the local Super who told me that he had got a call from his Boss and that I could ship the gun. The clerks down there don't even argue with me anymore, they just ask how much insurance and where's it going.

[Flinttim]

"USPS is not government. . .  
Semantics Dan. They still have a Board that answers to the Feds since it was "privatized"

[OkKeith]

Biggie...

I don't know about that! Most of my work is tied to the USDA Farmbill and Oklahoma's Conservation Allocations.

Seems like when the economy gets rough, conservation programs are the first to get whacked. I have been through this before, of course. I can remember when I had just enough funding to pay my people, but none to get any work done.

I wasn't trying to hack on anyone, it was just my red neck shinning through a little.

We only THINK we have postage problems! If I remember right, a fellow posted that overseas a bow is classified as a weapon, and subject to some military type of tarriff or something.

You know, me and my saddle horse could volunteer to restart the pony express! I could deliver anywhere in 3 days if the beer is cold and the oats are fresh. Ya'll think about it!

OkKeith