ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 8:12:13 GMT -5
Tim Pawlenty is pushing to let private concerns handle all our mail and privatize the postal system. Good idea? I don't think it would be a budget issue,as the way I understand it, it is not tax payer funded, so I'm thinking it would be more of a get the fed out of commerce and quit taking business from private companies type of thing.
|
|
cme1201
Junior Associate
Tennis Elbow, Jock Itch, and Athletes Foot, every man has a sports life!
Joined: Apr 6, 2011 13:55:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,503
|
Post by cme1201 on Jun 19, 2011 8:21:01 GMT -5
Tim Pawlenty is pushing to let private concerns handle all our mail and privatize the postal system. Good idea? I don't think it would be a budget issue,as the way I understand it, it is not tax payer funded, so I'm thinking it would be more of a get the fed out of commerce and quit taking business from private companies type of thing. Well looking at the numbers in 2009 the USPS lost 3.8 Billion dollars, 8.5 Billion in 2010, www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/12/post-office-lost-billions-deep-cuts-congress_n_783070.htmlThe accrual of cheap mail, fliers, offers, specials which do not pay full mail rates makes it unlikely the the USPS can ever really make money. [q]Not helping matters is the fact that people are barely using the post office anymore. E-mail has rendered traditional letter writing almost obsolete, while online bill pay, direct deposit and other services are also cutting into demand. According to Potter, mail volume fell from 213 billion pieces in 2006 to 177 billion pieces in 2009, a 17% decline in just three years. By 2020, he estimates, USPS deliveries will fall to 150 billion pieces.[/q] www.dailyfinance.com/2010/03/02/losing-money-isnt-the-u-s-postal-services-only-problem/It is a corrupt and unsustainable organization, unless just throwing billions a year at a program that has been a loser since the days of the pony express, is your idea of money well spent.
|
|
cme1201
Junior Associate
Tennis Elbow, Jock Itch, and Athletes Foot, every man has a sports life!
Joined: Apr 6, 2011 13:55:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,503
|
Post by cme1201 on Jun 19, 2011 8:25:37 GMT -5
don't think it would be a budget issue,as the way I understand it, it is not tax payer funded[/b
www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2011/pr11_052.htm [q]The postmaster general told a Senate subcommittee today that despite significant cost cutting and revenue generation, the Postal Service finds itself in dire financial straits. Statutorily mandated payments due to the government at the end of September will not be paid, he said, unless Congress acts to refund overpayments of pension funding or ease the mandate to prefund retiree health benefits[/q]
Yes it is taxpayer funded in the sense that the federal government mandates what the Post Master general must do, it also is part of the Federal Union program, overseen by congress.
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 8:33:25 GMT -5
So I take it that would be a yes from you. I think the P.O . is the only business authorized by the constitution...I read it has borrowed money from the government,but then again so have a lot of businesses. I have an online store and ebay at times and find their service quite reliable. But the cost is getting to be a killer,the same as the other mailing alternatives.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Apr 28, 2024 16:24:59 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2011 8:48:09 GMT -5
lol
|
|
Bluerobin
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:24:30 GMT -5
Posts: 17,345
Location: NEPA
|
Post by Bluerobin on Jun 19, 2011 8:49:02 GMT -5
The USPS is inept and bloated with layer upon layer of management. Let them compete and in a few years, business will win.
|
|
AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 31,709
Favorite Drink: Sweetwater 420
|
Post by AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP on Jun 19, 2011 8:57:42 GMT -5
The Constitution gives the government this role, but it doesn't say how it ought to be done. Congress could decertify the Postal Carrier's Union, could farm it out to private concerns- and do a lot of things to keep it from running billions in deficits.
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 9:04:32 GMT -5
UPS and USPS have had a partnership for years.
|
|
Bluerobin
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:24:30 GMT -5
Posts: 17,345
Location: NEPA
|
Post by Bluerobin on Jun 19, 2011 9:06:21 GMT -5
Years ago, freight carriers had to take the government to court, just for the right to carry overnight "letters". So, I am sure any interested company would have to do the same to compete with the USPS.
|
|
cme1201
Junior Associate
Tennis Elbow, Jock Itch, and Athletes Foot, every man has a sports life!
