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US Mint uses UPS....Why?
libertydude
Posts: 243 ✭✭
Well, I was all worried about receiving my package from the US Mint while away on vacation. I put a hold on mail and packages at the USPS to make sure it didn't get sent back. Then I started receiving emails from UPS about delivery attempts a few days later.
I assumed that the US Mint would ship via USPS. You know... a government entity supporting another government entity. I've noticed at some USPS branches, FedEx signs for delivery options (international if I recall) too.
Is there some logistical reason why the Mint uses UPS rather than USPS?
Is it cheaper for the Mint to use UPS rather than USPS?
Is UPS more reliable?
Seems strange to me. Anyone know why?
Also, the sender 'name' is PBGS. Is this the order processing arm of the Mint or is it some company that is contracted to handle orders from the Mint? If it's the former, shame on the Mint for not using USPS. If it's the latter, shame on the Mint for not requiring the company to use USPS.
P.S. In reality, USPS or UPS delivers to my home with no problems. As long as the service is good, no complaints from me. I just find it really, really odd that with all the financial problems of the USPS, that the Mint would not throw it's business to them.
I assumed that the US Mint would ship via USPS. You know... a government entity supporting another government entity. I've noticed at some USPS branches, FedEx signs for delivery options (international if I recall) too.
Is there some logistical reason why the Mint uses UPS rather than USPS?
Is it cheaper for the Mint to use UPS rather than USPS?
Is UPS more reliable?
Seems strange to me. Anyone know why?
Also, the sender 'name' is PBGS. Is this the order processing arm of the Mint or is it some company that is contracted to handle orders from the Mint? If it's the former, shame on the Mint for not using USPS. If it's the latter, shame on the Mint for not requiring the company to use USPS.
P.S. In reality, USPS or UPS delivers to my home with no problems. As long as the service is good, no complaints from me. I just find it really, really odd that with all the financial problems of the USPS, that the Mint would not throw it's business to them.
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Comments
<< <i>Is there some logistical reason why the Mint uses UPS rather than USPS?
>>
Lowest bid for the service maybe.
<< <i>
<< <i>Is there some logistical reason why the Mint uses UPS rather than USPS?
>>
Lowest bid for the service maybe.
BTW PBGS is a government contractor also.
USPS is hard to deal with for big companies. I like them, I am in the Logistics field, but there is no way I will ever be able to use them for my shipments. Small flat rate box is almost $6, I ship a wardrobe box via Fedrx ground for the same money.
adds to our debt.
bob
Member, Society of Silver Dollar Collectors.
Looking for PCGS AU58+ 1901-P, 1896-O, & 1894-O
<< <i>USPS is just another federal government agency that sucks, and has sucked since the Pony Express. UPS and FedEx on the other hand are highly reliable private companies. USPS knows they can't compete with them, and employs their services. >>
Talk about uninformed posts.
The "reliability" that many have had with USPS has been great. They are also easier to get packages from if one can't be always home to receive the delivery.
Also, while, unlike you seem to have been, I haven't been around since the Pony Express days, I don't think the country would have evolved the same way/speed without it.
There are a lot of problems with how the government has handled the USPS (pensions, "jobs for life", lazy workers, etc), but overall, it has done this country, and many people, fine.
I have never been a USPS employee, personally don't know any, and no one in my family has ever worked for the USPS.....I just find such widely ignorant statements as the above to be sad.
To the OP....I agree with you that they should use the USPS, but it is likely something to do with low bid and logistics (maybe they guaranteed 24hr pickups on location whereas the USPS couldn't do the same)?
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
My only option is to let them attempt delivery for 3 consecutive days to no avail, then they hold it at their facility for 5 days where I can go pick it up (and that place is 30 miles away!!). Oh, did I mention, that facility is only open M-F 9-5, so to get my package, I have to leave work early (which costs me $$).
I would gladly pay extra money if I could get the Mint to NOT use UPS.
Actually, come to think of it, if I purchase Expedited Delivery when I place a Mint order, does that then still use UPS, or is it FedEx?
ok, my rant is over . . .
Nooker
to PO Boxes and a lot of these won't get delivered by the shipping companies.
BTW if you pay for your orders with credit card it will have to have that box address on it to get the order processed.
