Anyone else having trouble with Priority Mail?

[slindo]

We use Priority and Global Priority almost exclusively for shipping our products (books).

In the last three weeks we have had a number of inquiries from people who ordered three or four weeks ago and want to know where there orders are.

We have found in the past that while Priority is usually pretty reliable, every so often it seems they put it on the truck, and it takes a week or so to get where its going. But it rarely takes longer.

One theory the PO had is that it might have had something to do with the heightened security alert a while back.

[Brett_Tabke]

Well, I don't think you are alone. I sent a package to Denver (about 600mi) and it took two weeks. That's the worst I've ever seen.

On the other end, I sent a package to boston monday morning, and it was there tuesday morning.

[rhyno]

I sent Valentine's cookies to 5 family members within 25 miles. 4 got there in two days -- two days to go 25 miles?! And the final one arrived in **11 days**, and not only that, but it was on a Sunday morning... at 9am! Absolutely ridiculous.

[sun818]

If your item is 13 oz. or less use First Class mail. First Class and Priority travel on the same planes. I recently ran an analysis of delivery time on 947 packages for the last two years. I found no noticeable difference between First Class or Priority. So, opt for the less priced service of First Class when you can. If anyone wants to see a breakdown of delivery time by state, by delivery type, I can post it here.

[coconutz]

>>First Class and Priority travel on the same planes.

There was a restriction that did not allow Priority Mail packages on passenger aircraft, whereas First Class mail is allowed. Unless the restriction has be lifted, this can account for the difference in time when sending 2 packages to the same destination on the same day.

[sun818]

coconutz, you're probably right. Do you know where I can find more information about the restrictions? It seems usps.com may have it but I have difficulty finding what I need there.

The issue with Priority Mail is that you are lucky if you get your electronic delivery confirmation scanned at the end.

[edited by: sun818 at 11:51 pm (utc) on Mar. 10, 2003]

[coconutz]

I asked the counter clerk at the Post Office. :)

[sun818]

Me too! :) So much for consistent information from the post office. I have to wonder if the restriction also applies to First Class packages (not letters). I suppose one could fit a light bomb in a First Class package (<= 13oz) but not in a 1 oz letter.