Still The Best (And The Cheapest) Shipper In Town
Written: Feb 15 '05
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Pros: Fast, efficient, convenient, cost effective.
Cons: None, I greatly appreciate their service.
The Bottom Line: If you need a package(s) mailed, there is not better way to go; the U.S. Postal Services’ service creed is one you can believe and trust in.
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| vemartin's Full Review: US Postal Service Standard Mail |
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was appointed the nations first Postmaster General by the Second Continental Congress in 1775?
A have a few side vocations, part-time gigs where a struggling middle-class family man trying to make ends meet in the middle. One of these vocations needless to say is a writer here at Epinions. And another is as an Amazon Marketplace Merchant seller. Business ebbs and flows depending on the items I have for sale. But regardless of traffic on my site, when I get a sale I always ship via U.S. Postal Service Standard Mail.
Did you know that the Constitution, gave Congress the power “To establish Post Offices and post Roads” in Article I, Section 8, clause 7 of the document and continued the service in 1789?
Why the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) you might ask? Believe it or not I trust the USPS, they do deliver my mail to me day in and day out without much of a hassle; I open my mailbox and there is mail. And then there’s the convenience; a post office is never too far away. There are three post offices on my way to work, and another three within five miles from my house. Competitively priced; USPS shipping rates lower then UPS, Mailboxes Etc., or FedEx; for me the choice is clear. Finally believe it or not the USPS is efficient. Out of the 200 or so or packages I have shipped over the last two years, I have never has a package lost, stolen, or damaged.
Did you know that the U.S. Postal Service was reorganized in 1971 and is now an independent corporation under the executive branch?
Shipping
U.S. Postal Service Standard Mail is really just Parcel Post one of the cheapest ways to send a package from Point A to Point B. There is a grade below this rate called Media Mail, which can be used to ship any type of media; e.g. books, manuscripts, CD, etc. Media Mail is how I used to ship all of my packages regardless of content because the rates are so low, but the USPS started cracking down, and the clerks will warn you that anything shipped Media Mail is subject to random inspection by USPS personnel, so, a word to the wise changed my shipping stratagem.
I still ship Media Mail on occasion when warranted, but more often then not I ship Standard or Parcel Post. The USPS describes Standard mail as follows:
• Best economy value for sending small and large gifts and general merchandise, with rates starting at $2.81. May also contain books and other printed matter.
• Delivery to every U.S. address, including PO boxes and military addresses.
• Saturday and residential delivery at no additional charge.
• Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part.
To me shipping Standard mail is the way to go. Most private carriers will not deliver packages to Post Office boxes, or Army/Air Force Post Office (APO) and Fleet Post Office (FPO) locations some of which are situated overseas. In the case of the Navy, each ship is assigned an FPO number, and when underway, mail cannot be delivered until the ship makes a port call. When she does, the USPS delivers.
I pay on average $2.50 to ship a package via U.S. Postal Service Standard Mail. A lot of course depends on size and weight, but more then likely, the cost will be cheaper then private carriers. You can add delivery confirmation, insurance, and tracking for a nominal fee.
Did you know that the U.S. Postal Service employees nearly a million people, making it the single largest employer in the United States?
Delivery
In addition to shipping, I (or my wife) also receive a lot of packages from the USPS. In all of our years of dealing with on-line shopping and delivery, we have never had a package lost, stolen, or delivered damaged, or with items broken. Not a bad track record. When the USPS does have occasion to deliver to my door, the Postman always rings twice—literally—to ensure we get our package. If no one answers, he leaves a notice.
Did you know that the U.S. Postal Services’ 2002 revenue was 66,463,000,000, and a profit of 1,229,000,000?
U.S. Postal Service Self Serve Kiosks
Recently, the USPS has been rolling out Self Serve Kiosks so that I can ship packages when it convenient for me, and you of course. The Kiosks, perhaps you’ve seen them in your local Post Office, are located in the 24-hour lobby. They consist of a touch tone screen, a scale, stamp dispenser, a package receiving depository, and a credit card reader.
Shipping a package is easy. Chose what you are shipping; e.g. letter, package, etc.; weigh it, choose your shipping method, and any extras like insurance or delivery confirmation; pay, tack on the printed stamp, then place the package in the depository, and gather your receipt. Done! No more waiting in long lines. I usually ship my package early in the morning; I’m in and out in less than five minutes. I love these Kiosks; FedEx and UPS, eat your collective hearts out.
Did you know that the U.S. Postal Service handled 202,821,900,000 pieces of mail in the year ending 2002?
Conclusion
Shipping packages via U.S. Postal Service Standard Mail for me is the way to go. The method is reasonably priced, fast, and with the introduction of the new self-serve kiosks, convenient, saving me time and in the end money. If you need a package(s) mailed, there is not better way to go; the U.S. Postal Services’ service creed is one you can believe and trust in.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
vemartin
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Member: Vincent
Location: Aurora, IL
Reviews written: 1299
Trusted by: 532 members
About Me:
...A Great Empire cannot be Conquered from Without until it first Destroys itself From Within...
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