Issues with USPS Scheduled Package Pickup?

[thinkcollectible]

I've been selling on ebay for many years, but only recently started using the USPS free package pickup for my orders. I don't have a large number of packages for pickup (max 5-6 small padded envelopes or boxes) and the total weight is always under 5lb for all packages (almost all pickups are about 1-2 pounds total). I always schedule the day before through the USPS website. After 3 weeks of scheduling pickups for 2-3 days a week, last Friday I was working from home when I heard my carrier walk up my front walkway and say very loudly "This is getting out of hand!" Then when he was scanning the packages on my front porch he yelled angrily "This is b*llsh*t!" It was unnerving to say the least and my neighbors have young children so I called the main USPS customer support number to ask if I had done something wrong. Is there a limit to the packages I can schedule for pickup? Answer: no. Is there a weight limit for packages? Answer: Yes, one package cannot be more than 70 lb. Do the carriers receive a notice that day to alert them they have a scheduled package pickup? Answer: Yes. The customer service rep was very helpful and spent time going over the entire documentation for package pickup and assured me I did nothing wrong. 

I live in a development of groups of townhomes and the carrier parks his truck at the end of each group, then delivers mail by walking with a large bag. I do understand that it may be cumbersome to carry additional packages in the regular mailbag, but I do not understand why the carrier couldn't simply pull his truck closer to my townhome when he completes the walking portion of my group of homes (about 12 homes) to pickup the packages.

Has anyone else had this issue? If so, how did you resolve it? I am currently in a situation where I cannot get out much during the week but I do have orders to ship. The experience last week was so unnerving I do not want to schedule more package pickups.

Thanks for any help!

[ebooksdiva]

You would need to contact your local Post office and speak with the manager who handles carrier s that deliver mail to your zip code about the carrier. That is unacceptable behavior IMO.  
If you posted the number and weights of all packages then that would tell the mail carrier in advance that they need to go to pick up your packages with their truck.
I had an issue with postal carriers sending me successfully picked up eMails but my packages remain where I left them. I complained to the manager and that stopped happening.

[thinkcollectible]

Thank you! I'll contact the local Post Office and ask to speak with the manager. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

I always left some 'snack' (couple mini candy bars, payday bars, grapes, cookies etc.) as well as a $100 gift card at Xmas. Never had a problem in 15 years and they pick up 3- 10 packages about 4 days a week.

2 States, 10 different carriers (with subs, retirements etc.) 

Best to just find a way to make them happy vs 'issuing a complaint'. Like complaining to the cook at a restaurant, not always a good idea. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@stainlessenginecovers wrote:

I always left some 'snack' (couple mini candy bars, payday bars, grapes, cookies etc.) as well as a $100 gift card at Xmas. Never had a problem in 15 years and they pick up 3- 10 packages about 4 days a week.

2 States, 10 different carriers (with subs, retirements etc.) 

Best to just find a way to make them happy vs 'issuing a complaint'. Like complaining to the cook at a restaurant, not always a good idea. 

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Could not agree more with @stainlessenginecovers 

@thinkcollectible 

I would try to get to know your postal courier and ask them how you can help them. Sometimes just speaking/asking them is enough for them to feel appreciated.

I always hook my postal couriers up during the holidays. Not for doing their job, but for doing an outstanding job and for appreciating small tokens of appreciation. (gift cards/water/candy)

The only time i had any issues with the scheduled pickup was when my normal courier did not work that day.

[12345jamesstamps]

I am very friendly with our mailman.

He gets a large bottle of sparkling every Christmas. We leave at our mailbox with a note.

A box of cookies or any type of snacks to our mailman is always offered.

I know the day our mailman is off...Wednesdays.

I know when he goes on vacations...he went to Taiwan last summer and mentioned it was so hot...LOL.

Get the picture?...Our mailman is a part of the family because he comes 5 days a week.

He is the most important person sometimes.

[tv59]

You all are lucky. I am in a historic district and not allowed to setup a secure passive pickup.  i request "ring bell/knock on door" pickup.  I don't blame the carriers for the unreliability of this service. Turnover/absenteeism seem high throughout, which points to a management problem.  I cannot simply call the main or local post office because neither answers the phone.  The best way to make contact is by emailing a complaint to the national, which leads to a call from the local station. The conversations are pleasant and things improve for awhile. Since the severe January storms,  it has become difficult to live up to eBay standards due to the missed pickups, failure to scan, misdirected packages, e.g., one for Arizona went to D.C. first, and flats sitting a week or two in the local or regional center.  All-in-all USPS is still the best governmental system in the world - universal delivery, Saturday delivery and hours, low loss rates, etc.  I hope my complaint is just a local problem.

[sassykzt]

UGH! Truly awful and unacceptable  behavior from your carrier ‌😩‌. You did the correct thing by reporting this to the main customer care center.  You are a paying customer and your purchase of labels helps pay his salary.  As mentioned you need to contact your local PO -- ask to speak to manager of delivery services AND the postmaster.

Btw, do you use a SCAN sheet with your package pickup?  This Shipment Acceptance Confirmation Notice is printed by you when you are finished with all your packaging for that day's pickup.  

https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2006/html/pb22192/pb6ktxt.html

It contains all your packages and the service you choose ( priority, ground advantage, etc.) .  At the bottom is ONE bar code  that your lazy a$$  carrier has to scan ( since scanning 5 individual package is so challenging 😂).   It  also helps just in case the carrier forgets to scan one of your packages ( or does it out of spite). As for tracking-- you'll see : 

Your shipment was received at Time & date of pick in your city & zip code . The acceptance of your package is pending.  eBay acknowledges this as to shipment.  Once your PO has processed and sorted your package, you will receive " Accepted at USPS Origin Facility" . 

Hopefully your PO will assign someone else your route!!!!!

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@thinkcollectible wrote:

I've been selling on ebay for many years, but only recently started using the USPS free package pickup ...  when he was scanning the packages on my front porch .... I do not understand why the carrier couldn't simply pull his truck closer to my townhome when he completes the walking portion of my group of homes (about 12 homes) to pickup the packages.

Has anyone else had this issue? If so, how did you resolve it? ...

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 I agree that the carrier is being unreasonable, but IMHO contacting his supervisor before you speak to the carrier directly could just make things worse. At least you'll gain some insight into what's the big deal about picking up your items.  Offer to use a scan sheet, perhaps that will help. 

In my neighborhood, the walking carrier delivers letters and small items, but there's a separate vehicle route for package deliveries and pickups; they even provide a plastic bin so they can just switch out the bins when they do the pickup. Maybe your regular letter carrier isn't even the staff who's supposed to be doing your pickup.