US Postal Service wants to end Saturday/Overnight mail service & close many branches

[Shortline Bus]

If any of you use the US Postal service, the biggest service cuts in their history might soon occur. It includes possibly closing hundred of branches nationwide, and most important ending all overnight/Saturday mail services. Here article link.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-postal-service-looks-at-cutting-overnight-delivery-processing-centers-20110915,0,2995313.story

[peacemak3r]

I use USPS often, when I'm either selling/buying shoes from forums, selling/buying stuff on eBay or what not. Though I don't use the features they are terminating. I've always used their flat-rate Priority Mail packages. Overnight I've used one in a while but usually I leave that up to UPS/FedEx/DHL (unless they will be affected as well.)

 

Closing branches, I hope they don't close the branch near me, the next closest one is on Nostrand and Ave I, I think.

 

Making the first-class mail from 1-3 days to 2-3 days would make sense, it usually takes 2 days for me to send first-class mail anyway.

[Amtrak7]

The overnight discontinuation means that if you mail something, say from Manhattan to Park Slope, it'll take 2 days instead of overnight.

 

Express Mail is here to stay.

[Shortline Bus]

IMO i hope that the USPS can keep Saturday delivery for at least Express and Priority Mail. The Priority mail when i send packages to my family in San Diego or New Jersey is so much cheaper than either UPS or Fed Ex.

 

Also a big problem is the location of many USPS branches. They should be located at supermarkets and major shopping malls instead of 'downtown' locations which on Saturdays are often ghost towns. This is not 1960 when downtowns/city centers had Woolworth, Macy's and Sears were often busy all the time. The action now to get customers since at least the 1980's is at malls/supermarkets 7 days a week.

 

That is where the USPS should have changed & adjusted since the 1970's/'80's to have their branches there and thus part of the reason IMO business went down. That where they screwed up. Of course the internet (emails and now more recent facebook/twitter) and also fierce business from both UPS and Fed Ex has also lead to their decline.

 

 

Just my takes.

[FamousNYLover]

I used many US Postal Office.

I hope they wouldn`t close Corona, Junction or Jackson Heights one.

Junction Post Office is very slow only 1 window.

Corona one`s very hurry.

I wish our mail deliver to Corona US Post Office because Jackson Heights Post Office is far from Warren St-Junction Blvd.

[Trainmaster5]

Speaking of locations, has anyone used one of the USPS locations that let you mail packages in the off hours? I happened to see one in Smithtown, LI where a guy was taking a package in around 7 pm on a Sunday. I didn't follow him inside so I'm not sure of the procedure. I guess you use a credit card for postage and such but after you deposit your package or letter they probably wouldn't process it until Monday any way. It probably functions like those Fed-ex, UPS drop boxes I've seen around the country.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

I dunno, but I don't see why they can't just cut back on staff here and there. I try to avoid going to the Post Office because it takes forever. The whole process is just too damn slow and complicated. They need to make it easier for folks to figure out how to send things in general. Too much paperwork to fill out. They could cut some waste by making more things electronic IMO. It would really suck to have Saturday delivery cancelled.

[peacemak3r]

Speaking of locations, has anyone used one of the USPS locations that let you mail packages in the off hours? I happened to see one in Smithtown, LI where a guy was taking a package in around 7 pm on a Sunday. I didn't follow him inside so I'm not sure of the procedure. I guess you use a credit card for postage and such but after you deposit your package or letter they probably wouldn't process it until Monday any way. It probably functions like those Fed-ex, UPS drop boxes I've seen around the country.

 

From what I know at my post office, the windows close after a time but the building will not close for a few hours. There's automatic machines where you can buy stamps and such and there are drop off slots if your package/letter is stamped and ready to go. It will just not ship until the next morning truck arrives.

[St Louis Car 09]

 

I dunno, but I don't see why they can't just cut back on staff here and there. I try to avoid going to the Post Office because it takes forever. The whole process is just too damn slow and complicated. They need to make it easier for folks to figure out how to send things in general. Too much paperwork to fill out. They could cut some waste by making more things electronic IMO. It would really suck to have Saturday delivery cancelled.

