USPS versus UPS versus FedEx tracking

[MikeMN]

Man, the USPS should change their tracking to:

"Your item was processed through and left our [far away] facility on May 04, 2011 at 6:35 pm. The item is currently in transit to the destination. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later."

They should add:

"But you will receive it before we update the status, so you may as well save some time and not come back. This is not UPS."

[Slartibartfast]

USPS does not have a tracking service, they have a "Delivery Confirmation" service.

[thehekler]

I actually like the USPS.... It is far and away better than fedex IMO. I once tracked an item from California with fedex not only did it take 10 days but it was only processed through a facility in california then 8 days later one in new jersey with nothing in between. That said I am currently at war with my mail lady so for me USPS is more trouble than it's worth. But that is only because my mail lady refuses to leave the truck so any package I have that can't be crammed into a mailbox has to be picked up at the post office. But the teaming is great I usually receive 2 or 3 updates per a day of transit. I don't have nearly as much experience with UPS.

[Birnando]

I kinda like the USPS.
For us international buyers they do offer tracking, and they deliver as fast as any of the other companies, IME.
And, knock on wood, it is the only company who hasn't lost me anything yet.
Fedex and UPS, while good as well, has!

Sure, it's no JetPak, but the price isn't as ridiculous either

[wallyworld]

I will also throw in my 2 cents for the USPS. Recently, I have used there priority "if it fits it ships" packages. Razors fit great in the small box and at $5 it is also affordable. Throw in insurance and/or delivery confirmation for another $4-5 and I am confident that my gear will arrive quickly and safely.

rob

[dyimages]

For American's shipping to Canada I really like Purolator. They offer a flat fee service that includes duties and customs so you know the price before it arrives as well they seem to be some of the fastest at getting my crap through customs. Not many companies use them in the U.S.A. but those that do have gained a real loyal following here in Canada especially in the photography world

[MikeMN]

USPS does not have a tracking service, they have a "Delivery Confirmation" service.

Thanks for the correction. I was thrown off by the USPS web page that called it Track & Confirm.

[MikeMN]

Well, I guess my experience was *a little* better. This time, I was notified about the source post office, then the destination post office, and all this, before I actually received the package. I still like UPS because they tell you when it gets to regional distribution centers.

[thebigspendur]

Thanks for the correction. I was thrown off by the USPS web page that called it Track & Confirm.

Well, if you buy the right service you can track it. Same with confirmation.

[Dunc]

Another negative vote from Canada... ship usps because UPS can hammer the receiver with brokerage fees. Not a huge amount on cheap stuff but it is a sliding scale, and I find it to be a sneaky way to do business as it is never quoted in shipping costs.