Joined: Apr 6, 2011 13:55:07 GMT -5
Posts: 5,503
|
Post by cme1201 on Jun 19, 2011 9:09:43 GMT -5
With our anti monopoly laws, I do not understand how the USPS is allowed to operate. If I choose to walk to my mailbox and send a letter, I must pay for a Federal Stamp from the only provider then I must allow this Federal business to transport said letter.
**********DISCLAIMER**********
I in no way shape or form support the Federal Postal Service, the only items in my mailbox are 1 bill from the city which pays 29c for it to be sent, and junk mail which depending on the volume of pieces sent out can range as low as 2c. I do not send letters, I do not mail bills. No other business would be allowed to show a net loss (in the billions) year after year after year and still keep people employed or the doors open.
Should the Postal Service be privatized, I would still have almost zero need for the service they provide. I find that Fed-Ex is reasonable in pricing heavier objects that need to be sold via ebay (I sold over 60 sets of my bosses golf clubs, he has been collecting bags for a lllllooooonnnnnggggg time, and our shipping was less than 25$ for 3 day).
Even in my field of work, only 1 in 6 Contractors are taking paper bids, most are streamlining and reducing paperwork in favor of the new green push, if a paper bid is sent it's done by courier service so that we know exactly who signed, when they signed and where in the building they are located.
|
|
Value Buy
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 17:57:07 GMT -5
Posts: 18,680
Today's Mood: Getting better by the day!
Location: In the middle of enjoying retirement!
Favorite Drink: Zombie Dust from Three Floyd's brewery
Mini-Profile Name Color: e61975
Mini-Profile Text Color: 196ce6
|
Post by Value Buy on Jun 19, 2011 10:08:02 GMT -5
If it is privitized, would the new owners be allowed to get rid of all the deadwood employees, and their union or would they be held to a "everything stays in place" agreement? If they are held to that, then look for first class mail to go to about $.60 per piece.
|
|
|
Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on Jun 19, 2011 10:12:25 GMT -5
...imo, we should privatize education first...
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,466
Member is Online
|
Post by billisonboard on Jun 19, 2011 10:28:04 GMT -5
If it is privitized, would the new owners be allowed to get rid of all the deadwood employees, and their union or would they be held to a "everything stays in place" agreement? If they are held to that, then look for first class mail to go to about $.60 per piece. I pay someone a few dollars a year (through my tax dollars) to drive by my house six days a week (excluding a few holidays) to see if I need their services. If on a given day I do need their services, I put a flag up on the little box I have outside of my house and they stop and take an envelope out of the box I have placed there. They then take it anywhere in the United States I wish for it to go, place it in a box outside of someone else's house. This additional service costs me $.44 per item (granted that cost could go up to $.60 per item). Sounds like a good deal to me.
|
|
|
Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on Jun 19, 2011 10:30:40 GMT -5
If it is privitized, would the new owners be allowed to get rid of all the deadwood employees, and their union or would they be held to a "everything stays in place" agreement? If they are held to that, then look for first class mail to go to about $.60 per piece. I pay someone a few dollars a year (through my tax dollars) to drive by my house six days a week (excluding a few holidays) to see if I need their services. If on a given day I do need their services, I put a flag up on the little box I have outside of my house and they stop and take an envelope out of the box I have placed there. They then take it anywhere in the United States I wish for it to go, place it in a box outside of someone else's house. This additional service costs me $.44 per item (granted that cost could go up to $.60 per item). Sounds like a good deal to me. ...an excellent point... still, I'd be happier if they only came by 3 times a week and charged me closer to $0.25 per 1oz. item...
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 10:32:20 GMT -5
All I do is put my packages to go on my front porch around the time he always comes.I agree,the service is great,but it is getting costly,imo.
|
|
jkapp
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 12:05:08 GMT -5
Posts: 5,416
|
Post by jkapp on Jun 19, 2011 10:36:42 GMT -5
It either has to be privatized or end the unions...the unions have prevented USPS from modernizing and keeping up with technology like so many other country's public mail systems. And the compensation/benefit packages are the main driver for those losses every year.
|
|
billisonboard
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:45:44 GMT -5
Posts: 37,466
Member is Online
|
Post by billisonboard on Jun 19, 2011 10:41:21 GMT -5
All I do is put my packages to go on my front porch around the time he always comes.I agree,the service is great,but it is getting costly,imo. Costly compared to what? Drive a letter yourself, even just across town, and you will pay more in gas.