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<< <i>USPS is just another federal government agency that sucks, and has sucked since the Pony Express. UPS and FedEx on the other hand are highly reliable private companies. USPS knows they can't compete with them, and employs their services. >>
Talk about uninformed posts.
The "reliability" that many have had with USPS has been great. They are also easier to get packages from if one can't be always home to receive the delivery.
Also, while, unlike you seem to have been, I haven't been around since the Pony Express days, I don't think the country would have evolved the same way/speed without it.
There are a lot of problems with how the government has handled the USPS (pensions, "jobs for life", lazy workers, etc), but overall, it has done this country, and many people, fine.
I have never been a USPS employee, personally don't know any, and no one in my family has ever worked for the USPS.....I just find such widely ignorant statements as the above to be sad.
To the OP....I agree with you that they should use the USPS, but it is likely something to do with low bid and logistics (maybe they guaranteed 24hr pickups on location whereas the USPS couldn't do the same)? >>
Your post reeks of a lack of knowledge. You are quite immature and uneducated not to realize the USPS is so poorly run, that it must be subsidized. USPS is a failure, much like your post. Perhaps before you post, do some research beforehand, so you don't look as ill informed as you obviously are.
I wrote a letter of complaint to my Congressman, saying, first, they should use USPS, and second, it was a total waste of taxpayer's money to overnight the letter as it was nothing urgent.
His aide's reply basically blew me off. I know who I won't be voting for next time.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>USPS is just another federal government agency that sucks, and has sucked since the Pony Express. UPS and FedEx on the other hand are highly reliable private companies. USPS knows they can't compete with them, and employs their services. >>
If this is so then why does FedEx use USPS to deliver most of their packages. FedEx is one of USPS best customers.
<< <i>US Mint uses UPS....Why? >>
because they have tried FedEX and they don't trust USPS. Who's left?
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
<< <i>
<< <i>USPS is just another federal government agency that sucks, and has sucked since the Pony Express. UPS and FedEx on the other hand are highly reliable private companies. USPS knows they can't compete with them, and employs their services. >>
If this is so then why does FedEx use USPS to deliver most of their packages. FedEx is one of USPS best customers. >>
Think it's the other way around USPS uses FedEX's planes to move their packages. And they have a drop ship of non priority FedEx items that do not have to be signed for to the USPS.
For the volume and coverage they have, I do believe that the USPS does well.
It is the cost for retirees, and some of the other issues, that has them hitting the problems.
I enjoy that their branches are in so many places, that they are open good hours, that they are open on Saturdays, etc.
I enjoy that, even though some things do get stolen, just as with any service, there is a federal penalty that thieves can incur by doing so.
I enjoy that there is a postmaster general (a real boss) to investigate issues, if necessary. I enjoy there is ultimately some accountability.
Those things don't exist with UPS or FedEx.
I also enjoy at my local branch that there is ALWAYS more than 1 employee at the counter, whereas at the UPS, I have rarely seen 2, and never more...usually (99% of the time, only 1 employee) at their counter.....and a line of 10+ folks. I hate waiting 30+ minutes when there are only 4-5 people in line. For being so "organized", they are very slow and disorganized in their branch.
Not going to rant though...suffice to say, hammer, you can call me all the names you want, but I will stick by the fact that the USPS helped make this country and that they still do a darned good job at their job, but there are problems that I wish our unions and politicians didn't impose on them/us.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
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<< <i>
<< <i>USPS is just another federal government agency that sucks, and has sucked since the Pony Express. UPS and FedEx on the other hand are highly reliable private companies. USPS knows they can't compete with them, and employs their services. >>
If this is so then why does FedEx use USPS to deliver most of their packages. FedEx is one of USPS best customers. >>
Think it's the other way around USPS uses FedEX's planes to move their packages. And they have a drop ship of non priority FedEx items that do not have to be signed for to the USPS. >>
I have had to sign for packages from fedex delivered by USPS. But that might have to do with where you live as I live outside of Rapid City, SD
It has to do with who is willing to do a specific job at the lowest price in most cases.
<< <i>My mint packages come from FedEx delivered by the USPS. I found out the USPS gets a truck from FedEx every day so USPS can deliver FedEx's packages. The only FedEx delivery we get here is overnight. >>
That should only happen when the shipper uses the service called Fedex Smartpost.
Btw, Fedex is selling well that service since stealing while in USPS hands is a federal offense (not the case when shipping with express couriers). That's why I prefer USPS for my personal shipments (besides the fact that the rates are better and the service is excellent).
