Mail Station Delivery Service

[marennorge]

I ordered a couple of items from Amazon with 2-day delivery. The first item was supposed to arrive Dec 6. The second item was to arrive Dec 16. Neither came on their due dates. I pulled the USPS tracking numbers and that indicated both items had arrived at the mail station and placed in my mail slot or keyed parcel box.

So, I walked up to the mail station to inquire of the folks who work there. The guy rummaged around and finally found the Dec 6th package in the bottom of a box with mail stacked on top of it. Then, he opened the big parcel boxes stuffed with packages for different recipients and started going through those. He finally found my Dec 16th package. In the meantime, a man came in behind me looking for meds that were supposed to be delivered the day before.

What's up with this? I know it's a busy time of year but this isn't good. Anyone else had similar issues?

[RedChariot]

I ordered a couple of items from Amazon with 2-day delivery. The first item was supposed to arrive Dec 6. The second item was to arrive Dec 16. Neither came on their due dates. I pulled the USPS tracking numbers and that indicated both items had arrived at the mail station and placed in my mail slot or keyed parcel box.

So, I walked up to the mail station to inquire of the folks who work there. The guy rummaged around and finally found the Dec 6th package in the bottom of a box with mail stacked on top of it. Then, he opened the big parcel boxes stuffed with packages for different recipients and started going through those. He finally found my Dec 16th package. In the meantime, a man came in behind me looking for meds that were supposed to be delivered the day before.

What's up with this? I know it's a busy time of year but this isn't good. Anyone else had similar issues?

Yep. Been there and done that. Worst mail service ever. We deserve to have a mail box at the end of our driveways with a mail person delivering to our homes. I would guess that will never happen.

[sharoni]

We had issues also, and it was a couple months ago. We ordered thru AMAZON Prime, was shipped FED EX, who then handed it over to the USPS. Why, I have no idea as this has never happened before. I got the text it was delivered, but wasn't. After a few calls, it seems like the postal station said it was "undeliverable" and it was returned to AMAZON. No one could tell me why! I was on the phone with AMAZON for an hour, finally getting them to send a replacement, which was delivered by the mail person from our mail station. Go figure...

[Sparty6971]

I am in Village Santiago and have never had those kinds of problems - 5 1/2 years so far. The use of stand-alone boxes at the front of each house? No thanks! That opens up your entire mail coming and going to theft. And what happens when you go on vacation? If you have a box at your house and it gets filled up, then it has to be kept somewhere at a main post office or returned to sender. Using the common mail delivery places keeps the mail out of the weather, practically immune from theft, and if you're on vacation, the mail will be held for you right there. Of course it helps the mail contractor if you fill out and give to them a "hold mail" card while you are gone.

If you haven't done so already, I recommend you ask as politely as possible of the mail contractor if there was a problem. And there should not be one to account for delays like the OP describes. If you get even a hint of evasiveness, you might want to elevate your concern to the USPS office itself and make an official complaint. Postal delivery here in TV is pretty good I think but maybe your delivery point needs some attention.

[Shadow8IA]

I ordered a couple of items from Amazon with 2-day delivery. The first item was supposed to arrive Dec 6. The second item was to arrive Dec 16. Neither came on their due dates. I pulled the USPS tracking numbers and that indicated both items had arrived at the mail station and placed in my mail slot or keyed parcel box.

So, I walked up to the mail station to inquire of the folks who work there. The guy rummaged around and finally found the Dec 6th package in the bottom of a box with mail stacked on top of it. Then, he opened the big parcel boxes stuffed with packages for different recipients and started going through those. He finally found my Dec 16th package. In the meantime, a man came in behind me looking for meds that were supposed to be delivered the day before.

What's up with this? I know it's a busy time of year but this isn't good. Anyone else had similar issues?

Which post offce?

[marennorge]

Duval.

[dbussone]

Duval.


The service in Sanibel is really good. No issues.

