Postal Service Loses $3.5 Billion in 3rd Quarter

[WaltM]

Sure, they CAN, but the issue is a matter of risk... Neighborhood kiosks could easily be secured sufficiently to ward of vandals.

You obviously live in a different part of the country than I do.

You'd like everyone to believe it's impossible so we, the people, are forced into

No, I'd love to believe it can be done for free, I've waited too long to see if happen. Can I blame you for not believing in Santa Claus?

using outdated postmen running a daily beat and some of whom are too damn lazy to deliver mail so they store private mail in their basements for a decade. LOL... Personally, I'll place my bet on receiving mail at a properly secured kiosk ... anyday.

can you describe what this kiosk is?

Is it a mailbox? or an electronic screen? Or is it a hydrant that allows parcels to be sent via pipes?

 

[angelatc]

I do. Every time I've ordered something online, it's been delivered by a private company, even more effectively than USPS. Private shippers even offer tracking codes so one can trace the progress of his order.

I deal in packages. FedEx ground usually ends up being the cheapest for me at about the 8 lb mark.

 

[angelatc]

How much were the shipping costs?

Give an example.

USPS tracking code is only 50 cents extra.

Can your private shipping company deliver a book for under $5, in 2 days?

Or, within a week, cheaper than First Class mail?

No way to know about First Class mail as all other carriers are almost forbidden from competing in that market. It seems that if competition were allowed, then efficiencies would improve and prices would come down.

Maybe it would come at the cost of service, but I could live with getting my letter mail only once or twice a week.

 

[tpreitzel]

You obviously live in a different part of the country than I do.

LOL, location won't make much difference if the kiosk is properly secured.

No, I'd love to believe it can be done for free, I've waited too long to see if happen. Can I blame you for not believing in Santa Claus?

LOL. For free? So, you're receiving mail delivery for free now, eh? Hardy har har ... Unfortunately, YOU'RE the one living on fantasy island. When the US Congress decides to restrict the postal "service" to the D.C., the savings that should be passed along to you and everyone else will enable you to seek mail delivery in a more efficient manner.

can you describe what this kiosk is?

Is it a mailbox? or an electronic screen? Or is it a hydrant that allows parcels to be sent via pipes?

kiosk - "a small structure with one or more open sides that is used to vend merchandise (as newspapers) or services (as film developing)"

Now, I add properly secured kiosk like vending areas enclosed in a secured compound with electronic monitoring of the site ... not difficult at all really... and much, MUCH cheaper than paying salaries for unnecessary employees, wasted energy costs (gasoline), etc.

 

[angelatc]

? Or is it a hydrant that allows parcels to be sent via pipes?

I can walk up to any UPS driver and hand him a package, provided I've gone online and printed up a label.

FedEx bought office supply stores, and there are 2 within 15 minutes of me.

The post offices used to have bin where you could drop your packages, but they won't let us do that any more.

 

[heavenlyboy34]

Let me put it this way, I'm a weird person that believes "infrastructure" is something not up for grabs, it's the essential elements that make & break a society's stablity (and ultimately civilization).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure

Things from firefighting to communication, has never been demonstrated in the United States to work privately. This is NOT to say that we have a right to it or it's entitled to us, but are you willing to say "if you don't have it, sucks for you, who cares"? (I AM)

Those who advocate "privatization" of infrastructure largely ignore the great benefits they derive from infrastructure paid for by society, offered virtually free to himself. With exception of rare few, who are willing to live off the grid, be self sufficient, I have yet to see a person live in a non-infrastructured area claiming he's a libertarian.

Ahh, the famous appeal to the "good of society". You err my friend, if you think "Things from firefighting to communication, has never been demonstrated in the United States to work privately." Walter Block and others have destroyed this socialist myth. Why do you cling to it, I wonder?

You claim "Those who advocate "privatization" of infrastructure largely ignore the great benefits they derive from infrastructure paid for by society, offered virtually free to himself.", but this is simply a myth designed by the elites to keep you scared into submission. You not only ignore the hidden costs and enormous waste of "public goods", but you ignore that private goods are more effective and efficient for everyone.

IOW, you ignore everything we know about property and its use to advance a false argument. Congratulations! You are well on your way to becoming an MSM commentator.

