Important *usps newly enforcing shipping rules+

[msjinkzd]

http://msjinkzd.com/news/important-u...y-please-read/

As many of you know, I have been using USPS Express shipping for the majority of my packages for about six years. At my Post Master’s advice, they were being labeled Perishable and Fragile. I have had some issues with timely delivery, but for the most part was pleased with the service. USPS is now requiring that all my packages be marked “Live”. This seems reasonable, but the biggest issue is that it voids their arrival time guarantee. Anything shipped USPS Express that is live goods can take up to THREE extra days to arrive and is ineligible for a shipping refund- effectively as of last week. Their excuse is that it is for careful handling and appropriate placement within planes. The way it will effect you- I can no longer get shipping refunds for packages which don’t arrive when they are supposed to. I now have to give THREE extra days to them, despite paying for expedited service, and am unable to process any shipping refunds. I cannot, in good faith, guarantee live fish for up to 4 days in the mail. The largest heat packs last about 72 hours, a far cry from four days. I am currently placing calls to the other two major shippers to see what I can do as far as guaranteeing timely arrival. In the mean time, I will still offer Express service but will have to change my shipping policy to reflect their totally BOGUS rules. This may also mean that I will need to charge a box fee for non-USPS service, as I will have to purchase the boxes to ship Fed-Ex or UPS. I have always done my best to keep shipping costs as low as possible, not charging for styro, nor heat packs but this may have to come to an end. I will keep updating this post as I learn more about the options I can provide for my customers. I also have an appeal into the USPS, though I doubt it will do any good at all.

[Bushkill]

And they wonder why people have run from their package service to UPS and Fedx over the years. Think this will help any?

[mach_six]

I am sure they handle the packages the same regardless if it says fragile on it too.

So it seems to be better to not mark Live on there to get the shipment delivered on time.

[chad320]

4 days in the mail for fish? They might as well tell you to mark it "DEAD" instead of "LIVE"

[jkan0228]

Does this mean priority shipping will be delayed as well?

[somewhatshocked]

Sounds like your local USPS folks are being less than reasonable. Their logic doesn't make a ton of sense as far as placement during shipping. Things move so quickly there's not always an opportunity to handle boxes marked "live" or "perishable" differently.

From my experience with my own Post Master, there's never been a need to mark the exterior of the boxes I'm shipping.

[somewhatshocked]

P.S. Just checked. Neither the USPS rules nor the U.S. Code have been changed. No enforcement directives, either, that would make your shipping job more difficult.

Express has always had that sort of disclaimer re: live animals. So I called my postmaster to confirm and re-confirmed by checking requirements myself. There's no requirement for labeling tropical fish as "live" or "perishable" and no reason shipments should be delayed for more than the standard 24 hours. Postmaster says that's for reptiles like alligators.

The requirements:

• Fish must be held in a securely sealed primary receptacle.
  
• Primary receptacle must be cushioned with sufficient absorbent material to take up all liquid in case of leakage.
  
• Primary receptacle and absorbent cushioning material must be sealed within waterproof outer (shipping) packaging.

I think they're being difficult with you.

[OverStocked]

I'd opt to drop the packages at a different post office location. They are screwing you.

[ElBoltonero]

It sounds like your postmaster is tired of dealing with all your packages.

[wetworks]

Originally Posted by ElBoltonero

It sounds like your postmaster is tired of dealing with all your packages.

This.

[jreich]

Originally Posted by ElBoltonero

It sounds like your postmaster is tired of dealing with all your packages.

maybe he shouldent have become postmaster then?

[DerekFF]

Most postmasters shouldnt be postmasters. Theyre sole purpose is to penny pinch.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[chad320]

Yeah, you got a bum. My postlady says "Theres nothing live, perishable, fragile, or liquid in here is there?" *wink, wink*.

[mordalphus]

Originally Posted by chad320

Yeah, you got a bum. My postlady says "Theres nothing live, perishable, fragile, or liquid in here is there?" *wink, wink*.

I always answer this truthfully and have never had a problem, they just say thank you and ask if they need to call ahead for special care, and i say no.

[Bahugo]

This seems like they are trying too direct it towards you, or trying too bend the rules too include your business into it (somebody said for shipping large reptiles which is more understandable). I would make a complaint too a higher up, unless something surfaces that they are indeed changing their policy.