Package stuck in Jamaica, NY - Return leg equally slow

oih82w8

I sent off an order to JA and it has been stuck in Jamaica, NY for a couple of (business) days...so much for paying for Priority Mail Registered. Next time I will send it First Class Registered.

There is no estimated delivery time for Registered Mail, regardless of class. Registered Mail is kept highly secured and is processed manually, which naturally slows the speed at which it travels. Registered Mail is not recommended if speed of delivery is important.
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Registered-Mail

When you send Registered Mail, do you use First Class or Priority Mail?

airplanenut

I use whatever the weight dictates. First Class if I can, Priority if I have to. Registered trumps the class, so there's no reason to pay more. To that end, I also only use First Class unless I have a reason to go to Priority--weight or my insurance company's requirements for higher value shipments.

oih82w8

Thanks @airplanenut , I just checked the maximum weight for First Class, 13 ounces.

The maximum weight for First-Class Mail packages is 13 ounces. A package exceeding 13 ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item. A package exceeding 13 ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item.

https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22218/kit1_010.html#:~:text=The maximum weight for First-Class Mail packages is,ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item.

derryb

ALL registered mail moves at the same slow pace. Two types of registered mail: First class registered and Priority registered; weight determines which to choose. Anything 13 oz. and under CAN be sent first class registered to save some dollars, but you have to specify first class at the counter. Anything over 13 oz. has to ship priority registered at the higher priority base rate. The additional charge for Registered service includes insurance on the value declared on the accompanying Form 3806. Any registered that uses priority packaging has to ship priority. Flat rate priority packaging can be used to save money on heavier registered shipments.

Registered on-line tracking will incorrectly use the "first class" or "priority" to establish an expected delivery date. In either case it will take longer since it is registered. Insured items over about $800 are actually cheaper to send registered if you wan the added security AND can live with the longer delivery time.

Just shipped a registered first class, insured for $2,185.00 this morning. Cost was $27.80: 5.75 for first class, 20.35 for added registered and $1.70 for electronic return receipt.

MasonG

Estimated delivery times, from the USPS website:

Priority Mail
1, 2, 3 days on average

First-Class Mail
1-3 days

FWIW...

derryb

@MasonG said:
Estimated delivery times, from the USPS website:

Priority Mail
1, 2, 3 days on average

First-Class Mail
1-3 days

FWIW...

Worthless when it comes to estimating registered mail delivery time.

As explained above priority and first class delivery times are incorrectly used by usps to provide on-line tracking "expected delivery by" date for registered shipments. In the case of registered, "priority" and "first class" are simply used for pricing of the postage. Registered mail, because of it's security features moves at its own, slow pace. As explained above, usps tracking's "expected delivery by" date will be incorrect.

The one I shipped today (Sept. 8), first class registered from FL to UT shows:

Good Luck with dat!

oih82w8

@MasonG said:
Estimated delivery times, from the USPS website:

Priority Mail
1, 2, 3 days on average

First-Class Mail
1-3 days

FWIW...

Agreed with @derryb ...

There is no estimated delivery time for Registered Mail, regardless of class. Registered Mail is kept highly secured and is processed manually, which naturally slows the speed at which it travels. Registered Mail is not recommended if speed of delivery is important.
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Registered-Mail

I also believe that I read on USPS 10-14 days was average for Registered Mail...BUT it should not stay put in one location for an extended period of time. From what I understand the Post Office in Jamaica, NY is pretty massive and should have mail of all classifications moving rapidly through it.

derryb

@oih82w8 said:
Thanks @airplanenut , I just checked the maximum weight for First Class, 13 ounces.

The maximum weight for First-Class Mail packages is 13 ounces. A package exceeding 13 ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item. A package exceeding 13 ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item.

https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22218/kit1_010.html#:~:text=The maximum weight for First-Class Mail packages is,ounces is classified as a Priority Mail item.

Note that there is a third option (not available for registered shipments) for items 16 ozs. and under when purchasing on-line postage, First Class Mail Parcel Service (2-5 days) that costs less than priority postage.