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<< <i>FadetoBlack, thank you for posting the bits I was alluding to. >>
You're welcome. Those that think the USPS isn't profitable and loses billions of dollars need to just look at their bottom line to see why. The USPS is hugely profitable and a great asset to our country when not forced into conditions that would cripple ANY company. Educating individuals about the prefunding mandate is a responsibility that should be carried by anybody who knows what they're talking about in order to stop dissemination of a lie. >>
"Postal Service Ends Fiscal Year 2011 with $5.1 Billion Loss Growth in Shipping Services; Continued Decline in First-Class Mail Volume
November 15, 2011
Release No. 11-124
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service ended its 2011 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2011) with a net loss of $5.1 billion. The year-end loss would have been approximately $10.6 billion had it not been for passage of legislation that postponed a congressionally mandated payment of $5.5 billion to pre-fund retiree health benefits."
Please stop your lies. The post office is a failure. It would be bankrupt if it were private.
Maybe this kind of makes the case for privatizing the mail?
<< <i>Government contracts have very little to do with how good or bad a service is.
It has to do with who is willing to do a specific job at the lowest price in most cases. >>
35 years in submarine quality control qualifies me to somewhat disagree with this. You would be surprised (maybe not) at the added expense that goes into certifying and testing many government purchases. For most important government purchases there are standards that have to be adhered to. Even for something as trivial as delivering mint products there is probably three times the needed pages of contract specifications. Office supplies - yeah, we always shopped around to get the most for our money.
The competition for government contracts is fierce and is what keeps existing contractors and suppliers on their toes. Government contracts make and break many businesses.
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
<< <i>By the way, if USPS is so bad then why does PCGS use USPS? >>
KNowing USPS's efficiency, Fedex is making money on each package they hand off to USPS, and USPS is losing money on it.
<< <i>BTW if you pay for your orders with credit card it will have to have that box address on it to get the order processed. >>
This has resulted in many orders being cancelled in the past, so I hear. Problem has been where you get your order in during the first few minutes of a new release, then they don't cancel your order until they go try to charge your card, sometimes months later, and then poof, there goes your First Strike designation.
Nooker
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
Never had a problem.....Priority 2 day blows away FedEx and UPS for price and insurance.
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<< <i>USPS is just another federal government agency that sucks, and has sucked since the Pony Express. UPS and FedEx on the other hand are highly reliable private companies. USPS knows they can't compete with them, and employs their services. >>
If this is so then why does FedEx use USPS to deliver most of their packages. FedEx is one of USPS best customers. >>
Think it's the other way around USPS uses FedEX's planes to move their packages. And they have a drop ship of non priority FedEx items that do not have to be signed for to the USPS. >>
I have had to sign for packages from fedex delivered by USPS. But that might have to do with where you live as I live outside of Rapid City, SD >>
Only FedEx express delivery / pick-up service is corporate. Their ground delivery service is 100% sublet. In large metro areas, FedEx Ground is handled by sub-contractors that own the routes & maintain their own trucks. In less populated areas, FedEx dumps it on the USPS for delivery. BTW, that dumping service is offered by USPS to large businesses, and is often used for mass mailings, and by drop-shippers.
<< <i>I hate the fact that they use UPS. not for any of the aforementioned reasons, but because UPS will only deliver M-F, and during the day (hey, I have a job, and I'm not home during the day!). Since the Mint requires a signature, UPS won't leave the package, nor will they permit me to sign their little Door Tag for the next day, nor will they let me redirect delivery to my local UPS store, or a neighbor's house (again, i think the Mint is the one who will not permit this, and they pass these instructions along to UPS)
My only option is to let them attempt delivery for 3 consecutive days to no avail, then they hold it at their facility for 5 days where I can go pick it up (and that place is 30 miles away!!). Oh, did I mention, that facility is only open M-F 9-5, so to get my package, I have to leave work early (which costs me $$).
I would gladly pay extra money if I could get the Mint to NOT use UPS.
Actually, come to think of it, if I purchase Expedited Delivery when I place a Mint order, does that then still use UPS, or is it FedEx?
ok, my rant is over . . .
Nooker >>
Expedited shipping is always UPS 2nd day air according to the Mint's FAQ page. They only specify UPS for expedited shipping. Maybe you can tell them to use standard shipping instead, which I presume, is with USPS.
