posted on October 12, 2002 08:59:04 AM
I've posted this problem when it first started, and am bringing it up again for more input from anyone who has a good, working knowledge of the USPS system.
We got a new Mail Carrier about 2 months ago. Unlike our original carrier, he leaves all our packages (mostly eBay) out on top of the mail box (on a rack with 4 other neighbors' boxes) out by the street. We live in a home, not apartments. The walking distance from our mailbox to our door is about 1 1/2 car lengths.
I've sent e-mails to the USPS web site for help to stop this. We called the main office. They said it is up to the carrier to decide if it is a "safe environment" to leave a package out. I asked what the rules were regarding this, and it was like talking to an automated e-mail service. She never quoted any specific rules or gave advice. I ended up filing another complaint.
The mail arrives about 1/2 hour or less before our schools let out, which means several hundred kids march by from kindergarten to 12th grade. Any one of them can grab a freebie off my mailbox. I'm afraid to buy more from eBay if it's larger than my mailbox.
My husband is going to call our Post Master Monday.
Here is some other info:
-I started buying postal insurance since this started happening.
-I buy delivery confirmation if offered.
-I may start requesting Signature Confirmation, but most sellers don't offer it.
(The total of all these extras really jacks up the price of shipping)
-Our former mailman either brought the packages to the door, or left a pick up notice, or set them by the front door.
The new carrier never leaves a notice, and never knocks on the door.
posted on October 12, 2002 09:40:39 AM
Years ago our mailman would leave packages by the mail box. Lately he brings them to the house. When I asked why the change? He replied that he is now required to follow the same practice that other couriers/companies are required to follow.
I would think this is a USPS rule from the way he talks.
If it is then your mailman should follow the same no matter where you live!
[ edited by dadofstickboy on Oct 12, 2002 09:42 AM ]
Have you tried leaving a note in your box asking for packages to be left at your door? Have you tried speaking directly to your mail carrier? You have a legitimate concern and I would think you could request all packages be held at the Post Office even.
posted on October 12, 2002 11:16:22 AM
Have you tried taking a picture of the mail boxes with the packages on top? Taking this to your postmaster may help...it is sometimes difficult to understand the problem just from hearing about it....a picture says a 1000 words.
posted on October 12, 2002 11:20:04 AM
I have the same problem with our mailman leaving packages at the mailbox. He would even drive down my driveway to leave my Priority supply order by the garage door & honk the horn til I came out! I have 3 little children in the house, one of whom is handicapped. I cannot be running outside to do this guy's job for him! I have reported him more than once.
I was told by our Postmaster that if a package is a priority package he is supposed to bring it to the front door. That service is part of why you pay more for priority mail. We got a new postmaster who was transferred in specifically to fix this type of problem. He stayed for 6 months & things went perfect. He is now gone & we are right back where we started.
I'll be interested to hear what they tell you.
posted on October 12, 2002 11:36:35 AM
Maybe instead of adding all the expensive services that the PO offers why not get a Post office box. I know that this is defeating the purpose of Priority Mail but it might be cheaper in the long run. You know that the Postal Clerk is over worked and he just can't take those extra steps to deliver your Priority Mail to your house. When I had a package missing the postal clerk left it at the house and someone did steal it, then again I had one that the postal clerk left a note. So I would suggest you go to the Post Master and get this straightened out and then come back and keep us posted. BTW the post offices are closed on Monday for Veterans Day. Good Luck
posted on October 12, 2002 11:58:41 AM
I had similar problem like yours, except I live in an apartment complex. My carrier is a newbie and worst of all pretty darn lazy.
For instance, I had two packages that were sent priority mail and one air mail about 12 days ago. I would politely ask the carrier if had any packages for me and his reply would always be no.
Well I decided to visit my local P.O. and to my suprise they had all three packages, they were laying around the back for one whole week. One package was from germany which was sent registered mail and required my signature, the other two packages also required my signature because the amount per package was well over $100, never once did I receive one single notice.
I spoke with the supervisor, he apologized and said he would look in to the matter.
Next day, the newbie knocks on my door and
hand delivers a package to my door.
posted on October 12, 2002 01:14:33 PM
My sympathies. As usual, Fluffy has great suggestions.
The problems with the USPS are universal and then they wonder why they can't turn a profit. The concept of customer service completely eludes them.
I live on a cul-de-sac. If a car is within 10' of my mailbox my carrier won't deliver the mail. She'll put a "blocked box" notice in the box and she'll put the priority package on the porch (50' away!) but mail in the box -never! And I can't tell you the number of fruitless calls my neighbors and I have made about this carrier.
