USPS now most expensive for shipping off island

[taropatch]

Definitely, the USPS usually provides the best deal. Just love the flat rate box up to 70 lbs. The workers are very helpful and couple times have suggested ways to save money. I was going to do flat rate to Oahu and the clerk said, "No you don't, there is a cheaper choice for inter-island". I didn't quite understand what it was, but I didn't argue :-)

Its too bad that there are people who will generalize about USPS workers then in a second post, generalize about Fedex workers.

[kalakoa]

Just love the flat rate box up to 70 lbs.

No weight limit on domestic FRB, unless they've changed the rules recently.

I even had to explain this to a USPS clerk, pointing to the writing on the FRB.

[Frankie Stapleton]

USPS workers here in Hawaii, especially Pahoa, are very kind, patient, consumer-oriented, and smart! They're DA BEST!!!

[OrchidIslander]

quote:

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Originally posted by terracore

The FedEx employees are just happier.

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I know I should, but I can't let it go. How do you quantify that statement? What proof do you offer? Is there a comprehensive survey out there which has compiled, measured and correlated enough data to definitively state which set of employees is happier?

Or, is your statement your opinion - which you are certainly entitled to - but at the same time, it ain't gospel.

Mahalo to several Punawebbers who took the time to post some awesome and much appreciated complements regarding USPS employees.

I will endeavor to remember your kind words every time I start to hate my life.

(I just can't let it go!)

Mike in HPP

[terracore]

You asked for it:

http://www.insidesources.com/postal-employee-survey/
http://www.fedex.com/ma/about/overview/philosophy.html

I remember during my new hire orientation having to learn about the background of the term "Going Postal". That was before this survey was taken, but it appears not much has changed.

You can do your own googling. The USPS survey required a Freedom of Information Act to pry it from the USPS people who paid $1.8 million for it. The FedEx SFA model is taught in business courses as a best practice.

"A survey of postal employees conducted last year for the United States Postal Service paints a dire picture of the state of the organization’s workforce.

Gallup, which was paid $1.8 million by USPS to conduct the survey, presents a comparison to the results of similar surveys of millions of workers at hundreds of other companies in recent years. Across a range of questions addressing satisfaction in the workplace, the USPS scores in the 1st percentile, the very bottom, of the survey results.

The topline results were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request after the USPS declined to provide the data to InsideSources when asked in January.

Postal workers reported strong job dissatisfaction, and in comparison to other organizations surveyed by Gallup, USPS employees say they rarely receive recognition for good work; their supervisors don’t care for them as people; they don’t feel their job is important; they lack opportunities to learn and grow, and their fellow employees are not committed to doing quality work.

A spokesperson for USPS says the organization was disappointed with the results. “Clearly, there is much room for improvement.”

This was the first time the survey, known as Postal Pulse, was administered to postal employees. USPS previously surveyed employees on a quarterly rotation for 17 years. Postal Pulse is the first time Gallup has contracted with USPS to conduct a version of its Q12 survey, which since its development in the 1990s has been given to 25 million workers at over 1,100 firms worldwide."

[DTisme]

Why do postal workers "go postal"? Ask Newman! https://youtu.be/LL6ubXD9ZjY

[terracore]

Just FYI for everybody doing their holiday shopping (or shipping):

In the last 2 months we've had 2 amazon orders that were shipped USPS that were just "lost". The tracking information died in HNL and we never got the packages. Fortunately Amazon resent without any questions. In the last 4 weeks we've had another 4 USPS packages (Priority or First Class) that haven't arrived and appear lost. One was a shipment of seeds from Baker Creek and now we missed an agricultural planting deadline. They haven't been declared "lost" yet, however the tracking information died a few days after they were sent and they are way overdue.

We had another two boxes, delivered, in the last several months that were smashed beyond comprehension and were empty. Yes, I waited in line to get handed smashed empty boxes, and pay the USPS over $100/year for a PO Box for this luxury.

I've never seen so many lost/delayed/destroyed USPS packages in my lifetime.

In the last 2 weeks I sent out two packages via FedEx. Both cost about 50% of USPS rates, were delivered before the delivery promise, and arrived without any damage. I do have negotiated rates with FedEx due to USAA membership, so your costs could vary.

In the last 6 business days we've had several packages showing "delivered" at Hilo USPS but when I go there, they claim they don't have them. They usually "show up" about 2-3 days later.

I'm not trying to ignite any debate about how hard the USPS workers are working (we already know that)- just sharing my experiences and letting you know there are alternatives available, and most importantly plan on EXTRA SHIPPING TIME this holiday season.

Also, you can print out all your shipping labels online at USPS.com and it's usually cheaper than shipping in person. There is no reason to go stand in a long line to mail your Christmas package. If you can use Punaweb, you can print an online shipping label and just drop it off at the USPS and avoid the line.

[ElysianWort]

Why do postal workers "go postal"? Ask Newman!

That was funny dtisme. Thanks.

I have lived here over 35 years and maybe the attitude of USPS employees are different depending on where in the states you go. Or maybe where in this state even. I have never been to the Pahoa post office so not sure about that one but:

The Keaau post office is always filled with friendly employees. Same can be said about the Kurtistown one and even the Hilo airport Post Office which is the biggest. I am greeted with warmth every time. That being said I have lived in Boston and New York for a short while and the difference was dramatic. Yikes, couldn't wait to get away from some of them.

So that being said, I would like to add a "thank you!" to all you aloha state USPS employees that make it a different experience here in Hawaii.

[KeaauRich]

Terracore...I was wondering if I was the only one having shipping issues from Amazon. So far I have 5 orders lost somewhere between the mainland and here, one dating back to October 1st. I assume Amazon or the affiliated merchant is shipping my packages using parcel post, which means a 4-5 week "slow boat to Hilo" delay. Packages usually show up eventually, but it would help if Amazon wouldn't suggest I'll get my Prime order in 3-5 days when in reality we're talking 3-5 weeks or more. And while I'm on a rant, that October order is originating in China. Tracking shows a two day shipping time from China to mainland US, and then it disappears into a black hole. And when the Chinese shipper agreed to replace the original order, the same thing happened - 2 days from China, black hole in US. I suspect around Easter two packages with Chinese return addresses will arrive in Kea'au. But let the record reflect I *love* the Kea'au Post Office staff.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

that October order is originating in China.
...
I assume Amazon or the affiliated merchant is shipping my packages using parcel post, which means a 4-5 week "slow boat to Hilo" delay.

Is the order from China an Amazon order, or a business that lists on Amazon and sells through Amazon?

I've never had an order from Amazon ship by boat, although I suppose it's possible. The slowest I've had was Parcel Pool, which switches between USPS and FedEx/UPS/DHL/etc, and that can take a week or so from the date it actually ships.