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 10:41:22 GMT -5
Really. Have you seen the sorting machines? If that is outdated I would love to see the new stuff.Millions of pieces,many of them hand addressed are automaticaly read , sorted and gets to their destinations within a few days. I hardley ever have claims.
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 10:45:36 GMT -5
I definatly see your point,especially with first class mail.But Mailing packages prefered or the alternatives like UPS, Fedex,etc are all getting costly.I usually only deal in unique items so people really don't complain much about the postage,as they can't find it elsewhere,but I would imagine it is going to hurt some online retailers at some point.
|
|
jkapp
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 12:05:08 GMT -5
Posts: 5,416
|
Post by jkapp on Jun 19, 2011 10:51:19 GMT -5
Really. Have you seen the sorting machines? If that is outdated I would love to see the new stuff.Millions of pieces,many of them hand addressed are automaticaly read , sorted and gets to their destinations within a few days. I hardley ever have claims. The reason USPS is in dire straights is because they didn't deal with the DIGITAL AGE...sorting machines are just upgraded technology for an outdated mail system.
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 11:00:24 GMT -5
Then how do the machines read the code on the postage I run off their site or pay pals? I can even track its progress across the country on line.Wouldn't that all be made possible by the digital age?
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:02:28 GMT -5
Tim Pawlenty is pushing to let private concerns handle all our mail and privatize the postal system. Good idea? I don't think it would be a budget issue,as the way I understand it, it is not tax payer funded, so I'm thinking it would be more of a get the fed out of commerce and quit taking business from private companies type of thing. I think it will be a great idea. The cost of mail will go up substantially which will be good for the poor and the middle class.
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:03:09 GMT -5
The reason USPS is in dire straights is because they didn't deal with the DIGITAL AGE...sorting machines are just upgraded technology for an outdated mail system.
Actually, that is not true.
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:04:15 GMT -5
I definatly see your point,especially with first class mail.But Mailing packages prefered or the alternatives like UPS, Fedex,etc are all getting costly.I usually only deal in unique items so people really don't complain much about the postage,as they can't find it elsewhere,but I would imagine it is going to hurt some online retailers at some point.
They will just pass on the cost. The poor and the middle class will love it!
|
|
ugonow
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:15:55 GMT -5
Posts: 3,397
|
Post by ugonow on Jun 19, 2011 13:04:52 GMT -5
That it probably will. No one can beat them in the 13 oz or under catagory,which is the bulk of our mail. They are pretty competitive on parcels also.
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:05:30 GMT -5
I pay someone a few dollars a year (through my tax dollars) to drive by my house six days a week (excluding a few holidays) to see if I need their services. If on a given day I do need their services, I put a flag up on the little box I have outside of my house and they stop and take an envelope out of the box I have placed there. They then take it anywhere in the United States I wish for it to go, place it in a box outside of someone else's house. This additional service costs me $.44 per item (granted that cost could go up to $.60 per item). Sounds like a good deal to me.
How is it a good deal for corporations?
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:06:09 GMT -5
That it probably will. No one can beat them in the 13 oz or under catagory,which is the bulk of our mail. They are pretty competitive on parcels also.
The poor and the middle class has no complaints when it comes to higher costs.
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:06:46 GMT -5
...imo, we should privatize education first... I take it you never went to any public schools?
|
|
NoMoreLunacy
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jun 8, 2011 23:21:57 GMT -5
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by NoMoreLunacy on Jun 19, 2011 13:07:44 GMT -5
It is a corrupt and unsustainable organization, unless just throwing billions a year at a program that has been a loser since the days of the pony express, is your idea of money well spent.
I agree. This is a prime case of the Govt subsidizing costs for the poor and the middle class. This has to stop.
|
|
|
Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on Jun 19, 2011 13:18:31 GMT -5
...imo, we should privatize education first... I take it you never went to any public schools? ...you are wrong again... I'm 3 for 3...
|
|