Quote:
Originally Posted by vanwonky
Whoops - I take back anything that I may have inferred about AstroZap not getting back to me. They have been very responsive in all other cases and now I know why the short delay. Interesting what they say about USPS though.
"Sorry for the delayed response, we were closed since the 24th.
It's not uncommon for USPS to show incorrect tracking info. I see it all the
time. Boy, they sure have fallen apart and some day will be out of business!
Give it a little more time as I'm sure your order is on the way."
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Reading this I took it to be a light hearted comment, but it prompted me to do a web search to see if there was any truth to it. I found these articles which just made me realise just how much trouble they are in.
USPS asks Congress to allow it to lay off 120,000 postal workers
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,2057357.story
Fund to aid injured postal workers at risk if USPS defaults
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,1278274.story
U.S. Post Office closures: Get ready for a battle
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/c...,1969893.story
Holy cow I didn't realise it was that bad. And here's one which is going to already affect slow transit times with First Class and Priority mail.
Study: USPS could save $1.5 billion with slower mail
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politi...uZJ_story.html
It talks about delivery times within the US, but this will have a flow on effect with international parcels before they leave the US.
Fun times ahead waiting for parcels.