And then there's the counter service. seven windows, three staffed and a line out the door and through the lobby EVERY day.
[ edited by jensmome on Oct 12, 2002 01:35 PM ]
posted on October 12, 2002 03:28:58 PM
jensmome: I have heard of this happening before. There must be some USPS regulation these carriers are using for an excuse.
USPS can't make a profit because they don't have business people running the operations. I have one radical suggestion for streamlining counter service. Every clerk I've ever suggested this to thought it was a good idea. It's very simple:
Since long waits in line are due more to clueless customers than understaffing of clerks (at least around here), if someone comes in with a package that is not ship-ready or they don't understand their mailing options, direct them to the Mailboxes Etc trailer out in the parking lot...
...where the MBE people will be happy to help. It will cost more, but support always does, in any industry. MBE wins, USPS does the same volume, and everybody's happy (except for possibly the clueless grandma who really just wanted to chat with someone for 15 minutes rather than ship something).
Let's face it, folks, postal rates, regulations and classes are all public knowledge. They're available at every post office and on the Web. There is no excuse for a mailer not having a glimmer how much/how fast their toy truck should be shipped to Akron.
posted on October 12, 2002 04:06:03 PM
i recently found a gift shop which also operates a usps contract station,post office box rental with 24 hours entrance,fed exp and ups services .
he also stacks shipping supply in case you need them.
a contract station has proved to usps of its integrity and volume that it does not have to ask you for the extra,usps pays them for their service.
so there is no markup for shipping usps .
sometimes i need to ship some packages by usps,some by ups or fed exp,by going to him,i do it all in one stop.
he also has a separate entrance for post office boxes,and with your key ,you can check your mail 24 hours /7 days a week.
see if there is one like that in your neighborhood.
posted on October 12, 2002 04:54:42 PM
Wow, these are all VERY good suggestions.
I guess we'll have to wait Tuesday to see the local Post Master since Monday is a holiday.
[i]"He replied that he is now required to follow the same practice that other couriers/companies are required to follow.
I would think this is a USPS rule from the way he talks. "[/i]
I wish I could find this rule and give them a copy at the post office. The web site does have hundreds of regulations you can read through, but I just ended up going in circles.
"Have you tried leaving a note in your box asking for packages to be left at your door? Have you tried speaking directly to your mail carrier? You have a legitimate concern and I would think you could request all packages be held at the Post Office even."
I did not leave him a note yet, but have contacted the main post office that overseas our county.
[ edited by alwaysbroke on Oct 12, 2002 04:55 PM ]
posted on October 12, 2002 05:06:27 PM"Have you tried taking a picture of the mail boxes with the packages on top? "
This sounds like a great idea. A picture DOES say 1,000 words.
Would they want THEIR Christmas gifts left out by the street???]
"I was told by our Postmaster that if a package is a priority package he is supposed to bring it to the front door."
This is another rule I would like to print out for them.
"Maybe instead of adding all the expensive services that the PO offers why not get a Post office box."
Many eBay sellers will not deliver to a P.O. Box. I have to wonder if the USPS is trying to force me into rent one?
"he just can't take those extra steps to deliver your Priority Mail to your house."
He can leave a pick-up note in my mail box. I wouldn't mind picking up my packages at all. I've lived in several different cities and all of my Postal Carriers either left a note or brought it to the door.
I'll post back here if I have anything new to add. I just can't see leaving packages out by the street. I pay for the item, I pay the shipping fee to get it here, and my taxes pay for USPS, so I feel my packages shouldn't be left out by the street.
posted on October 12, 2002 05:17:06 PM
One more comment:
The reason I have a new USPS carrier is because they split our mail route in two. Everyday I see my faithful old carrier taking packages to doors just a few block away.
sigh. I'd put a hot cup of cocoa in the box for him if he'd come back!
posted on October 12, 2002 06:08:38 PM
I've got the best mail carrier in the USPS. I just leave my outgoing packages (with correct postage) on my doorstep and he picks them up as he's delivering the mail. With a geat attitude too!
Long ago, I called the postmaster at my local post office to request this arrangement. He was happy to, since it would help decrease the traffic inside the post office everyday.
I give the mail carrier a $20 tip at Christmastime and I also wrote a commendation letter for him to the postmaster. I just hope and pray he doesn't get promoted leaving me with a lousy replacement!
posted on October 12, 2002 06:37:28 PM
I tried the bribery at Christmas routine. No change. I walk to the end of my drive to collect my mail when it looks like she'll invoke the 10' rule. I'm always pleasant. My kids know her kids. Does not matter.
