Well, think I just received an answer/explanation from someone I know and trust within my local PO system that makes sense.
I was trying to check on a delayed package myself and was asking why it's more common for them to have delays now....I mean, we all understand bad weather, storms, etc., but that doesn't explain the continued spotty service from USPS that has been ongoing since November.
Well, my CI (lol) told me that in addition to last fall, in January they did a consolidation again, where some processing facilities were phased out and transferred elsewhere. So her thoughts were that depending on where the package is coming from or going to, you might see some normal delivery times and some that would run late. The consolidated workflow is probably creating log jams in certain facilities like we see during the peak xmas holiday season, and since these changes are permanent, it is likely these issues will persist.
Remember, priority mail is NOT a guaranteed service, only estimated. But for years they have been so good at getting things there right on their estimated time, that we all probably feel like it's been guaranteed.
It would be a safe approach to not expect priority mail to be 2-3 days anymore. I would add in some extra time. And if you are shipping something that really needs to be where it's going in a couple of days, use the express mail option. It is guaranteed and from my experience lately, is still being handled in the manner it's always been. If they are late, you will be refunded your money/shipping cost.
FYI, the cue I was waiting for was shipped priority from MO to TN on Monday, receipt showed expected delivery in 2 days, and it arrived on Sat. So it arrived the morning of the 5th day.
Hope this info helps all....
Sounds like job cuts and restructuring, that's the norm these days. Last week
I told the guy that was waiting on my package that this very subject could be
part of the problem along with the weather. When upper management makes
drastic changes in structure, protocol, procedure, etc., the employees that
remain can band together and try and bring the operation to a halt. They may
band together and do less on purpose, because coworkers have lost their jobs
and duties have been added to their job as part of the new structure. I've seen
these things happen first hand. Eventually though, things get back to the way
they were in due time which is usually not that long.
I'm about to mail a cashier's check to someone. I'd love to do Priority and save
$12 to $15, but I'm afraid instead of getting to it's destination in 2 days, it may
not show up for 2 or 3 weeks. I think I'll go ahead and pay $20 for the Express,
it may still take 2 to 5 days...lol, but at least I'll get my $20 back.
Some of these stories are horrible, packages being lost for weeks at a time
and finally showing up or even worse, not showing up.