P.S. don't forget about Lysander Spooner's successful work in establishing a private post office

 

[heavenlyboy34]

I deal in packages. FedEx ground usually ends up being the cheapest for me at about the 8 lb mark.

Yeah, they've delivered all my online orders so far. No complaints yet.

 

[ILUVRP]

I have always thought that the home mail should be delivered everyother day , some routes m-w-f , other routes t-t-s , i can't remember the last time i was in a big hurry to receive mail.

 

[jclay2]

WaltM: If you add in the cost of subsidized losses by the government, the cost for the mail is NOT the same. You can't just look at the sticker price.

 

[tpreitzel]

I have always thought that the home mail should be delivered everyother day , some routes m-w-f , other routes t-t-s , i can't remember the last time i was in a big hurry to receive mail.

Especially bills ... Evidently, some folks simply love paper ...

 

[WaltM]

I deal in packages. FedEx ground usually ends up being the cheapest for me at about the 8 lb mark.

cheaper AND faster?

even after flat rate boxes?

I don't doubt you can have one, I do doubt you can have both.

 

[WaltM]

No way to know about First Class mail as all other carriers are almost forbidden from competing in that market. It seems that if competition were allowed, then efficiencies would improve and prices would come down.

Maybe it would come at the cost of service, but I could live with getting my letter mail only once or twice a week.

Sorry, I didn't mean first class mail as in 44 cents per mail.

I meant, packages under a pound, which is elgible for first class rate (as opposed to media mail, parcel post, priority mail). THAT is currently allowed (though they're not allowed to place them in mail boxes.

 

[jclay2]

cheaper AND faster?

even after flat rate boxes?

I don't doubt you can have one, I do doubt you can have both.

I think you will find that as you get larger deliveries & earlier arrivals, the premium between private carriers and USPS starts to narrow. The one company that always boggles my mind on shipping is Newegg. Not only do they wave the shipping fee often, but they get it to you in 3 days (rarely longer than 4).

 

[WaltM]

LOL, location won't make much difference if the kiosk is properly secured.

Oh yeah, I forgot, nothing matters when you have magic.

LOL. For free? So, you're receiving mail delivery for free now, eh?

You have equal access as a citizen to these services for free. Not the case where private sector refuses to open shop or service locations due to cost.

Hardy har har ... Unfortunately, YOU'RE the one living on fantasy island. When the US Congress decides to restrict the postal "service" to the D.C., the savings that should be passed along to you and everyone else will enable you to seek mail delivery in a more efficient manner.

I'm the one happy about the status quo, you're the one complaining and thinking you can change it. See who will be dissappointed first.

Mail is not the only thing either, from roads to gas, electricity to internet, with the exception of odd locations, these things offer a relatively low cost to access.

Here's an example of something the government DOESN'T pay for, (and people here complain for the loser consumer)
http://consumerist.com/2010/07/time-warner-cable-and-the-12000-installation-fee.html

kiosk - "a small structure with one or more open sides that is used to vend merchandise (as newspapers) or services (as film developing)"

So each person gets a kiosk ? or what?

Now, I add properly secured kiosk like vending areas enclosed in a secured compound with electronic monitoring of the site ... not difficult at all really... and much, MUCH cheaper than paying salaries for unnecessary employees, wasted energy costs (gasoline), etc.

we already have that, it's called PO Boxes and private mailboxes in the wall.

The only difference that would make would be the delivery time. Mail doesn't fly in either case, either they deliver to you, or you go to them.

Please come again, WTF is this kiosk and what's so special about it (and if its a sure win, why isn't anybody doing it?)

 

[WaltM]

I think you will find that as you get larger deliveries & earlier arrivals, the premium between private carriers and USPS starts to narrow. The one company that always boggles my mind on shipping is Newegg. Not only do they wave the shipping fee often, but they get it to you in 3 days (rarely longer than 4).

do they only ship from one location?

Always using private services?

Now, even if this were true, Newegg and Amazon might be an exception to the rule. These are big businesses who deal in bulk, in and out. Small businesses cannot necessarily afford to keep up the same costs (Not saying small businesses have a right to exist or that monopoly is wrong, but listen to the complainers here)

 

[tpreitzel]

Oh yeah, I forgot, nothing matters when you have magic.

No, it's not magic, it's simply preparation ... Keep trying with your foolish retorts ...

