USPS As Of Late - The Abyss

I have no complaints.

Since they implemented the new distribution plan last year, our service has seriously declined. Our sorting center is now illogically located and our mail is much slower. Outgoing mail especially takes forever just to get to the sorting facility. And if they implement their proposed changes for 2025, our mail will get even slower! I think the powers that be forget that everyone deserves to get mail in a timely manner, not just those who live next door to their regional distribution center.

Thankfully this Christmas season, I haven't had too many problems with deliveries. The notable exception is that an ebay Standard Envelope containing part of my gift that I will be giving toward the CCF Secret Santa has been lost. I ordered it a month ago, it took two weeks to "arrive" but was never delivered, despite appearing in my Informed Delivery.

I had a chat with my 'usual' postal delivery guy (yes, he is a male) and he stated that during the holidays, the post off was running 2 trucks on each route - one for flat mail, and another for parcels and larger items..

Although with all that traveling, it's still only taking 4 days. At least they're keeping it moving! Interesting that it's in Orlando this morning, and they are still planning delivery in NC later today . . . .

"Today Expected Delivery" means that your parcel is within three states of your address. Expect it to not be delivered today.

My USPS items arrive as expected 9 times out of 10. That tenth time, though, has been known to be quite an adventure. I once had a package from the Mint arrive four months late. And a recent package from an online purchase showed up about three weeks after I received a refund. It was a small purchase and when I let the seller know it had arrived, he told me just to keep it since he had done the USPS insurance recovery. This has to be causing USPS to lose money. With them closing down more and more hubs, I expect things to only become worse.

What has been the consensus on the idea of privatizing USPS?

In addition to jbuck's good points, I'll also mention that privatizing would almost certainly lead to higher costs, especially for those who live in rural areas. Right now you can send a letter anywhere in the U.S. for one stamp. But a private company would likely charge more and/or deliver slower for those who live farther from distribution centers, which is inherently unfair and, as noted, unconstitutional. Everyone deserves to receive mail in a timely manner. Think especially prescriptions, bills, and mail-in ballots. Also coins!