USPS Priority Mail

For those who ship by USPS: Please be aware that your valuable Priority Mail package is transported in a 40 foot truck bed which dumps the packages onto a conveyor belt. The truck has a hydraulic system which lifts the cab-end of the container about 40% so the packages tumble over and over for 40 feet and then slam onto a conveyor belt. That is just the beginning of the journey. It may be ok for small, lightweight packages but definitely NOT for 50 pound boxes. I can't imagine a better way to ensure that delicate electronics are subjected to the worst possible shipping conditions.

One thing about UPS..If using them make sure you have it boxed or prepared for shipping by authorized UPS agent..We ship larger antiques all over and the last time UPS destoyed an item they refused the insurance claim because it wasnt packed by them...It will cost you more but( not if, but when) something is damaged its all on them..

Do you want it to get there? Then don't ever send anything USPS, sadly.

Based on my experience, US Post Office is the best! During the winter we had unusual and harsh snow storms in Seattle. I was awaiting shipments from UPS and the Post Office. In the snow, my 50 lb box was deliviered by the Post Office. It was not held at all.

I never received my delivery from UPS, even though their systerm showed it was "Out for Delivery". After three days of frantic phone calls, they finally said their system showed "Out for delivery" in error. They explained that they could not deliver because my road was "too unsafe", yet the Poast Office delivered under more treacherous circumstances. I was not able to pick it up at theuir distribustion center, because it was "already loaded" on tehir truck. Then they admitted that they could not locate a $6000.00 declared value box. Two weeks later it was delivered. From now on I support USPS 100%.

Every two weeks or so, there should be an automatic new "Bitch About Shipping Companies" thread so everyone can kvetch.

One thing is constant...everyone has their tales to tell, and no shipping service is perfect.