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Postal workers need to do their jobs better, faster
What's wrong with the postal service? They seem to get slower by the day. Maybe the pay is too high or they are not pushed hard enough to do a good, fast job. Whatever it is, they need a good reason to do a better, faster job than they do now.
With a shortage of jobs maybe they need to get some new workers who have a reason to want to keep their jobs by working hard, not looking for ways to not get their work done faster.
If the sorting machines are to blame, maybe they need fixed or go back to making people do the sorting by hand. I say they should look for ways to do their jobs better and faster or find themselves on the unemployment line.
Chris Campbell,
Bonaparte
With a shortage of jobs maybe they need to get some new workers who have a reason to want to keep their jobs by working hard, not looking for ways to not get their work done faster.
If the sorting machines are to blame, maybe they need fixed or go back to making people do the sorting by hand. I say they should look for ways to do their jobs better and faster or find themselves on the unemployment line.
Chris Campbell,
Bonaparte
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
Wow Redman wrote on Nov 30, 2008 1:06 AM:
" Did you stop to think maybe the problem was when it got to Canada, outside of the US POSTAL SERVICE borders!!!! "
Rational Economist wrote on Nov 28, 2008 2:54 PM:
" Per the FTC Report Examining Laws That Apply Differently to the U.S. Postal Service and its Private Competitors, "USPS’s competitive products operations enjoy an estimated implicit subsidy of between $39-$117 million a year." See here: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/01/postal.shtm. "
Redman wrote on Nov 28, 2008 11:56 AM:
" If you want to stand in line outside the post office, be my guest. Line can be around the post office and there's only 1 person at the counter. Ever try tracking a package through the post office? I send a registered letter to Canada recently and it only took 22 days to deliver.
The postal service would not stay in business long if it were a private entity. No one would tolerate the miserable service and the long lines. "
The postal service would not stay in business long if it were a private entity. No one would tolerate the miserable service and the long lines. "
tired postal employee wrote on Nov 28, 2008 5:26 AM:
" Just to let everyone know...... YOUR TAX DOLLARS DO NOT SUBSIDIZE THE POSTAL SERVICE!!!!!!!!!! We do not receive any of your tax dollars and our prices are set by the Postal Rate Commission, which is run by the government. The only thing that your tax dollars pay for is free matter for the blind. Postal Employee needs to set things straight in her office because no one is allowed to be working off of the clock; that is a violation of postal regulations. To Jay, losing business in the postal service also means losing revenue because as I stated above, tax dollars are not spent on the postal service. "
Jay wrote on Nov 26, 2008 12:18 AM:
" @ Lisa
Sounds to me like you have had a bad experience, I use UPS alot and haven't had that kind of experience. "
Sounds to me like you have had a bad experience, I use UPS alot and haven't had that kind of experience. "
To Jay wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:40 PM:
" So if I am already paying for it with my tax dollars, I might as well use them. Good point you made. "
Lisa wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:42 PM:
" You should be happy the post office actually take your mail to your door when its a bigger package. UPS usually drops it at the nearest house, not even checking to see if its the correct address. "
Jay wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:48 PM:
" @ To Jay
I didn't say that when I compared that there was a $175 difference in my situation, the price that I was given by the USPS vs FedEx was fairly comparable.
I also don't have a money tree growing in my back yard, but rational economist is absolutely on the money, the difference between a private carrier and the USPS is that the former aren't subsidized to make up for shortfalls, therefore they need to set their prices in accordance to cover things like labor, fuel, benefits etc., there is where the real difference in prices come from, and you make a point in that they are running a deficit and need to raise prices to cover that which I think you would find to be very close if not more than the private carriers, but they will never do that as long as they can subsidize through our tax dollars because they wouldn't want the USPS to fail. There is no such thing as a free lunch my friend we end up paying the difference one way or another. "
I didn't say that when I compared that there was a $175 difference in my situation, the price that I was given by the USPS vs FedEx was fairly comparable.
I also don't have a money tree growing in my back yard, but rational economist is absolutely on the money, the difference between a private carrier and the USPS is that the former aren't subsidized to make up for shortfalls, therefore they need to set their prices in accordance to cover things like labor, fuel, benefits etc., there is where the real difference in prices come from, and you make a point in that they are running a deficit and need to raise prices to cover that which I think you would find to be very close if not more than the private carriers, but they will never do that as long as they can subsidize through our tax dollars because they wouldn't want the USPS to fail. There is no such thing as a free lunch my friend we end up paying the difference one way or another. "
To Jay wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:49 AM:
" How is $175 more for shipping reasonable? That's not reasonable to me. Sorry, I just don't have a money tree in my back yard. If the post office is in a huge deficit then people shouldn't complain when they raise the prices. "
Rational Economist wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:33 AM:
" In response to " To Jay and Dan":
The difference in prices for the delivery of your letter to Florida is due to the fact that the USPS has a monopoly over sending first-class letter mail. The only way the private sector can compete in the letter mail market is through sending express mail (mail that requires the urgent delivery), which is obviously more expensive to handle and deliver.