Also note that Regional Flat Rate boxes (A&B) [Regional Flat Rate boxes (A&B)]https://www.stamps.com/usps/priority-mail-regional-rate-box/) offer larger than small flat rate boxes at a rate cheaper than medium flat rate boxes. Regional boxes have to be ordered from the usps.website and I believe, require on-line purchased labels.

derryb

@oih82w8 said:

I also believe that I read on USPS 10-14 days was average for Registered Mail...BUT it should not stay put in one location for an extended period of time. From what I understand the Post Office in Jamaica, NY is pretty massive and should have mail of all classifications moving rapidly through it.

the problem with registered is, that because of added security, it sometimes gets put in a postal safe while en route and is forgotten about until the next time the safe is opened. Whenever tracking shows one of my registered at the same location for three or more days I initiate an on-line "where is my package" request that goes to the last known location. It is effective in getting the package back on the move.

MasonG

@derryb said:

@MasonG said:
Estimated delivery times, from the USPS website:

Priority Mail
1, 2, 3 days on average

First-Class Mail
1-3 days

FWIW...

Worthless when it comes to estimating registered mail delivery time.

I didn't say anything about registered mail delivery time. I was responding to the OP's choosing Priority Mail over First Class mail.

But thanks for playing.

derryb

The OP questioned choosing Priority Mail REGISTERED over First Class REGISTERED. The delivery times you provided are for neither and I simply explained why. I realize you like to argue but try arguing with yourself.

chesterb

You'd think Jamaica would be fast but it's not. I live in the region and when I see a package has reached there I know it will take an extra day or two. My hopes for packages is that it runs through the NJ distribution center instead of Jamaica.

MasonG

@derryb said:
I realize you like to argue but try arguing with yourself.

Well, gosh- I would, but you keep interrupting. Looks like you need to find a better hobby.

CoinJunkie

First class mail can weigh up to 16 ounces now. It was increased from 13 ounces maybe a year or so ago. As others have stated, never pay for Priority Registered unless it's required, as there's no benefit in terms of handling time.

2ndCharter

Yawn - here we go again. I've had Registered Mail packages sit for up to six days at the Jamaica facility but they always eventually move and always have arrived safe and sound. If you don't like the Registered Mail service, then hop in a car or plane and deliver it yourself. The service is what it is - dependable but S-L-O-W.

airplanenut

@CoinJunkie said:
First class mail can weigh up to 16 ounces now. It was increased from 13 ounces maybe a year or so ago. As others have stated, never pay for Priority Registered unless it's required, as there's no benefit in terms of handling time.

Only if postage is purchased online. At the counter, 13oz is the limit.

bolivarshagnasty

OP, My submission to JA returned to me going thru Jamaica, NY and was there eight days before finally moving on to TN.

SaorAlba

Got a package from Ireland stuck in NYC ISC since the 21st of August. It is registered also.

Treashunt

If you had ever been to Jamaica you'd know why it is stuck there.

J/K of course.

Registered mail must be signed for, by anyone who touches the envelope.

Perhaps that is why

ms70

That Jamaica location is the USPS facility at JFK Airport. I've seen packages sit there before. And yes, paying to add Priority to Registered is a complete waste. It does not move any faster and the USPS should be ashamed of offering that service.

oih82w8

When I took the package to the post office, I was not given a choice, First Class or Priority, probably because of the weight...being over 13 ounces; 10 coins, PCGS Box and packing materials.

ms70

I never had that issue. They never tried to force Priority on me when using Registered regardless of weight.

grote15

Anything over 13 oz automatically goes priority mail. Registered mail takes forever but is the safest way to ship.

jkrk

Last month I shipped a $2700 coin to California. Registered of course.

The coin was taken to the PO on August 8 (NYC).

The coin arrived in Jamaica August 13.

The coin arrived SF on August 17.

Delivered Aug 18.

Price $37.00

Everything went... as expected.

derryb

@jkrk said:
Last month I shipped a $2700 coin to California. Registered of course.

The coin was taken to the PO on August 8 (NYC).

The coin arrived in Jamaica August 13.

The coin arrived SF on August 17.

Delivered Aug 18.

