FedEx vs USPS

[SHRED]

I noticed yesterday that FedEx has a drop bin just outside the front door of our local Post Office. I am confused. Isn't the USPS building and property public? Why is a private carrier allowed to do this? What am I not understanding?

[Denninmi]

1. They may pay the USPS a fee to have the box there.

I agree with what you seem to be saying, it doesn't make sense in the long run to allow your competitors easy access to your customers.

[lpbk2713]

2. The rethugs have been wanting to privatize to Postal Service for years.

I would have to think they are behind any move to allow a private carrier on USPS premises.

[NYC_SKP]

3. Convenience. Why not have UPS, FedEx, and USPS all at one spot?

I ship a lot, and BTW USPS is Awesome and cheap and I chose it whenever I can.

However, sometimes a client will have a FedEx only account, or I need to drop something before or after regular hours and go with FedEx.

I don't see anything wrong with having drops on USPS property.

[SoutherDem]

11. Convenience, yes

I know several areas where there will be UPS, FedEx, and USPS drops lined up together, but that is private property.

This is like Target having a JCPenney catalog desk, that would be convenient too.

[CrispyQ]

4. We have one too.

A few years ago the PO line was long & some jerk in the back of the line complained about the government run postal service. I turned & told him there was a FedEx drop-off bin just outside with no waiting. "I'm not going to pay three times as much to ship my package," he grumbled. "Then don't complain about the PO," someone else said.

[lpbk2713]

6. The term "tradeoff" is an alien concept to some people.

And this guy proves it.

[tsuki]

12. Good on you! nt

[PoliticAverse]

5. Fedex and the USPS are involved in an alliance...

See: http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2001/01/08/daily9.html

"Under the agreements, FedEx will begin providing some domestic express shipments for the post office and also will be allowed to place FedEx drop boxes at post office locations."

[RC]

8. Correct. Translation: They are in bed together.

[tularetom]

7. This has been going on for years

A FedEx box has been outside the door of our PO for many years. But it works both ways, most FedEx packages we get out here are actually delivered by the USPS. I don't know all the details but there is some compensation made by Fedex to USPS for these services.

Personally I use the USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes. The boxes themselves are free, they come in a variety of sizes, you can ship up to 75 lbs in them, and they can be picked up by your postal carrier. Rates are competitive and you can purchase the postage online. You never have to leave home to use these packages. Which helps when you live 15 miles from the PO.

[bupkus]

9. Few people realize the extent and interconnection of the mail system

From private haulers to mainstays of the transportation industry in ground and air, they all haul the mail for the USPS at points along the supply chain.

[SoutherDem]

10. I heard an interview with the Post Master General

Who said the USPS contracts with "other" carriers for some remote deliveries. I could see these contracts to allow this too.

But, allowing a competitor to do something like this seems odd.