[Bogie Shooter]

Nine years and never a problem. Have had three different people working our station.
A little kindness goes a long way...................

[xkeowner]

I am in Village Santiago and have never had those kinds of problems - 5 1/2 years so far. The use of stand-alone boxes at the front of each house? No thanks! That opens up your entire mail coming and going to theft. And what happens when you go on vacation? If you have a box at your house and it gets filled up, then it has to be kept somewhere at a main post office or returned to sender. Using the common mail delivery places keeps the mail out of the weather, practically immune from theft, and if you're on vacation, the mail will be held for you right there. Of course it helps the mail contractor if you fill out and give to them a "hold mail" card while you are gone.

If you haven't done so already, I recommend you ask as politely as possible of the mail contractor if there was a problem. And there should not be one to account for delays like the OP describes. If you get even a hint of evasiveness, you might want to elevate your concern to the USPS office itself and make an official complaint. Postal delivery here in TV is pretty good I think but maybe your delivery point needs some attention.

We live in Hemingway and after 4.5 years also have nothing but praise for our postal contractor. The key point here is CONTRACTOR. If your service is not up to speed, notify the appropriate Postmaster (Lady Lake for us) as also stated. Enough validated complaints and you will probably have a new contractor when the contract renews.

[pooh]

Sorry some of you have had issues. I use Amazon Prime also and track my packages. So far, never have had a problem.....Caroline mail station. If the box is large, it has been delivered to the house. If tracking shows delivery and I don't have it my mailbox, guess I'd bring a copy of the tracking info to the postal station during mail delivery and speak to one of the workers. It is indeed frustrating to receive info that your package is there only to discover it is not.

[kaydee]

Been here (Polo Ridge)for 3yrs and never have had a problem with mail delivery. We've had the same mail person for the 13 yrs and he does a great job.
JMO but I'd say the problem the OP has experienced lies with the mailperson in their neighborhood.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Ok, we're new here and haven't received any packages; how are packages left for you at the mail stations? It sounds like packages left in a bigger box than the regular mail comes in, but it also sounds like other people's packages can also be left with yours, is that correct. My wife probably heard at closing how it's done but she's gone to D.C.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Kcazorbackfan, you will find a key, with a # in your regular mailbox. There are larger boxes around the side of your mail station and they are numbered. The key will match one of those numbers and you will retrieve your larger package there. The key will stay in that key slot and the mail carrier will remove it. It's easy, no need to worry. Also, if its a really large package, they will sometimes bring it to your door.

[KittyKat]

I live in Amelia. Last week there was a hand-written cardboard sign propped up that said to come and check with the carriers (at the back door) if people were expecting packages. I surmised that they ran out of large mailboxes. This is the 1st time in 7 years that I have seen that. I hope they planned on delivering any packages left when they were done. I have Amazon Prime also and have gotten a couple of Sunday deliveries.

[OBXNana]

We don't live in The Villages yet. When we do arrive we take advantage of free shipping and order a lot of things. Trash bags to curtains. When we have the luxury of being there, shopping is not at the top of our list of things to do. Either there is a key left in the mail box or it is placed at the door. It depends if it's delivered by USPS or UPS. We're in Pinellas and have done this multiple times without any issues.

It may depend on where you live. We always give the mail carrier a gift card when we're in the area. There is a limit of $20.00, we have never met he/she, but know when we are in the area, they have to work twice as hard delivering our packages.

[2newyorkers]

I find the mail service to Tall Trees to be extremely slow. We appear to have a turnover in our contractor.

[Cedwards38]

The service in Sanibel is really good. No issues.

Ditto that. In fact, I sometimes get really big packages and they bring it to my front porch.

[redwitch]

I feel so bad for the contractors. They really do have to low ball their bid. After a holiday, they're lucky to make $5.00/hr on the Monday following. I'm amazed what a great job most of them do for such little money. (They are the one folks I always make sure to give a Christmas gift!)

Sounds like the Duval contractor is suffering some job burnout or had a sub there for awhile.

[Hancle704]

At this time of year there are many packages delivered by USPS and there are not enough large package boxes available in our mail stop. When this happens the contractor loads them in her vehicle and brings them to our homes. Since the OP stated they were Amazon Prime customers they might want to contact Amazon and request that deliveries be made in future via UPS because the system used by TV for mail delivery often results in Amazon not being able to meet their 2 day delivery commitment..

[red tail]

Nine years and never a problem. Have had three different people working our station.
A little kindness goes a long way...................

rio grande postal station the best service ever!!!

[Jdmiata]

I get my mail at the Duval PO station too. In seven years I have never had a problem .
Good service always.

[Bogie Shooter]

We don't live in The Villages yet. When we do arrive we take advantage of free shipping and order a lot of things. Trash bags to curtains. When we have the luxury of being there, shopping is not at the top of our list of things to do. Either there is a key left in the mail box or it is placed at the door. It depends if it's delivered by USPS or UPS. We're in Pinellas and have done this multiple times without any issues.

It may depend on where you live. We always give the mail carrier a gift card when we're in the area. There is a limit of $20.00, we have never met he/she, but know when we are in the area, they have to work twice as hard delivering our packages.

The folks doing the sorting are contract employees, not employees of USPS. Why would there be a $20 limit?

[MikeV]

Charlotte seems fine. I have ordered a lot from Amazon and i always get it on time.

[golf2140]

Been here 14 years, never had a problem. May want to speak to the Postmaster.

[gap2415]

Alhambra - have had problems a couple of times - it happens

[Miles42]

I have never had a problem with theft until moving here. Mailed some money to my grandson. He received an opened card minus the money. I had been mailing them money for years up north with never having the money stolen. I now send Checks.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have never had a problem with theft until moving here. Mailed some money to my grandson. He received an opened card minus the money. I had been mailing them money for years up north with never having the money stolen. I now send Checks.

Maybe it was removed on the other end??

[Halibut]

Well, now. I had no idea that mail delivery was contracted out. The carriers do drive USPS trucks. Do they simply pick up pre-sorted mail at the post office? Do they all work for the same company?

I typically get my mail on Sunday and have never met any of the carriers so wouldn't know how to go about making kindness go a long, short, or any other way. Is the inference that if Villages are rude to the delivery people, their packages will get "delayed" for a few days?

I've never experienced a problem with delays but for whatever reason, almost all of my amazon packages are sent via UPS. Now those drivers I know. Also Pizza Hut. :)

[jnieman]

Hadley. I love our mail carriers. They go above and beyond the call of duty. Even have helped me carry packages to my golf cart. I always tip them well this time of year and hope you all do too.

[CFrance]

Kcazorbackfan, you will find a key, with a # in your regular mailbox. There are larger boxes around the side of your mail station and they are numbered. The key will match one of those numbers and you will retrieve your larger package there. The key will stay in that key slot and the mail carrier will remove it. It's easy, no need to worry. Also, if its a really large package, they will sometimes bring it to your door.
And no, they will not leave someone else's packages in that larger box along with yours. It will only be boxes addressed to the same address in that larger box. So no worries about someone else walking off with your package, or you with theirs.

[CFrance]

Well, now. I had no idea that mail delivery was contracted out. The carriers do drive USPS trucks. Do they simply pick up pre-sorted mail at the post office? Do they all work for the same company?

I typically get my mail on Sunday and have never met any of the carriers so wouldn't know how to go about making kindness go a long, short, or any other way. Is the inference that if Villages are rude to the delivery people, their packages will get "delayed" for a few days?

I've never experienced a problem with delays but for whatever reason, almost all of my amazon packages are sent via UPS. Now those drivers I know. Also Pizza Hut. :)
Our "carrier" does not drive a USPS truck. He drives his own car, which is a mini van. Even before we gave him and his wife their first Christmas gift card, they went above & beyond the call of duty, delivering packages to our door if they found one addressed to us after we had already picked up our mail, or if it was too big to fit in the box.

And going away, they make it so simple. Just tell them or drop a yellow card in your slot. In MI we had a box at the street. Nobody but the regular mail carrier ever got it right. There was always mail being delivered to us that should have been forwarded. The temps rarely bothered to check at the post office before going out on delivery. I much prefer the way it's done here.

[Miles42]

Maybe it was removed on the other end??

I have doubts about that as the other end was the common factor. This end was the only incident after many years.

[Buffalo Jim]

We had excellent service at St. Charles for the past several years . However our long time contractor just left around Dec. 1st .
Since then I have been finding mail which belongs to others in my box and several items which I should have received failed to show up as of this PM .
The new contractor seems to not have a very good grasp of the English language . I tried to engage him in conversation to explain about the issues I have been experiencing . It was very obvious despite my best and most patient efforts that he does`t have a clue what I was attempting to convey . All he did was shake his head and say " No , No " over and over again . Oh well . In the scheme of things not that big of a problem . I`m certain that he will improve .

[redwitch]

Well, now. I had no idea that mail delivery was contracted out. The carriers do drive USPS trucks. Do they simply pick up pre-sorted mail at the post office? Do they all work for the same company?

I typically get my mail on Sunday and have never met any of the carriers so wouldn't know how to go about making kindness go a long, short, or any other way. Is the inference that if Villages are rude to the delivery people, their packages will get "delayed" for a few days?

I've never experienced a problem with delays but for whatever reason, almost all of my amazon packages are sent via UPS. Now those drivers I know. Also Pizza Hut. :)

If they're driving USPS trucks, they are federal employees and not allowed to accept tips. Some of our stations do have Feds doing the mail but the vast majority are subs.

The procedure is that companies will bid to get the contract to deliver to the postal stations. This winner then has individuals bid for individual villages. Thus, everyone is an independent contractor and neither the government nor the lead contractor has to pay taxes or benefits. This is occurring more and more throughout the U.S.

[bluedog103]

If they're driving USPS trucks, they are federal employees and not allowed to accept tips. Some of our stations do have Feds doing the mail but the vast majority are subs.

The procedure is that companies will bid to get the contract to deliver to the postal stations. This winner then has individuals bid for individual villages. Thus, everyone is an independent contractor and neither the government nor the lead contractor has to pay taxes or benefits. This is occurring more and more throughout the U.S.
Perhaps govt. employees are not supposed to accept tips but I have been sticking a few bucks, usually $20, in Christmas cards for most of my adult life and it has never been refused. My first job when I turned 18 was with the post office. I only did that until I got drafted but it was a great learning experience. I was a sub. and we sorted the mail for our own routes. Whatever route I was covering I always found that the tipping customers were noted on the sorting rack. Just a reminder to give these folks extra special service. Even now I always give our northern carrier his card just before we head south in September. I give our Villages carrier his card just before Christmas. It gets their attention and helps them remember us.
That's a good thing.

[dbussone]

Perhaps govt. employees are not supposed to accept tips but I have been sticking a few bucks, usually $20, in Christmas cards for most of my adult life and it has never been refused. My first job when I turned 18 was with the post office. I only did that until I got drafted but it was a great learning experience. I was a sub. and we sorted the mail for our own routes. Whatever route I was covering I always found that the tipping customers were noted on the sorting rack. Just a reminder to give these folks extra special service. Even now I always give our northern carrier his card just before we head south in September. I give our Villages carrier his card just before Christmas. It gets their attention and helps them remember us.
That's a good thing.


My great great grandfather was the first postal route mailman in what was then rural Maine. I've read his diaries and have tipped my mailmen ever since.

[raynan]

I also tip $20 at Christmas time. Wish it could be more. Great service in Pennecamp.

[CFrance]

The folks doing the sorting are contract employees, not employees of USPS. Why would there be a $20 limit?
Not only that... find out the home address of your mail carrier, be it in TV or elsewhere. You can mail a gift to them privately and nobody can do anything about it.

[duffysmom]

I think I know why some mail hasn't been delivered. My husband opened our mail box (it's eye level) and witnessed the male and female postal workers "passionately" kissing. :oops:

[Bogie Shooter]

I think I know why some mail hasn't been delivered. My husband opened our mail box (it's eye level) and witnessed the male and female postal workers "passionately" kissing. :oops:

Maybe they were on a break.:clap2:

[Buffalo Jim]

I think I know why some mail hasn't been delivered. My husband opened our mail box (it's eye level) and witnessed the male and female postal workers "passionately" kissing. :oops:

Perhaps they were holding the annual Office Christmas Party ! :a040::a040:

[jnieman]

I gave my mail handler $30 this year and she didn't give me $10 back. She just thanked me over and over. They really do give us excellent service and know us and address us by our names.

[graciegirl]

Nine years and never a problem. Have had three different people working our station.
A little kindness goes a long way...................


What he said.

[Indydealmaker]

We have been in Bonita for more than 4 years and have had nothing but GREAT service from our mail handlers at the postal station. Even, now with all of the crunch, my packages have always been in the big box just waiting on me to finally remember to show up.

Amazon has been experiencing quite a ton of problems with their contract with USPS. The internet is packed with stories of tracking reports showing "delivered" packages, in spite of the fact that there are no packages to be found. Carriers are logging them in as delivered, apparently to meet their on time requirements, but are not actually delivering them for another day or two.

This has not been happening with Fedex or UPS, just postal employees all around the country.

I have had this same thing happen twice (not here in The Villages). Once the replacement item for the "lost" shipment arrived before the first one which was eventually delivered by the mail lady.

[rubicon]

In 8 years the mail people have mistakenly stopped my mail because they confused it with someone else. Their human and apparently this is a thankless job

[Lauren Sweeny]

Lynnhaven Mail was coming after 3:30 and sometimes 4 o' clock! We once had our mail vacationed stopped, When we picked up , after our trip , we were given our bundled held mail.Well... A week later we had a bundle of mail again! This mail was weeks old that should have been included in the held vacation bundle. Needless to say we had not paid those late bills on time. Very upsetting!

[zcaveman]

Lynnhaven Mail was coming after 3:30 and sometimes 4 o' clock! We once had our mail vacationed stopped, When we picked up , after our trip , we were given our bundled held mail.Well... A week later we had a bundle of mail again! This mail was weeks old that should have been included in the held vacation bundle. Needless to say we had not paid those late bills on time. Very upsetting!

That is where automatic payment programs save the day.

Z

[Average Guy]

Lynnhaven Mail was coming after 3:30 and sometimes 4 o' clock!

I am just curious when is the latest time in the day that you think mail should be delivered. 3:30 or 4:00 does not seem unreasonable to me if it is the last village that the mail carrier is delivering to.

[Annie01]

I ordered a couple of items from Amazon with 2-day delivery. The first item was supposed to arrive Dec 6. The second item was to arrive Dec 16. Neither came on their due dates. I pulled the USPS tracking numbers and that indicated both items had arrived at the mail station and placed in my mail slot or keyed parcel box.

So, I walked up to the mail station to inquire of the folks who work there. The guy rummaged around and finally found the Dec 6th package in the bottom of a box with mail stacked on top of it. Then, he opened the big parcel boxes stuffed with packages for different recipients and started going through those. He finally found my Dec 16th package. In the meantime, a man came in behind me looking for meds that were supposed to be delivered the day before.

What's up with this? I know it's a busy time of year but this isn't good. Anyone else had similar issues?



NOt in caroline they are awesome....