A more relevant comparison would be the price of USPS express mail to that of other private carriers. But even if the price is lower via USPS, remember that the USPS is subsidized by the federal government, so we're all subsidizing the USPS through our tax dollars to enable them to charge those lower prices anyway. "
The difference in prices for the delivery of your letter to Florida is due to the fact that the USPS has a monopoly over sending first-class letter mail. The only way the private sector can compete in the letter mail market is through sending express mail (mail that requires the urgent delivery), which is obviously more expensive to handle and deliver.
A more relevant comparison would be the price of USPS express mail to that of other private carriers. But even if the price is lower via USPS, remember that the USPS is subsidized by the federal government, so we're all subsidizing the USPS through our tax dollars to enable them to charge those lower prices anyway. "
Jay wrote on Nov 22, 2008 3:41 PM:
" @ To Jay and Dan
UPS, DHL, FedEx all have reasonable pricing I feel, I have checked to have things sent w/all three of them and they were reasonable, you are right though it is more expensive. Maybe that is why the post office deficit is so huge, because they don't charge enough to cover salaries, pensions, health care, etc. So while they keep digging themselves further into the hole each year, carriers like UPS, DHL, FedEx make money. Just a simple fact government ran enterprise can NEVER compete with the private sector. "
UPS, DHL, FedEx all have reasonable pricing I feel, I have checked to have things sent w/all three of them and they were reasonable, you are right though it is more expensive. Maybe that is why the post office deficit is so huge, because they don't charge enough to cover salaries, pensions, health care, etc. So while they keep digging themselves further into the hole each year, carriers like UPS, DHL, FedEx make money. Just a simple fact government ran enterprise can NEVER compete with the private sector. "
southside wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:46 PM:
" to 'just a side note'....
you beat me to it, very funny..... "
you beat me to it, very funny..... "
Rational Economist wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:11 PM:
" "What's wrong with the postal service? They seem to get slower by the day. Maybe the pay is too high..."
They're poor employees because the pay is too high? What kind of logic is that? All else being equal, the more a job pays relative to the work done, the more likely a person would want to do a good job and keep that employment.
I think the main problems here are that a) they're working for a government-owned institution, and b) they're unionized, which carries with it generally artificially high wages relative to the work done and the inability of employers to get rid of bad performers (Not that this employer has an incentive to anyway. It's the government, after all).
Jay and Dan are right on the money: the main problem with the postal service is that it's a part of the government. "
They're poor employees because the pay is too high? What kind of logic is that? All else being equal, the more a job pays relative to the work done, the more likely a person would want to do a good job and keep that employment.
I think the main problems here are that a) they're working for a government-owned institution, and b) they're unionized, which carries with it generally artificially high wages relative to the work done and the inability of employers to get rid of bad performers (Not that this employer has an incentive to anyway. It's the government, after all).
Jay and Dan are right on the money: the main problem with the postal service is that it's a part of the government. "
To Jay and Dan wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:35 PM:
" Have you guys actually compared prices on shipping through USPS vs. Fedex, UPS or DHL? I would guess you haven't. I sell on eBay all the time. About a month ago I had to mail a table saw to Maine. The post office charged me $54 and some change. That was priority mail and included insurance and delivery confirmation. I had already checked with UPS and Fedex to see what their prices were. They both wanted around $230 to ship the table saw, no kidding I about fell off my chair. My buyer was quite happy I saved him $175 on shipping. I always give my buyers the decision of how I ship and there is very very few that choose UPS or Fedex because the simple fact is, they are outrageous in pricing. It took 3 days for the table saw to reach his house.
I also decided to check and see what a normal letter (sent to Florida) through UPS would cost vs. the 42 cents it costs through the post office. UPS wanted to charge me $22.62 for that same letter, prices went up from there depending on how fast you want it to get there. So you guys go ahead and throw your money away. I'll continue to use the post office. "
I also decided to check and see what a normal letter (sent to Florida) through UPS would cost vs. the 42 cents it costs through the post office. UPS wanted to charge me $22.62 for that same letter, prices went up from there depending on how fast you want it to get there. So you guys go ahead and throw your money away. I'll continue to use the post office. "
Redman wrote on Nov 21, 2008 12:00 PM:
" Anyone who sends packages through USPS needs to see a doctor.
Neither sleet, nor rain, nor dark of night...
With all those Clintonians Obama is putting in the cabinet, don't look for change there either. "
Neither sleet, nor rain, nor dark of night...