They wont layoff because of the "No layoff" clause they signed with the union at a time where it seemed like the mail would be around forever.

[Trainmaster5]

After checking the USPS website I found out that what I described above was an "Automated Postal Center" which are open 24/7/365. That's probably the way they're going in the future as far as stamps and services. As far as delivery goes I know that when I'm on LI it seems that Wednesday is junk mail day. They seem to save it for that one particular day. Very rarely do bills or important mail come on Wednesday. When I'm in NC we have a PO box where mail can be picked up at any time, as long as it fits in the box. The catch is that this particular branch closes for lunch on weekdays. There is only one employee assigned to staff it. The larger branches are staffed like they are in NY probably because they're closer to Fayetteville/FT Bragg and the airport. The bad part about my PO down there is that I can't send next day Express Mail from LI to there. It takes 2 days. I've actually sent 2 packages, one via Express and the other Priority, on a test and they both arrived at the NC PO on the same day and truck. Going to NY Express Mail IS next day while Priority is 2nd day.

[CPBO]

I say they need to keep up with the times and do a 5 day week....M-F and cut out some branches......this is not 1888 with horses etc. As the internet has done to most industries....killed it....so the USPS needs to get with the times....we as tax payers deserve to have our money spent wisely....stop with all this waste!!

[FamousNYLover]

I dunno, but I don't see why they can't just cut back on staff here and there. I try to avoid going to the Post Office because it takes forever. The whole process is just too damn slow and complicated. They need to make it easier for folks to figure out how to send things in general. Too much paperwork to fill out. They could cut some waste by making more things electronic IMO. It would really suck to have Saturday delivery cancelled.

Not all Post Offices take long time.

 

In my neighborhood, when package arrives at US Postal, I have to go to Jackson Heights Postal, which takes way long time.

 

When I`m doing my mother errand by sending package, depends where I go:

Corona Postal Office- very quick.

Junction Blvd Postal Office- only 1 window and went I went, it was early, so it was quick.

Long Island City Postal Office- very quick.

Penn Station: Even thought it`s very busy, it fast because lots of windows are open.

Oyster Bay Postal Office- very quick (when I went to Oyster Bay Railroad Museum with friend when he wanted to sent package.

 

St. George Ferry Postal Office: When I went to tried to catch Vintage Bus on S61, I used this postal office and it was very quick.

 

When I lived at 1771 1st Av or Normade Court, our packages were send to 91st St Post Office which was very slow with lack of staffs.

 

When we delivered, we go to E. 85th St one because that places were fast.

 

I even went to Post Office on Broadway near 191st St station entrance, and it was very quick.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

I say they need to keep up with the times and do a 5 day week....M-F and cut out some branches......this is not 1888 with horses etc. As the internet has done to most industries....killed it....so the USPS needs to get with the times....we as tax payers deserve to have our money spent wisely....stop with all this waste!!

 

I agree to a point. I say cut some branches, but keep Saturday service. Some folks need very important things delivered like medication and they're seniors that can't afford to have things expedited via express mail.

[SubwayGuy]

the cutting of services relied on by mainstream America continues yet we "must" maintain spending on foreign wars, and tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses, and foreign aid...

 

shaking my damn head still...when will people wake up and get pissed off?

[553 Bridgeton]

Keep it up Postal Service; I buy alot of things from ebay and I usually get it in 2days even thats slow, and no im not paying an extra $20-$30 to get it the next day, its crazy . I feel the mail service should be faster then it is. 2 days here 2 days there is just a pain in the ass and 2 weeks to a month from China; I mean if I can travel to China in a days time then it shouldnt take that much time to mail; the process is just to slow and they need to do something to make it better. Sadly enough the internet and phones is killing the postal service. My cousin mailed me some pictures of her kids from England and it took about 6days for it to reach me.

 

I use a PO Box which i feel is better. My post office the PO Box side is open 24/7.