Price $37.00

Everything went... as expected.

sounds like you paid the priority registered rate.

jkrk

@derryb said:

@jkrk said:
Last month I shipped a $2700 coin to California. Registered of course.

The coin was taken to the PO on August 8 (NYC).

The coin arrived in Jamaica August 13.

The coin arrived SF on August 17.

Delivered Aug 18.

Price $37.00

Everything went... as expected.

sounds like you paid the priority registered rate.

Probably. Not really sure what we paid for? Although I know that .... the buyer was the only one who could sign for the package.

Most importantly, I know...... the package arrived safely and we receive a positive feedback.

airplanenut

@jkrk said:

@derryb said:

@jkrk said:
Last month I shipped a $2700 coin to California. Registered of course.

The coin was taken to the PO on August 8 (NYC).

The coin arrived in Jamaica August 13.

The coin arrived SF on August 17.

Delivered Aug 18.

Price $37.00

Everything went... as expected.

sounds like you paid the priority registered rate.

Probably. Not really sure what we paid for? Although I know that .... the buyer was the only one who could sign for the package.

Most importantly, I know...... the package arrived safely and we receive a positive feedback.

If the recipient is the only person that can sign, it's restricted delivery. Normally anyone at the address can sign. Keep in mind that the Registered signature (unless something has changed) is not good enough for PayPal because they want to see the signature name online. You'll need to add (electronic) return receipt or signature confirmation (dumb as that sounds, given Registered's signature requirement) to meet PayPal's requirements.

amwldcoin

Hmmm, seems I've heard NJ has a reputation for packages going missing.

@chesterb said:
You'd think Jamaica would be fast but it's not. I live in the region and when I see a package has reached there I know it will take an extra day or two. My hopes for packages is that it runs through the NJ distribution center instead of Jamaica.

oih82w8

I received notice that my package left Jamaica, NY yesterday afternoon. Thank you to those who helped pass a little time during my rant.

ricko

@oih82w8 .... Good news.... I hope it arrives without further delay....Cheers, RickO

oih82w8

@ricko said:
@oih82w8 .... Good news.... I hope it arrives without further delay....Cheers, RickO

Thanks ricko, it arrived at the P.O. and just needs to be signed for and picked up. I will have a contest on guessing the results within the next few days.

oih82w8

Delivered to P.O. at 1017 hrs and opened and received at CAC at 1137 & 1143 (two orders). That was some great timing on CAC personnel's part!

oih82w8

This seems to be a trend getting stuck in Jamaica, NY, but the package left a couple days ago and is somewhere in between Jamaica, NY and OKC. I really don't like "The item is currently in transit to the destination." catch phrase, especially on a Registered Package...there has to be some oversight to it's whereabouts.

September 21, 2020, 4:29 pm
Departed USPS Facility
JAMAICA, NY 11430
Your item departed our USPS facility in JAMAICA, NY 11430 on September 21, 2020 at 4:29 pm. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

September 18, 2020, 10:54 am
Arrived at USPS Facility
JAMAICA, NY 11430

September 16, 2020, 9:22 pm
Arrived at USPS Facility
KEARNY, NJ 07099

September 16, 2020, 5:07 pm
Departed Post Office
BEDMINSTER, NJ 07921

September 16, 2020, 2:12 pm
USPS in possession of item
BEDMINSTER, NJ 07921

SaorAlba

It's sitting in a postal trailer somewhere in Jamaica NY. I had a package with auction wins coming from Kansas City that took 6 weeks, 5 of them were sitting in a parked trailer at a sort facility downstate. How about that new postmaster?

oih82w8

Why does your comment seem so plausible @SaorAlba ? I can actually see these trailers parked, waiting for their transportation orders to be typed up by Harpo the one-finger typist.

grote15

The package departed Jamaica on 9/21 so you probably won't see another scan until it reaches closer to your location. A few days between scans in this case is not unusual.

oih82w8

This package was scanned in at Coppell, TX last night at 1145 pm. It seems that discussing the whereabouts of the package brings it back to the surface, at least to me.

Thanks to those who chimed in to help pass the time and provide their insights!