UPS SurePost back to USPS for last mile.
This may have been discussed already, so sorry for duplicative post.
This will mean that SurePost will be a bit slower again due to transfer and double carrier logistics.
Also, now that UPS no longer deals with last mile I suspect insurance will once again end when given to the USPS.
8 comments
wastingtime101
·8 months agoThe new contract went into effect Jan 1, I believe. The roll out to integrate USPS deliveries began on Jan 5 and will take a while to completely phase in the transfer to post offices across the US. Spoke with my UPS guy and he confirmed it's rolling out to my region for deliveries starting next week.
Once fully rolled out I expect it will operate as it did before, meaning UPS hands a lot off to USPS, but will handle end-to-end in many cases depending on volume, location and other factors. On my incoming UPS Ground Saver shipments 2024 & earlier approx 50% were delivered by USPS and approx 50% delivered by UPS. Will be interesting to see if those rates continue or if UPS starts handing more off to USPS.
Yes, liability coverage is cut off if/when UPS transfers to USPS. I'll be surprised if that coverage is bumped back up to $100 as it was before, but I doubt it'll stay at the current $20. It might stay at $20, but with the transfer to USPS it means UPS will be paying out on far fewer claims and can raise the coverage to remain competitive with FedEx Ground Economy.
robbie31415
OP8 months agoThank you for your post and information.
Im curious if the insurance will go back to 100. I sort of don't think it will.
Also if I recall surepost did po boxes before the partnership ended. Am I right? Would that come back...
Though I won't lie, it was a bit nice having a cheaper ups ground for a short while where the only real difference i saw was the insurance being lower.
wastingtime101
·8 months agoYes on Q1 and should be a yes on Q2.
reallynicestamps
·8 months agoMost couriers use the postal system for last mile delivery when the address is rural or isolated.
The mandate for the postal system is to cover every destination.
Interesting that the private company finds it profitable and cheaper to use a public organization for this, rather than set up their own routes.
tobaccocardyahoo
·8 months agoUPS sometimes uses the USPS for last mile, and sometimes if it is going to the destination delivers the package itself.
It has been that way for quite some time. The name Surepost was chosen because the last mile was USPS.
robbie31415
OP8 months agoUh no. since 2024 UPS did all last mile when the contract ended.
So your post is factually incorrect.
simba6
·8 months agoThose hybrid shipping services always take longer, have more issues with lost and damaged packages. Insurance is also a problem as each will blame the other.
robbie31415
OP8 months agoThat isn't the point.
In 2024 UPS was handling the entire delivery when the UPS discontinued using the USPS for last mile.
For over a year UPS Ground and UPS SurePost was basically the same service.
The only real difference i saw was that SurePost only contained $20 insurance where Ground had $100.
But UPS delivered all SurePost.
The UPS realized they were losing too much money doing last mile, and now its back to the USPS.