[Urbanfortitude]

Yeah...I like knowing that I can get something I'm waiting for in the mail on a Saturday. So I say no. I'm waiting for this though...they cut normal mail delivery for Saturdays and if you want something delivered to you on Saturday you end up having to pay an audacious fee to have it delivered that day. Yes I believe our folks in charge are that ****** up.

[YankeesPwnMets]

I don't really have stuff delivered by USPS. My bills come via the mail, but I pay them online.

 

As for overnight, I normally use UPS for those online deliveries that I need QUICK.

 

UPS Ground

UPS Three Day Select

UPS Next Day Air

UPS Second Day Air

 

I've never used USPS's package service. For me, UPS is my main shipper of parcels and packages. I've only used Fedex once before. I don't think this USPS cut will affect me much. Also, I think all of us should have seen this coming. People don't use snail mail anymore. Everything is done over the internet nowadays

[SubwayGuy]

Keep it up Postal Service; I buy alot of things from ebay and I usually get it in 2days even thats slow, and no im not paying an extra $20-$30 to get it the next day, its crazy . I feel the mail service should be faster then it is. 2 days here 2 days there is just a pain in the ass and 2 weeks to a month from China; I mean if I can travel to China in a days time then it shouldnt take that much time to mail; the process is just to slow and they need to do something to make it better. Sadly enough the internet and phones is killing the postal service. My cousin mailed me some pictures of her kids from England and it took about 6days for it to reach me.

 

obviously the solution is to never buy anything from china B)

[Shortline Bus]

I don't really have stuff delivered by USPS. My bills come via the mail, but I pay them online.

 

As for overnight, I normally use UPS for those online deliveries that I need QUICK.

 

UPS Ground

UPS Three Day Select

UPS Next Day Air

UPS Second Day Air

 

I've never used USPS's package service. For me, UPS is my main shipper of parcels and packages. I've only used Fedex once before. I don't think this USPS cut will affect me much. Also, I think all of us should have seen this coming. People don't use snail mail anymore. Everything is done over the internet nowadays

 

 

I sometimes use UPS and FED EX but sending imporant documents i much rather the Postal Service since they much cheaper. With USPS you send a 3-pound 2-day priority package for around $5.00. UPS & FED EX is at least $3 or more. You can't send everything online i.e packages, etc. so there will is always a need for a delivery service.

 

The USPS is a huge crossroads in it's long history with roots going way back to the creation of the United States. They must do a "Madonna or Britney Spears' and re-invent themselves. If they screw this, sadly will include thousands of long time workers losing their jobs 'forever.' And thus the USPS could end up fading in history by going out of business forever in a worst case scenrio. We shall see.:eek:

[Tokkemon]

Why is USPS in the pooper? Because email is faster, cheaper, and more efficient than mail carriers bringing letters to people. Its a simple case of a newer technology replacing an older technology.

[553 Bridgeton]

obviously the solution is to never buy anything from china B)

 

O I dont, I was just saying. Im not thatg crazy now.

[YankeesPwnMets]

I sometimes use UPS and FED EX but sending imporant documents i much rated the Postal Service since they much cheaper. With USPS you send a 3-pound 2-day priority package for around $5.00. UPS & FED EX is at least $3 or more. You can't send everything online i.e packages, etc. so there will is always a need for a delivery service.

 

The USPS is a huge crossroads in it's long history with roots going way back to the creation of the United States. They must do a "Madonna or Britney Spears' and re-invent themselves. If they screw this, sadly will include thousands of long time workers losing their jobs 'forever.' And thus the USPS could end up fading in history by going out of business forever in a worst case scenrio. We shall see.:eek:

 

I know not everything can be sent online, but a lot of companies just use UPS for packages. Three online order sites I use a lot:

 

Staples.com

Newegg.com

Amazon.com

 

ALL of my packages from these sites came via UPS, whether it was UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air, UPS Three Day Select, etc. The online companies only offer free shipping thru UPS. None of these sites offer USPS as a shipping option.

[Trainmaster5]

Amazon does use USPS for things like CDs and DVDs but you can opt for other delivery methods like Fed-Ex or UPS.