My other wish to do away with the long lines is to take the #@!* passport function out of the PO. Or set up a separate place and time. Talk about dummies who can't read regulations! Even when the customer knows what's up and has everything it still takes at least ten minutes. I live in a college town. You don't even want to know about spring break time.
posted on October 12, 2002 10:49:49 PM
Alwaysbroke is right about the PO. Box thing. As a seller, I will only ship items to a PO. Box if the buyer also includes a street address and only if the package is less than two pounds. If it is over two pounds, it is shipped UPS and they can't ship to a PO Box. I have many friends that are mail carriers and what I am being told about it is that the carrier is required to bring it to your door unless they feel their own safety is at risk. If you have a dog that comes across threatining, they don't have to deliver your parcels. This would include if the dog got loose one day and the next it is simply in your house unattended. Included in the safety issue are large dogs that bark and growl without provification. There are other reasons, but this is the main reason parcels are not delivered by a carrier. I do not know if you are in this situation, but if you are, then you might not ever get the situation fixed.
Good luck.
posted on October 13, 2002 05:05:49 AM
If you go over to the USPS web site click on "INFO" at the top of the home page.
That takes you to Postal Explorer.
Then click on "DMM subject index".
Scroll down to "Delivery of Mail" and click on that. It is under "D" and you will have to scroll down a ways.
Now scrolling again the sections you want are 7.0 and 10.3.
Print out three copies while your are there, one for your carrier, one for your Post Master and one to mail to your Postal distribution center if the carrier and your Post Master don't want to obey Postal Regulations.
If you have to mail the letter be sure to include direct quotes of waht you were told and the fact that you gave them copies and told them how to look it up for theirselves.
By the way the letter has a side effect, you will never have to write another one. The second time you try to explain Postal Regulations to the Post Master he will pay attention.
7.0 DELIVERY OF PARCELS
An uninsured parcel is not left in an unprotected place, such as a porch or stairway,
unless the addressee has filed a written order or the mailer has endorsed the
parcel “Carrier—Leave If No Response.” The endorsement must appear directly
below the return address as specified in M012.
Parcel Delivery
10.3
An ordinary parcel too large to fit into a customer’s mailbox is not left unless the
customer has filed a written order with the postmaster relieving the USPS and
carriers of all responsibility in case of loss or depredation of any such parcel left
outside the box.
posted on October 15, 2002 02:47:40 PM
GOOD NEWS.......GOOD NEWS
We called the Post Master at our local branch today. He said that the Mail Carrier should NOT be leaving boxes out by the street, on the mailbox, or by the pole.
A big bonus........as of today, we have our original mail carrier back. YESSSSS. A package was brought to my door TODAY.
Needless to say, I am doing cartwheels. So all you sellers......I now feel it is safe to start ordering Christmas gifts from you.
posted on October 15, 2002 09:36:08 PM
I've had a box with Mail Boxes Etc. now for over six years. I would never ever consider not having that. No need to worry about any missed deliveries, or packages. It's $9 a month that is very well spent, and worth every penny of the service. It also gives me a safe environment to send out packages if I can't make it to the post office.
"Many eBay sellers will not deliver to a P.O. Box. I have to wonder if the USPS is trying to force me into rent one?"
Delivery Services like UPS, FedEx, AirBorne etc. are unable to deliver to post office boxes. Therefore sellers who use them are unable to deliver to post office boxes unless they use the USPS.
posted on October 17, 2002 09:36:05 AM
I agree with Saddam...I have the best Postal worker. She comes to my door daily and picks up all the prepaid packages I have. She stated to me that they are required to "work" for their customers like all the other carriers do. She's a gem and so far four years of mailing packages with USPS and not one damaged or not delivered.
posted on October 17, 2002 09:44:12 PMShe comes to my door daily and picks up all the prepaid packages I have.
That sounds wonderful. On the USPS site it states, I think, a $10 charge per pick up. She is really special! I'd love to have them pick up my packages, too!
Therefore sellers who use them are unable to deliver to post office boxes unless they use the USPS.
I'm not blaming the sellers. The sellers use the USPS in good faith. I am blaming the USPS carrier I had. The rep at the main office I spoke to suggested I pay for signature confirmation. But since their own manual says that they must bring a package to the door (or leave a note), or get my signed permission to leave it outside; I don't have to pay extra. The manual backs me up, and the rep was in error.
and he just can't take those extra steps to deliver your Priority Mail to your house. When I had a package missing the postal clerk left it at the house and someone did steal it, then again I had one that the postal clerk left a note. So I would suggest you go to the Post Master and get this straightened out and then come back and keep us posted. BTW the post offices are closed on Monday for Veterans Day. Good Luck