You have equal access as a citizen to these services for free. Not the case where private sector refuses to open shop or service locations due to cost.

Neither I nor anyone else has equal access to those services for free as access comes with a price... always has been a price associated with inefficient, government-funded mail delivery and always will be. Dream on, there thinking postmen do it for free.

I'm the one happy about the status quo, you're the one complaining and thinking you can change it. See who will be dissappointed first.

No, it's not simply "thinking about changing it" for the better. It's an obvious fact that postal delivery could be vastly improved qualitatively for far less expenditure and nearly everyone agrees except those residents living on fantasy island. Dream on there thinking postmen deliver for free.

Mail is not the only thing either, from roads to gas, electricity to internet, with the exception of odd locations, these things offer a relatively low cost to access.

No, the cost of maintaining taxpayer-subsidized, outdated infrastructure is astronomical. Ever heard of folks like Tesla (energy delivery)? Roads? Who needs roads? Really, you need to think before you press keys on your keyboard.

So each person gets a kiosk ? or what?

LOL... Trying thinking for a change before asking or stating the obvious and try pondering the definition of kiosk in the context of a secure environment.

we already have that, it's called PO Boxes and private mailboxes in the wall.

Nah, really? Most areas also have alternative mail facilities (mail boxes and other services) interfacing with the post office. We simply need to eliminate the inefficient middle man, the post office.

The only difference that would make would be the delivery time. Mail doesn't fly in either case, either they deliver to you, or you go to them.

Nah, really? Trying thinking for a change before asking or stating the obvious. Most people leave the house at least once a day, eh? If one can't leave the house, well, call a friend or relative. As an added benefit, you can choose your mode of transportation.

Please come again, WTF is this kiosk and what's so special about it (and if its a sure win, why isn't anybody doing it?)

I'm tired of spelling out the obvious to you. You have the definition of kiosk and a version of it is already in place on a larger scale, e.g. UPS, FedEx, etc. Simply extend the delivery system, i.e. controlled and secured compounds vending mail and other packages, to sites around a city whether those kiosks are separately monitored compounds or contractually located in alternative mail facilities.

 

[WaltM]

No, it's not magic, it's simply preparation ... Keep trying with your foolish retorts ...

Neither I nor anyone else has equal access to those services for free as access comes with a price... always has been a price associated with inefficient, government-funded mail delivery and always will be. Dream on, there thinking postmen do it for free.

Name me one example of a person having to pay $12,000 for a government service others can take for granted.

No, it's not simply "thinking about changing it" for the better. It's an obvious fact that postal delivery could be vastly improved qualitatively for far less expenditure and nearly everyone except those residents living on fantasy island agrees.

Then why is private competition still more expensive?

No, the cost of maintaining taxpayer-subsidized, outdated infrastructure is astronomical. Ever heard of folks like Tesla (energy delivery)?

Funny you should bring it up, PLEASE DO tell me about Tesla.

Roads? Who needs roads? Really, you need to think before you press keys on your keyboard.

You don't need roads? Good.

LOL... Trying thinking for a change before asking or stating the obvious and try pondering the definition of kiosk in the context of a secure environment.

A context you invented in your head and doesn't exist in real life (because of the government, keep blaming).

Nah, really? Most areas also have alternative mail facilities (mail boxes and other services) interfacing with the post office. We simply need to eliminate the inefficient middle man, the post office.

You CAN eliminate it, you don't NEED to.

Nah, really? Trying thinking for a change before asking or stating the obvious. Most people leave the house at least once a day, eh? If one can't leave the house, well, call a friend or relative. As an added benefit, you can choose your mode of transportation.

What city do you live in?

I take it you don't see the price of "everybody goes their own way, that's freedom".

Wait, just above, you asked "who needs roads?"

DOn't let me see you complaining about anybody losing government service, or a job. (if you do, I can bet you'll always scapegoat the government)

I'm tired of spelling out the obvious to you. You have the definition of kiosk and a version of it is already in place on a larger scale, e.g. UPS, FedEx, etc.

That's for dropping off, how about for delivery?

Simply extend the delivery system, i.e. controlled and secured compounds vending mail and other packages, to sites around a city whether those kiosks are separate compounds or contractually located in alternative mail facilities.

You sound like you can do it, go pitch this to venture capitals, impress them, doesn't sound at all illegal, just stupidly inefficient.

 

[tpreitzel]

Name me one example of a person having to pay $12,000 for a government service others can take for granted.

Ding dong... that's the whole point. Deliveries to remote areas, e.g. mountain peaks LOL, should carry a premium over other areas. You're simply a socialist who believes other taxpayers should fund mail deliveries to anywhere at the same rate.

Then why is private competition still more expensive?

Perhaps, private companies have to compete with subsidized deliveries, eh? Which is really "cheaper"? Ah, that's the question.

Funny you should bring it up, PLEASE DO tell me about Tesla.

Nah, you really need to do much more thinking on your own initiative....

You don't need roads? Good.

Zing ...

A context you invented in your head and doesn't exist in real life (because of the government, keep blaming).

You CAN eliminate it, you don't NEED to.

No, the invention is simply extrapolated from existing infrastructure as I've stated previously. You might want to try rereading my comments a bit more thoroughly. Again, we simply need to confine the inefficient postal service to Washington, D.C. so free markets develop alternatives like secure kiosks.

I take it you don't see the price of "everybody goes their own way, that's freedom".

Wait, just above, you asked "who needs roads?"

DOn't let me see you complaining about anybody losing government service, or a job. (if you do, I can bet you'll always scapegoat the government)

blah, blah, blah ...

That's for dropping off, how about for delivery?

No, it's not only for "dropping off". UPS and FedEx have local facilities where packages can be picked-up during specific hours, correct? Of course, they do. In fact, both UPS and FedEx should eliminate much of their personal delivery * and expand their distribution network to other secure, centralized locations distributed around a given area. Yawn ...

You sound like you can do it, go pitch this to venture capitals, impress them, doesn't sound at all illegal, just stupidly inefficient.

Keep on trying ... the only "stupidly inefficient" form of mail delivery is presently on display by the taxpayer-funded postal service.

* Dependent primarily on size, weight and customer choice.

 

[keh10]

I think you will find that as you get larger deliveries & earlier arrivals, the premium between private carriers and USPS starts to narrow. The one company that always boggles my mind on shipping is Newegg. Not only do they wave the shipping fee often, but they get it to you in 3 days (rarely longer than 4).

Haha, yes! I don't know how they do it, but newegg typically will ship items within two days to my house for the normal rate.

I have noticed from my personal experience that items shipped long distances typically arrive a day or two sooner with UPS or FedEx. This is debatable, but I've made up my mind to avoid USPS whenever I can.

The costs of running the USPS are hidden and we as a nation would be all the more wealthy if it didn't exist.

 

[WaltM]

Ding dong... that's the whole point. Deliveries to remote areas should carry a premium over other areas. You're simply a socialist who believes other taxpayers should fund mail deliveries to anywhere at the same rate.

Ha, never said should.

thanks for admitting what it is.

Perhaps, private companies have to compete with subsidized deliveries, eh?

Excuses.

You mean to tell me taxpayer subsidy still forced USPS to raise postage stamp rates?

Which is really "cheaper"? Ah, that's the question.

You mean to tell me I should consider other things than what I pay on a personal level? You must love outsourcing and immigrants then.

Nah, you really need to do much more thinking on your own initiative....


Zing ...



No, the invention is simply extrapolated from existing infrastructure as I've stated previously. You might want to try rereading my comments a bit more thoroughly. Again, we simply need to confine the inefficient postal service to Washington, D.C. so free markets develop alternatives like secure kiosks.

On the contrary, you don't need to restrict it.

The competition IS open for anybody who's willing to waste money trying.

You might not beat first class mail, but you can make most of your money with packages.

blah, blah, blah ...

ignore what you can't respond to?

No, it's not only for "dropping off". UPS and FedEx have local facilities where packages can be picked-up during specific hours, correct?

YOU SAID KIOSK!

Of course, they do. In fact, both UPS and FedEx should eliminate much of their personal delivery * and expand their distribution network to other secure, centralized locations distributed around a given area. Yawn ...

Why don't they do it? Are you smarter?

Keep on trying ... the only "stupidly inefficient" form of mail delivery is presently on display by the taxpayer-funded postal service.

* Dependent primarily on size, weight and customer choice.

customers prefer to pay nothing, who's filling that demand?