I have the same problem with getting to the UPS facility. I think they're open on Saturday... when I picked my package up on Friday, they didn't open until 1:30 PM. LOL
I can't remember the print on the back of the slip, but can't you have a neighbor sign for it?
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
<< <i>It's all about following the money. The mint contracts it's delivery/shipping service to Pitney Bowes Government Services (the PBGS you see on your shipping labels) They in-turn use the most profitable to them shipping method. Although there could be contractual obligations for who PBGS can use. That's why you get that poor FedX/USPS (and UPS has a similar service) abomination. FedX bulk caries between major points and the USPS delivers the last segment. For me it adds 10 or more day to the shipping time. I would be happy to pay the USPS Flat Rate + Delivery Confirmation/Signature + Insurance (4 day delivery) IF it was just made available as an option. But it isn't. I can use standard $4.95 (with 12 to 20 days delivery) or Expedited shipping for $25+. This can be a considerable portion of the total cost if I'm not making a triple digit $ purchase. Those are the only choices that are offered. >>
<< <i>While I understand the irony here, I am very glad the Mint is not obligated to use USPS and has instead opted for a private, lower cost (most certainly) supplier.
Maybe this kind of makes the case for privatizing the mail?
I don't think there's much money in mail service anymore. I use 2 stamps a month... forever stamps bought 5 years ago!
I get half a dozen important pieces of mail per month (bills that I can get electronically, but prefer paper). The rest is junk mail, which has had to have kept the USPS alive for the past decade. Otherwise, they'd be dead in the water. I don't know if any company would take that on... kind of like mass transportation.
Last Summer, I was shipping a package at a Post Office in a neighboring borough (amazing hours for Saturday; 9-5). There was a long line and a supervisor was taking people out of line to teach them how to use a machine to ship their packages. With the pension problems plaguing the USPS, I think they will need to do at least 2 things: 1) reduce travel distance by consolidating residential mailboxes at a local office (eliminates drivers & fuel costs), and 2) 75% of counter clerks with those machines (it was so fast and easy, with no attitude!).
<< <i>USPS has been wonderful.......I ship USPS Priority 2 day safely and securely from the east coast to the west coast, and the package is always there.
Never had a problem.....Priority 2 day blows away FedEx and UPS for price and insurance. >>
I've never had a problem with USPS either. With the included tracking, $50 insurance, boxes, and convenient location, it's my default.
<< <i>
<< <i>It's all about following the money. The mint contracts it's delivery/shipping service to Pitney Bowes Government Services (the PBGS you see on your shipping labels) They in-turn use the most profitable to them shipping method. Although there could be contractual obligations for who PBGS can use. That's why you get that poor FedX/USPS (and UPS has a similar service) abomination. FedX bulk caries between major points and the USPS delivers the last segment. For me it adds 10 or more day to the shipping time. I would be happy to pay the USPS Flat Rate + Delivery Confirmation/Signature + Insurance (4 day delivery) IF it was just made available as an option. But it isn't. I can use standard $4.95 (with 12 to 20 days delivery) or Expedited shipping for $25+. This can be a considerable portion of the total cost if I'm not making a triple digit $ purchase. Those are the only choices that are offered. >>
What UPS abomination are you speaking of? My package was shipped out on 8/21 and first delivery attempt was on 8/23....
I do understand the reasons why they don't which have been posted by others.
I've been very impressed wtih the reliability of the USPS over the years.
I use them for my FeeBay and other sales and have never had a single problem.
<< <i>
<< <i>I hate the fact that they use UPS. not for any of the aforementioned reasons, but because UPS will only deliver M-F, and during the day (hey, I have a job, and I'm not home during the day!). Since the Mint requires a signature, UPS won't leave the package, nor will they permit me to sign their little Door Tag for the next day, nor will they let me redirect delivery to my local UPS store, or a neighbor's house (again, i think the Mint is the one who will not permit this, and they pass these instructions along to UPS)
My only option is to let them attempt delivery for 3 consecutive days to no avail, then they hold it at their facility for 5 days where I can go pick it up (and that place is 30 miles away!!). Oh, did I mention, that facility is only open M-F 9-5, so to get my package, I have to leave work early (which costs me $$).
I would gladly pay extra money if I could get the Mint to NOT use UPS.
