Efficiency in Shipping

[FoxtArt]

Missing package from the end of November finally showed up from USPS.

In the 1850's it took about 25 days to get mail across the entire country by stagecoach.

10 days by Pony Express.

Isn't it amazing how much the U.S. Postal service has progressed in 170 years.

[BladesNBarrels]

Missing package from the end of November finally showed up from USPS.

In the 1850's it took about 25 days to get mail across the entire country by stagecoach.

10 days by Pony Express.

Isn't it amazing how much the U.S. Postal service has progressed in 170 years.

But, don't forget the price of shipping by stage or pony express.

Pony Express
April, 1860, to October, 1861 - 81 weeks
Between the Missouri River and the Pacific coast, the Pony Express carried mail rapidly overland on horseback for nearly 2000 miles.
The cost of the mail was at first $5 per one half ounce but was later reduced to $1 per one half ounce.
AND, of course, the human cost:
There is historical documentation that four Pony Express riders were killed by Indians; one was hanged for murder after he got drunk and killed a man; one died in an unrelated accident; and two froze to death.

[Aloha_Shooter]

To answer the OP's question, the way delivery services make money is that you and I aren't willing to drive halfway across the country and back just to deliver birthday gifts (most especially to that aunt or uncle you disliked ever since they were pinching your cheeks and talking down to you when you were 5).

Since BladesnBarrels mentions the Pony Express, let's not forget that riders were as young as 11 although the average age was about 20 and that the original owners had to sell it at auction after losing $900,000 (their $700,000 investment plus a $200,000 deficit).

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-ponyexpressriders/

[MrPrena]

My in sis law send gift card on 17th and still haven't arrived yet.

[brutal]

I love it when it costs more to have UPS slow boat something. FWIW, The supplier is in TX so 2 days ground is typical.

[asystejs]

My wife had a package get an address exception and USPS did a return to sender.
It looped between Denver and Golden for while
It has been outstanding for almost 2 months

December 18, 2020 In Transit to Next Facility
December 14, 2020, 9:15 am Departed USPS Regional Facility MADISON WI DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 13, 2020, 6:17 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Facility MADISON WI DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 13, 2020, 4:44 pm Departed USPS Regional Facility OAK CREEK WI DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 13, 2020, 1:50 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Facility OAK CREEK WI DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 12, 2020, 3:59 pm Departed USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER ANNEX
December 11, 2020, 10:51 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER ANNEX
December 10, 2020, 8:43 pm Departed USPS Regional Destination DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 10, 2020, 5:54 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Destination Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER

December 10, 2020, 4:12 am Arrived at USPS Facility GOLDEN, CO 80401
December 8, 2020, 1:26 pm Departed USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER ANNEX
December 8, 2020, 11:49 am Arrived at USPS Regional Destination Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 8, 2020, 7:30 am Arrived at USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER ANNEX
December 6, 2020, 8:33 am Arrived at Hub GOLDEN, CO 80401
December 4, 2020, 8:02 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Destination Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER
December 1, 2020, 7:10 am Out for Delivery GOLDEN, CO 80401
December 1, 2020, 3:41 am Arrived at USPS Facility GOLDEN, CO 80401
November 25, 2020, 11:26 pm Departed USPS Regional Destination Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 24, 2020, 2:18 pm Insufficient Address GOLDEN, CO 80401
November 24, 2020, 2:18 pm Return to Sender Processed GOLDEN, CO 80401
November 24, 2020, 7:27 am Out for Delivery GOLDEN, CO 80401
November 24, 2020, 7:16 am Arrived at Post Office GOLDEN, CO 80401

November 21, 2020, 2:06 am Arrived at USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 21, 2020, 1:05 am Departed USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO NETWORK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 20, 2020, 3:46 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Facility DENVER CO NETWORK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 20, 2020, 4:23 am Arrived at USPS Regional Facility OKLAHOMA CITY OK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 20, 2020, 2:27 am Departed USPS Regional Facility TULSA OK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 19, 2020, 7:59 pm Arrived at USPS Regional Facility TULSA OK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
November 19, 2020, 7:21 pm Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending CHAMPAIGN, IL 61821

[Grant H.]

More stuff lost in USPS purgatory...

I just don't get how they suck, SOOO badly...

And a number of sellers that I have dealt with won't ship any other method. I choose UPS or Fedex if possible.

[ray1970]

In all honesty, I have seen better shipping times since the holidays have blown over. The last couple of things I have ordered have actually shown up a day or two before I expected them.

Another weird thing is I ordered something small recently and the cheapest shipping ($7.99) was for UPS 2 day air.

[Doc45]

I sent a small package via USPS 1st class mail to Oshkosh, WI yesterday with an expected delivery date of next Friday!

I also sent out on Monday a slide/barrel/bushing for one of my 1911s to a gunsmith in Ohio to get it flush cut with a reverse cone via Priority Mail, not scheduled for delivery until tomorrow. A gun I sold/shipped last Saturday that was supposed to be delivered today to Florida is now supposed to be delivered tomorrow.

[Grant H.]

In all honesty, I have seen better shipping times since the holidays have blown over. The last couple of things I have ordered have actually shown up a day or two before I expected them.

Another weird thing is I ordered something small recently and the cheapest shipping ($7.99) was for UPS 2 day air.

Digi-key or Mouser? Lol...

I've ordered quite a bit from Mouser in the last few months, and they always offer the $7.99 UPS 2-day "upgrade".