Filing another USPS loss claim and I'm done!
Broadstruck
Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
Every single USPS shipment I've made since early May has turned into either a major headache with on average 6-33 day delays for 1st Class & Priority Mail or stuff just vanishes prior to really start moving tracking wise. I'm now filing my 4th claim for loss in just 3 months which is double than the whole last decade. Thankfully next day air is guaranteed and get reimbursed right away. International shipment can get stuck in customs for months. I shipped one to Canada via Priority on June 25 and another via Priority to Europe on June 12th which have still not arrived. Selling locally on Craigslist is starting to look like a viable option! 
To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
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Good luck with craigslist! 🙂
It's just not right what's going on with the USPS.
This will continue until air traffic gets back to normal. Cheers, RickO
I've been having the same issue. I have an expensive Julius Caesar coin that's already 2 weeks late. It didn't start moving in my area or a week and the last scan was Aug. 6 and it's just California to Minnesota.
I also haven't been buying as much because of long delays either.
Keeping my fingers & toes crossed for you that it arrives
regarding the most recent troubles, that is all manufactured so in time at least that aspect of the "USPS horror story" should vanish and we'll return to a more normal system. past that, it has always struck me that there are certain members who tend to report difficulty. that leads me to believe it is one of two things: the specific location where the packages are mailed or the manner in which they are mailed.
FWIW, the two locations that seem to have the most trouble are Southern California and in/around New Jersey. mailing out of the Country is its own separate problem.
Good luck with every thing
It has nothing to do with the planes.
I sorted international air packages for years.
It has nothing to do with the planes.
@Azurescens.... I have a son-in-law and a friend that work for the Post Office, and regarding national mail, they both say air traffic is a major problem right now. Cheers, RickO
I guess that explains why it's often taking several days to get mail across town nowadays. I suggest you inform yourself on what's really going on.
I'll try to help a little if I may. I had a conversation with my Mail Carrier whom I have know many years. She told me that they have a new Postmaster General and he is making all sorts of new rules. i.e. she is to deliver postal mail (envelopes, letters, ads, etc) one day and must leave duty 45 minutes early. The next day she is to deliver packages only and must stay as late as it takes to get rid of them. This directive came from Washington thru Harrisburg to my home town PO.
I don't know if this makes sense to anyone. It didn't to her and doesn't to me. But that's what I have been told. Hope it helps a bit.
Thankfully no major problem here in Ohio. I've had some minor delays. Not taking sides regarding planes ( and trains and automobiles ) but gotta say when talking to my local postmaster ( small town ), he showed me a message from his division, region, dunno, somebody higher up than him, to expect delays " due to the downturn in commercial air traffic ".
Just happy I haven't waited to long for any packages. 10 days coming from S. Calif. to eastern Ohio. Pre-covid it would have been 3 days, 4 at most.
I forgot to add, I really hope everybody gets their package. These are certainly strange new times we live in. One can only hope that the current situation doesn't become the new normal. Stay safe everyone.
"We Ship only to US addresses."
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
derryb Sounds like a good practice.
Have to say my mail has been mostly business as usual.
never had any issue with my packages getting to there they are going, and as i see it once i hand packages and such to the post office it's their issue as they have control of the package or whatever i handed them and whatever happens after that is not my problem it's theirs
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Only Covid issue was anything that needed to go through Detroit as that hub was hit hard. Beyond that once you notice a package is tracking off course it's either a huge delay or lost. Thankfully they cut claim checks pretty fast, yet folks want what they bought not a refund.
For those who practice the "coffee can" insurance method... This is not the time for such!
For the first time I recently lost a priority shpment, on line claim was quick and painless, Surely that will slowdown as claims increase.
Have noted no abnormal delays with registered.
If they are really that swamped, just stop third class bulk mail for a while.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
Post of the day
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
There are two big reasons why _____ wants to slow down the post office.
Unforutenitly I am not allowed to comment on the reasons.
Let's not turn this political... Just make sure to properly insure and mention there could be delays. I down rounded the insurance on a couple shipped in a big priority mail box thinking that would aid against loss. So I'm out a few pizzas in my stomach along with headaches.
My mail service has deteriorated significantly over the last several years, and it was a contributing reason why I have not been actively collecting coins.
My mailman never attempts to deliver items that require a signature and rarely even leaves a notification slip for these. I have to divine when a package is waiting for pickup.
One of the last coins I purchased from Doug Winter was an 1800 $5, that the tracking said was delivered to an address that was not mine and signed for by "John Broad". Needless to say, we both freaked out, and when I went to the post office to sort things out, I was told that the package was there (phew), and they could not give me an explanation for why the package was indicated as delivered elsewhere.
I am wondering if some of the dealers have been using FedEx more. At one time, this was a viable alternative, but IIRC, there was some problems with insuring coins with FedEx, and many shifted over to the USPS. Any word on whether FedEx might be a better shipping option today, especially for high dollar coins (say over $1000)?
I can relate. I want to shout "You Suck" in the post office, without a face mask. But for fear of being charged with a crime, I just keep it under my breath.
As you all know, usually when you make an expensive purchase you get a Tracking Number. Just lately I will click on the Number to be told "Out for Delivery". However the package doesn't arrive that day but the next. I have never had any USPS delays or problems until the Virus and other changes.
Unfortunately, it is political, but we are not allowed to discuss such an important topic for all of us.
i started to ship priority mail on everything about a month ago, because usps first class mail was taking 5 days, but i just started shipping first class again last week, taking 4 days now, so getting better
I sent a package to Braddick (S. CA) and I'm in Las Vegas. Was sent and posted on Saturday the first. Still not there. I could have walked it there quicker.
Can't imagine how our mail in voting is going to go this Nov. Nevada has never done that before and they just opted to do it instead of in person voting.
Best,
bob
I'd be afraid FedEx would leave the package in someones driveway during the rain. I really miss DHL... Their drivers all looked like they stepped out of a 1980's Poison music video but never had a delivery issue with that service.
Just had one that I shipped on 7/13 the buyer finally received it 8/10.
I refunded the buyer after 10 days, buyer contacted me to let me know it made it & wanted to pay, I told them to just keep it.
Shipped within the U.S.
Well, .... we can always blame who is in charge,(in your state) , as the reason for delays. Or we can go higher but ... In 99% of all shipments , it's fluid and smooth sailing with the postal service. Now what coin are we discussing ?
The policy I have says FedEx is OK, but reduces coverage and raises the deductible if you ship over the weekend or a holiday. I just got my renewal quote for my policy and USPS coverage hasn't changed, but a year from now, if the USPS woes continue and they start paying out more claims, it might, even if only in the value threshold for requiring Registered or Express mail. Having a PO box takes some of the risks out of receiving a package, regardless of the carrier, as does shipping from one. One thing to consider when insuring is whether the insurance you buy, either [i]a la carte[/i] or in a comprehensive policy, covers acts of terrorism.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Have you tried "eBay International Standard Delivery"? If the package gets scanned by the PO on the way to the US shipping facility (mine go to Kentucky) you are covered and have $100.00 free insurance. Great option for lower cost International shipments.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
just out of curiosity at what value does your policy require a step up to registered?
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
I take a cue from every insurance guy I know, they are all filthy rich.
So, I self insure
$2500
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
They're are rich because they are skimming what others are spending on insurance.> @messydesk said:
Insurance is included in the registered fee at the declared value. So, in effect you are double insured with registered?
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
Yeah, I think that was his point. OTOH, during times of elevated risk (i.e., now), insurance can be a wise purchase. I normally eschew it, but depending on the value of the coin and where it's going, I have started to opt for it in certain cases.
Unless you are doing a lot of volume, registered continues to be the most cost effective and guarantee effective way to insure. After all, insurance does nothing to guarantee delivery, it only guarantees reimbursement for loss.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
It depends entirely on the value of the item, as has been discussed previously in other threads. Some items are irreplaceable and/or worth more than what they can be insured for with USPS, in which case Registered also makes sense for maximum safety.
In my experience, shipping a 4 figure coin in a small flat rate priority box with signature confirmation gets there every time, 100% of the time.
I mailed a letter on June 17 to an address less than 5 miles from here. It was delivered last Friday, August 7. Lately, for the first time, when people tell me, "The check is in the mail," I'm starting to believe them.
I can't speak for @messydesk but that is not how my policy works. I declare $0.00 value on the Registered Mail form and my dealer's insurance covers the entirety of the package. I don't pay for additional USPS insurance beyond what is already baked into all Registered Mail services.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Since declared (insured) value does affect registered cost, sounds like using third party insurance and declaring 0.99 value with the PO keeps your register mailing cost to a minimum.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
It keeps the expense lower, but perhaps more importantly it might make the package appear less appealing to get "lost" in the system.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
This is what I do as well. If you declare anything over $0, then there is an additional fee beyond the registered fee.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
2.0 Registered Mail
2.2 Fees and Liability
2.2.1 Declaring Full Value
The mailer must always declare the item’s full value (see chart below) to the USPS (by stating it to the USPS clerk or entering it on the firm sheet if a firm mailer) when presenting it for registration and mailing. Private insurance carried on Registered Mail does not modify the requirements for declaring the full value. The accepting USPS employee may ask the mailer to show that the full value of the matter presented is declared, and may refuse to accept the matter as Registered Mail if a satisfactory declaration of value is not provided. Only articles of no value may be mailed as Registered Mail without insurance.
https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/503.htm#ep1238627
FWIW...
if it's anything of major value, send it express. That way, you don't have to worry/wait, and half the time, they're running past the guaranteed time, which means free shipping. Another tip...the USPS website claims you have to go to the post office where it was shipped from to claim your refund, but it works online.
Early American Copper, Bust and Seated.
I have had more trouble with the USPS in the last few months to stop me in my tracks. The problems they are having is now overwhelming in every way to say the least.
I'm with you, I'm done. By that I mean I'll go out of my way NOT to use USPS anymore.
Sorry to hear that your having so many issues this covid summer @Broadstruck
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.