With all those Clintonians Obama is putting in the cabinet, don't look for change there either. "
Jay wrote on Nov 20, 2008 3:14 PM:
" I think that by far Dan has had the most logical point on here by far. The government can't match the efficiency of the private sector which is exactly why government needs to be scaled WAAAY back. Bureaucracy causes things to be incredibly inefficient and there is really no incentive for the government to get your mail to you quicker or in a more efficient manner while FedEX, UPS, DHL and others DO because if they don't they lose business and losing business = losing revenue. Try to remember that it isn't the postal workers fault for the inefficiencies of our government. "
Postal Employee wrote on Nov 20, 2008 9:50 AM:
" No, I am not saying that the Federal Government is breaking laws. I am just stating that my particular job schedule is for two hours on Saturday. I also fill in as Postmaster when the Postmaster is either on vacation or sick. Since my job is only for two hours on Saturday, anything over the two hours that I work I don't get paid. I do not receive any "benefits" and I do not belong to the Union. "
Dianna wrote on Nov 20, 2008 9:30 AM:
" Leave the Postal workers alone. They get no days off because the weather is bad. Have you noticed all the junk they have to deliver? The Shopper, Political Ads, and all the junk from who knows. I don't like mail being late but I think about what all they have to deliver. "
Just a side note wrote on Nov 20, 2008 7:49 AM:
" To Ha: I believe the word you WERE trying to use........
I'm done. "
I'm done. "
To Chris wrote on Nov 18, 2008 2:02 PM:
" Why not set up online banking and bill pay. That way, unless you enjoy getting junk mail, there will be no reason to use the USPS at all. Saves me a lot of time and trouble of going to the post office to buy stamps and waiting for the mail. "
Ha wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:19 PM:
" It is so entertaining to read someone commenting on someone else's bad grammar, and they make grammar mistakes as well, ha! Spelling is important too! I believe the word you was trying to use was LOSE, not LOOSE! "My dog got loose the other day, but I found him. I am glad I did not LOSE him!"
As for Post Office workers, I do not really know if they are slow or not. Our bills always get here on time, whether we like it or not. We live in a small community and a small Post Office too. Chris, maybe it is just your Postal workers that need to work more efficiently? "
As for Post Office workers, I do not really know if they are slow or not. Our bills always get here on time, whether we like it or not. We live in a small community and a small Post Office too. Chris, maybe it is just your Postal workers that need to work more efficiently? "
No problem wrote on Nov 18, 2008 12:46 PM:
" To Chris,
Maybe you should get a job there. See if you can be more efficient at the job. I personally have no problem with the mail. I receive mail from Burlington to Keokuk in one day. I think that is pretty good. I get thing from across the country in just a couple of days. I couldn't go pick it up myself quicker or cheaper.
PS, I am American Indian, I work two jobs, I don't receive government assistance, and I'm not a drunk. Small minded people have small insignificant thoughts.
Thanks! "
Maybe you should get a job there. See if you can be more efficient at the job. I personally have no problem with the mail. I receive mail from Burlington to Keokuk in one day. I think that is pretty good. I get thing from across the country in just a couple of days. I couldn't go pick it up myself quicker or cheaper.
PS, I am American Indian, I work two jobs, I don't receive government assistance, and I'm not a drunk. Small minded people have small insignificant thoughts.
Thanks! "
To Postal Employee wrote on Nov 18, 2008 12:11 PM:
" It is unfortunate to hear that you are working a few extra hours with out pay. The good news for you, since you are, I would assume, a Federal employee, this is a severe violation on Federal Labor laws!!! If you are an hourly, not salary, employee, it is against Federal Law to have you work with no pay! I It is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act. I would either contact a lawyer or the US department of Labor. Good luck!
And really all! Did anyone watch the news last night? The USPS has a defiicit of BILLIONS of dollars. They made approx 3 BILLION less this year than last, so they are cutting corneres just like every other company in the United States right now. Everything is inconvenient for everyone right now! Have some patience--are you really that eager to get your bills?? Really? "
And really all! Did anyone watch the news last night? The USPS has a defiicit of BILLIONS of dollars. They made approx 3 BILLION less this year than last, so they are cutting corneres just like every other company in the United States right now. Everything is inconvenient for everyone right now! Have some patience--are you really that eager to get your bills?? Really? "
To the Postal Employee wrote on Nov 18, 2008 11:26 AM:
" Are you saying the Federal Government does not pay minimum wage when it makes other business's pay it? What about the Postal Union it is suppose to be a very big union!! Yes and to this WOOT you think it is funny the way the American Indians have been treated? There will be no justice in this country until we have ouf first American Indian president! And if you didn't know, if we leave the reservation we unlike even illegals in this country LOOSE all government aid! But you must have been drunk when you wrote your thoughts, or you would have known to capitalize I instead of making it i. "
Dan wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:05 AM:
" Just like about everything else the gov't can't do a better job than the private sector. The internet, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc are slowly puting this agency out of business. I know I second guess mailing things when stamps seem to go up in price every year. "
Postal Employee wrote on Nov 17, 2008 4:34 PM:
" I work at a Post Office on Saturdays. The work schedule on Saturdays is only 2 hours, however, most times either there is so much mail coming in to be sorted and delivered, or the mail truck is late getting in that I am working 1-2 hours more, with NO extra pay. Do you like working for nothing? You might think the pay is too high, but averaged out-on the days I'm there for 3-4 hours, the pay isn't that great (less than minimum wage). Maybe your local Post Office is different, but I believe where I work, we do the best job we can. "
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ok small towners get a grip wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:55 AM: