[Elecraft] OT: Shipping experiences

[Jim Lowman]

Not to mention, that USPS delivers on Saturday...at least for now.
Our post office is extremely busy, but when I need to ship something, 
there are a couple of nearby post offices that seemingly no one knows about.
Walk in, do business, and walk out quickly.

We do use UPS to ship to the in-laws in Michigan, and go to the local 
UPS Store, but packing and shipping seem to have increased dramatically.

Then, I hear reports of shipments from Elecraft that seem to be in limbo 
in both the FedEx and UPS systems.  Not all of the delays can be blamed 
on weather.
Seems that they underestimated the holiday volume; something that USPS 
has dealt with for years and seems to be gaining the upper hand on.
I think, when my number comes up for shipment of the KXPA100 + ATU, I'll 
switch from UPS to USPS, although I've not had a shipment take longer 
than two business days from Elecraft.
Living in California helps, but I get to pay sales tax.

No problems to date with either UPS or FedEx as far as damage, or 
delivery after the projected delivery date of any shipments.
One thing that does anger me, is that some shippers use this thing 
called "SmartPost," in which the item travels via normal UPS and FedEx 
channels until they reach the local area, then are turned over to USPS 
for delivery.
This can take another 2-3 business days to reach my doorstep.  Of 
course, I've been given free shipping, so I guess I can't complain.
How this saves UPS or FedEx any money is beyond my comprehension.

The XYL ordered a KX3 case, modified to hold the KXPA100 and Fred's 
smaller manual, at Visalia.  I'm sure that we didn't stiff Rose.
I've bought covers for my K1, K2, K3 and KX3 from Rose, as well as the 
aforementioned carrying case for the KX3 and one for the K2, so 
hopefully I'm innocent.  If not, please let me know and I'll make it right.

73 de Jim - AD6CW