The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All- I wasn't sure what section to post this in --- but here it is:
For the past 20 years, the US Postal Service has contracted with FedEX for air-cargo shipments. That contract is ending and USPS will now contract with UPS to haul packages around the country.

I hate to see this... I know others have had similar issues with UPS--- I haven't had many damage issues over the years, but in almost every case that a package I either sent or received sustained damage, UPS was involved. Fed Ex has handled phonograph and records shipments better, at least in my experience.

Here is an article that explains the changes:
https://apnews.com/article/ups-usps-ee4 ... 78036b5f93

So for at least the next 5 ½ years, UPS will be handling many of the phonographs and records we send.
I'm assuming--perhaps incorrectly--that the relatively new USPS "Ground Advantage" packages are primarily transported in trucks and that it is mostly Prioriy Mail items and Over-nights that go by plane---

Anyway-- I think all of our good packing techniques may be put to the test in the coming years. Be Careful Out There!

Brad Abell

Hi Brad. Don’t know if you know this but I’m a retired Postmaster with 42 years of service. As far as the change of carriers is concerned I don’t see much difference. The USPS loads large containers called Con Cons with the packages. These Con Cons are designed especially to fit on airplanes. They are transported by the carrier, be it FedEx or UPS, to it destination. There the containers are turned back over to the USPS and taken to. USPS sorting facility. So what I’m saying is that there is no handling of packages by UPS, only the containers. All handling of individual packages is performed by USPS personnel.
I’m so happy to be retired now for 15 years. Don’t miss dealing with almost 200 employees and 80 vehicles in my post office.

Rich Gordon

Thanks Rich.. I was hoping you would reply. Yes. I know you spent lots of years with the postal service
Your info is good to know... UPS wont actually handle the packages.. As I said, damage issues I've had over the years have almost all been when a package was given directly to UPS.. Maybe we wont see any significant difference.
Thanks for the education.
Brad Abell

Actually... I used to despise UPS as much as anyone else. I was quite nervous using them through Pirate Ship, but I have sent hundreds of parcels without an issue. It seems that "Oops" has seriously upped their game.

A lot of this depends on where you live. My UPS centers have been very reliable with no lost or damaged packages for me. I see UPS trucks driving seven days a week. For this I am lucky as I have heard UPS horror stories from other areas of the state. How each facility is managed and staffed makes a difference. As for FedEx, the problem where I live is deliveries to the wrong address. This has happened a few times to me, and it's a constant problem I read on the local Nextdoor app. However, it might not be much of a Fedex problem in another part of the state. Again it depends on staff and management. I bet Richard Gordan ran a good tight ship when he was postmaster and things were done correctly.