[RobbyHarris]

This is now the 3rd time in the last 18 or so months when a USPS package was "allegedly" delivered to our mailbox and the package was not there. It obviously "arrived" because it was scanned in. I really don't want to get anyone in trouble but this is ridiculous.

Tracking for this package shows the message that my package was "left in/at mailbox at 1:39PM (yesterday)." but there was no key (or package) to retrieve it yesterday or today after today's mail was completed. Seller can't file a USPS claim because package shows delivered.

I know renting a PMB at a shipping store would likely resolve it but that too brings it's own issues and inconvenience and of course unnecessary cost.

This last loss cost me $150+ and one of the others was $75 and the third one the key spontaneously showed up 3 days after it was delivered. All the mail workers, when I can find them because they are never there at regular times, do is say if it was scanned it you should have it. LOL, thanks. I always leave a note that they obviously retrieved because the next day the note is gone but still no package.

Who is responible for the mail handlers?


EDIT: This has NOTHING to do with the USPS MAIL SYSTEM. The package arrived and was delivered on time. The problem was with the CARELESSNESS of the mail sorters in the mail shack, who obviously put my key in the wrong cubbyhole. If t was a cubbyhole where the owner is gone for the next 6 months, that is when I MIGHT get my package.

[retiredguy123]

The mail handlers are contractors and they are accountable to the Postmaster at the local U.S. Post Office. But if they say that they delivered the package to the mail box, you really don't have any recourse. It is highly unlikely that the Postmaster will fire them. The best way to deal with it is to not use the U.S. Post Office. I try to order everything from Amazon with a one or two day delivery schedule. That way, Amazon will most likely use their own trucks to deliver the package because USPS cannot meet the one or two day delivery schedule. Personally, I would like to see the USPS service shut down entirely, or at least allow customers to cancel their account.

[vintageogauge]

I would be sure, if you have a choice, that everyone that sends anything to you use UPS they are much more reliable.

[RobbyHarris]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

The mail handlers are contractors and they are accountable to the Postmaster at the local U.S. Post Office. But if they say that they delivered the package to the mail box, you really don't have any recourse. It is highly unlikely that the Postmaster will fire them. The best way to deal with it is to not use the U.S. Post Office. I try to order everything from Amazon with a one or two day deliv.

90% of what I order is from Amazon over the last 23+ years beginning when they just sold books but sometimes it just can't be avoided.

[RobbyHarris]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

I would be sure, if you have a choice, that everyone that sends anything to you use UPS they are much more reliable.

As mentioned before, there are times when there is no choice.

[mikreb]

I'm still waiting for the USPS to find a package that was "delivered" 4 years ago to somebody. The service is terrible. Hopefully one day it will be privatized. My neighbors deliver my mail to me more than the postal carrier bc it's in their box not mine.

[jimbomaybe]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

The mail handlers are contractors and they are accountable to the Postmaster at the local U.S. Post Office. But if they say that they delivered the package to the mail box, you really don't have any recourse. It is highly unlikely that the Postmaster will fire them. The best way to deal with it is to not use the U.S. Post Office. I try to order everything from Amazon with a one or two day delivery schedule. That way, Amazon will most likely use their own trucks to deliver the package because USPS cannot meet the one or two day delivery schedule. Personally, I would like to see the USPS service shut down entirely, or at least allow customers to cancel their account.

The problem with USPS is the USPC, in the past two years I have had a box key show up in my keyed mail box for things I didn't order, addressed to some one else, on two other occasions thigs were were "delivered " never showed up , never ship anything of value by USPS unless it is insured, as to the poster if you did not receive the item do not pay for it, just because the USPS said they delivered it what proof can they show they did UPS and Amazon can show the package sitting at your location , USPS has a scan it arrived at the local station , meaningless

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by RobbyHarris

Who is responible for the mail handlers?

Talk to the post office and until you do it’s your word against, well you have not documented it with anyone? As mentioned above I wish we could simply opt out of a US mail (box, slot, etc).

[RedChariot]

Worst system I have ever experienced. Also missing packages never located. As residents of the villages we have no recourse? Don’t we deserve better?

[jimbomaybe]

Originally Posted by RedChariot

Worst system I have ever experienced. Also missing packages never located. As residents of the villages we have no recourse? Don’t we deserve better?

I don't know where the USPS is on the DOGE list but it can only improve things

[MarshBendLover]

In all honesty, you can call directly to the USPIS postal police (postal inspector). The actual police force does investigate postal crimes at their centers and mailboxes, including roadway house mailboxes. I would suggest you have your list of dates/times/copy of email/texts ready to hand over to them. It can't hurt. Nobody will get in trouble unless that nobody is actually doing a crime. It very well could be that they are just one more bit of evidence away from solving a problem, like it takes several complaints before they go to the expense of installing a hidden camera and a tracking device in fake packages to see if they actually arrive.

Up until the 2000s, inside a mail service center, the system did have catwalks with one-way glass looking down throughout the center. numerous people were assigned to monitor mail service employees from above. This was in the days of checks in the mail. Video was around, but was the size of a boom box and was obvious.

And yes, the postal inspector is a position, not a single person with a monocle.

[bopat]

If it says delivered and you didn't receive it, I'd report it stolen. There's a place to do that on their online USPS portal.

[Buckeyephan]

Same thing happed last June. Never found in spite of being “delivered in/at mailbox.” At Christmas, a package disappeared at a facility in Georgia. For 15 days it was moving through the system. I reported it and eventually it was declared to be lost. Sender refunded my money and she was stuck trying to get the insurance reimbursement. Glad we have Informed Delivery.

[Taltarzac725]

I just had that happen. A book I ordered was scheduled to come Tuesday and Amazon had it as delivered to my box. There was a key in my box but the delivery receptacle was empty. Amazon said I needed to wait 48 hours before contacting the delivery service used.

Maybe it will come tomorrow.

Last Thanksgiving a neighbor from a few streets over called and said she had one of my packages as well as one from a person whose address she could not find online . The package was an axe I needed to get at the Latana Camara I had had growing alongside the house.

Amazon lost trace of the axe and sent me a 2nd one which I stopped in transit. Cannot recall if I paid for the axe. Probably did. Just what we need axes crossing paths via Amazon and partners .

[MarshBendLover]

Maybe hang a notice on the mailboxes to see if someone located it? Some villager probably got a key in their box and then maybe took it with them thinking somebody sent them something. They didn't think to google a name or contact VCDD to see if they can help get the package to the right person. I know Amazon will not assist in any way but I love Amazon, that's the only downside to them.