Actually, come to think of it, if I purchase Expedited Delivery when I place a Mint order, does that then still use UPS, or is it FedEx?
ok, my rant is over . . .
Nooker >>
Expedited shipping is always UPS 2nd day air according to the Mint's FAQ page. They only specify UPS for expedited shipping. Maybe you can tell them to use standard shipping instead, which I presume, is with USPS. >>
Standard shipping is with that stupid FedX/USPS plan, not USPS alone. I WISH USPS ALONE WAS AN OPTION ! Which I would pay for....sorry to rant again (see earlier rant above
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<< <i>
<< <i>It's all about following the money. The mint contracts it's delivery/shipping service to Pitney Bowes Government Services (the PBGS you see on your shipping labels) They in-turn use the most profitable to them shipping method. Although there could be contractual obligations for who PBGS can use. That's why you get that poor FedX/USPS (and UPS has a similar service) abomination. FedX bulk caries between major points and the USPS delivers the last segment. For me it adds 10 or more day to the shipping time. I would be happy to pay the USPS Flat Rate + Delivery Confirmation/Signature + Insurance (4 day delivery) IF it was just made available as an option. But it isn't. I can use standard $4.95 (with 12 to 20 days delivery) or Expedited shipping for $25+. This can be a considerable portion of the total cost if I'm not making a triple digit $ purchase. Those are the only choices that are offered. >>
What UPS abomination are you speaking of? My package was shipped out on 8/21 and first delivery attempt was on 8/23.... >>
I have other issues with UPS, but I said "That's why you get that poor FedX/USPS (and UPS has a similar service) abomination." If your referring to a recent expedited shipment sent via UPS then you got the expected service. But if you are referring to a shipment that went standard and you got it in 2 days, then congratulations. My standard shipping always takes at least 10 days (the minimum it has ever taken), up to 22 days (the longest), usually 15/16 being the average. First Class and Priority and Flat Rate all take 4 days. When I am considering shipping to PCGS for grading AND getting First Strike designation this shipping time is a big factor. Just offer 1st Class or Flat Rate as an option, thats all I'm asking.
Get a PO Box like I did.
I am 100% confident UPS is more efficient than the USPS, thereby being able to bid less.
<< <i>It is not about supporting another government agency. And, if that were the case, there needs to be a serious change of house at the treasury.
I am 100% confident UPS is more efficient than the USPS, thereby being able to bid less. >>
More efficient or not, I would wager one of the clauses would be the "to the minute" tracking that the USPS cannot do, unless registered, that the UPS can do.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>HA! Your post reeks of a lack of knowledge. The USPS only loses money due to the prefunding mandate. Read up and educate yourself; >>
Exactly. They would be in the black otherwise. It's ridiculous to expect them to fund that far into the future.
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
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<< <i>
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<< <i>It's all about following the money. The mint contracts it's delivery/shipping service to Pitney Bowes Government Services (the PBGS you see on your shipping labels) They in-turn use the most profitable to them shipping method. Although there could be contractual obligations for who PBGS can use. That's why you get that poor FedX/USPS (and UPS has a similar service) abomination. FedX bulk caries between major points and the USPS delivers the last segment. For me it adds 10 or more day to the shipping time. I would be happy to pay the USPS Flat Rate + Delivery Confirmation/Signature + Insurance (4 day delivery) IF it was just made available as an option. But it isn't. I can use standard $4.95 (with 12 to 20 days delivery) or Expedited shipping for $25+. This can be a considerable portion of the total cost if I'm not making a triple digit $ purchase. Those are the only choices that are offered. >>
What UPS abomination are you speaking of? My package was shipped out on 8/21 and first delivery attempt was on 8/23.... >>
I have other issues with UPS, but I said "That's why you get that poor FedX/USPS (and UPS has a similar service) abomination." If your referring to a recent expedited shipment sent via UPS then you got the expected service. But if you are referring to a shipment that went standard and you got it in 2 days, then congratulations. My standard shipping always takes at least 10 days (the minimum it has ever taken), up to 22 days (the longest), usually 15/16 being the average. First Class and Priority and Flat Rate all take 4 days. When I am considering shipping to PCGS for grading AND getting First Strike designation this shipping time is a big factor. Just offer 1st Class or Flat Rate as an option, thats all I'm asking. >>
Wow, sounds like you've had it bad with UPS. 22 days? OUCH!