[Hallicrafters] Use USPS!!

[Barry Hauser]

Guido wrote:
> I have heard all kinds of whoes regarding shipping by UPS. In recent
> years I have shipped more that 30 BAs to the mainland via USPS 
> Parcel Insured. The experience has been excellent. The packages have
been 
> well treated. Yes, you have to wait about three weeks but its 
> economical.

You probably pack very well.  I've experienced somewhat more damage with
parcel post than UPS.  UPS in generally faster, except when they misroute
things as is the case right now.  Actually, if my SP-600 shows up in NJ
by tonight, they'll still meet or beat parcel post timing.

A few bad things to know about parcel post:

1.  Yes it can take longer, but also, if lost, I was told you have to
wait 30 days before a trace or claim can be put in.  With UPS it's
generally 24 hours, but "starting from when" is a bit of a mystery
sometimes.

2.  Where I am, there is no such thing as "parcel post" as in the days
when half of the big brown trucks belonged to the USPS.  Packages are
delivered by the regular carriers in tiny propane powered LDD's --
payload is a bit less than a Suburban with the seats down.  No hand
trucks.  Often, the post-person is not built for the task of safely
lugging a 75 lb. boatanchor up to the door.  One time a frail 40-ish
woman handed me a pink delivery slip.  Said I had to pick up my 50 lb.
package at the post office because it was "too heavy".  When I got there
-- no handtrucks -- not a one.  The postmaster hand carried it to my
truck.

3.  Insurance is more expensive.  With UPS and FEDEX Ground, insurance is
included for the first $100, and 35 cents for each $100 over that. 
Postal starts at $1.10 for the first $50 and up and up.

4.  Tracking is less than ideal with UPS and FEDEX, but almost
non-existent with USPS.  Delivery confirmation is too late and after the
fact.  Doesn't help with lost packages.

5.  Weight and size restrictions are tighter for parcel post.

That said, for some shippers, there's no good alternative.  UPS is too
far, etc.

I've found in general though, Priority Mail is a good deal for more
moderate weight items going more than a few hundred miles.  Make sure you
use a Priority Mail carton and/or plenty of PM tape and stickers.  I've
had some PM take two weeks because the package didn't look "priority".

Yes, I believe in supporting the postal service wherever possible.  No
one else is going to deliver a piece of paper anywhere in the US for 34
cents, uh make that 37 cents as of the end of this month.  However, if
they don't have the wherewithall, then it's not helpful.  I'll say it
again, though:  In general, damage avoidance has more to do with the
packing job in combination with the item characteristics than the
carrier.  UPS may have the biggest "black eye" at the moment simply
because they tend to carry more boatanchoristic materiel than anyone
else.  FEDEX Ground is number two and maybe trying harder so seems to get
better reviews, but I've heard stories about them also.

Of course, my attitude about UPS is subject to change on short notice. 
If they haven't lost my SP-600 and it shows up in the next 12 hours, it
will be one thing.  If it doesn't, it will be another.  Of course,
delivery timing to residences is not guaranteed, but they spoiled me. 
Right on target for 97 out of 100 shipments.

Barry

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