Lounge Lizards / Misfits / Free Thinkers / Bohemians & the Forgotten :: Young at Heart Only

[yiddleboge6]

Yeah....UPS doesn't like to pay up on the insurance... I sent one of my pieces to a dealer in Chicago and when it arrived I received a phone call that the piece was damaged because a fork lift had gone through the side of the container. I went to my UPS shipping agent and filed a claim. UPS didn't want to pay because I had packed it myself and since it was art there was no proof it was valued at what I had insured it for. Since the dealer had sent me photos of the container showing the two big holes punched through by the fork lift I faxed them copies along with a copy of the invoice showing what had been paid for the piece and informed them it mattered not who packed it when a fork lift goes through the side. They ended up paying the insurance amount.

I had been shipping fragile pieces for years and know where there are stress points that need to be supported and how to pack them safely. So...took in another smaller piece and had the agent pack and ship it, insured, to my father, telling him to let me know what condition it arrived in. He called me to say he had called UPS and told them to come back and pick it up as he wouldn't accept delivery of something that arrived in pieces!! UPS had to pay again and there was no further quibbling as to who should pack my work...

 

[Janet H]

Hola ..

A year or so ago, I actually had a Porch Pirate (now they have their own name, they used to just be called Thieves ..) .. make off with an order that UPS had left on my home front stoop .. it was not a hugely expensive item, Bed in a Bag, maybe $80 clams ..

At any rate, it showed delivered on the tracking and it was quite the nuisance to get the place I ordered it from (Macy's) to send me another or a refund .. I ended up having to dispute the charge on my CC to get any satisfaction ..

Fast forward to the next order being delivered by UPS .. they left a note that said "Someone must be home in order for us to deliver the order .. " .. turned out, somehow my address had been flagged as some sort of Danger Zone for deliveries .. I felt like they were treating me as if I were the Criminal ..

I called UPS and they refused to budge .. I don't live in the Ghetto, so it really did tee me off and still kinda does .. they would not even consider leaving one of those sticky notes that says "Sign This and Stick it on the Door and We'll Deliver your Package Even if You're not Here .. " .. yeah, I'm sure UPS likely had to cough up an insurance claim by Macy's, I get that .. but geeze, I've lived in the place 30 something years now with just this one incident ..

My Mail Lady, if she sees my truck in the driveway, will sit in her Postal Mini-Carrier and honk, expecting me to walk out and get anything that won't fit in the Mailbox, because she's too durn lazy to walk up to the door .. Postal People used to walk residential suburban areas ..

At any rate, I now just have stuff delivered to the workshop .. then I have to schlepp it home .. I understand as well as anyone that UPS and the like get to be under more and more pressure to deliver quicker, they have a quota .. but hey, if you're just going to leave stuff on the porch and drive off, to me, that's like asking for trouble and exactly how the whole "Porch Pirate" bit started ..

Then, the tech companies can sell you a nice Surveillance camera rig, so a whole new market springs up because of Thievery ..

How about new subdivisions that don't have mailboxes .. ?? They have a "Central Mailbox Dispenser" ..

With the issues that crop up as it relates to shipping, if the Drone Delivery ever becomes a reality, you think it's bad now, just wait ..

I wonder if it wasn't just your house, but the area that was a "Danger Zone"?

Yeah....UPS doesn't like to pay up on the insurance... I sent one of my pieces to a dealer in Chicago and when it arrived I received a phone call that the piece was damaged because a fork lift had gone through the side of the container. I went to my UPS shipping agent and filed a claim. UPS didn't want to pay because I had packed it myself and since it was art there was no proof it was valued at what I had insured it for. Since the dealer had sent me photos of the container showing the two big holes punched through by the fork lift I faxed them copies along with a copy of the invoice showing what had been paid for the piece and informed them it mattered not who packed it when a fork lift goes through the side. They ended up paying the insurance amount.

I had been shipping fragile pieces for years and know where there are stress points that need to be supported and how to pack them safely. So...took in another smaller piece and had the agent pack and ship it, insured, to my father, telling him to let me know what condition it arrived in. He called me to say he had called UPS and told them to come back and pick it up as he wouldn't accept delivery of something that arrived in pieces!! UPS had to pay again and there was no further quibbling as to who should pack my work...

So far our UPS delivery people have been great, but I guess it depends on the driver. We've seen some who are lazy and downright mean. It just seems like so many people just don't care about people they don't know. Our daughter has the UPS delivery person on video throwing packages up on her porch. They confronted them, didn't make a bit of difference. I hate getting people in trouble, but sometimes you don't have a choice but to file a complaint.

 

[DavidOck]

Then, the tech companies can sell you a nice Surveillance camera rig, so a whole new market springs up because of Thievery ..

Or have Alexa let the delivery person in... uh huh.

 

[Janet H]

Good morning Loungers. It's a chilly 35 here this morning, only going up to 40. 51 days till Spring!

 

[rosesense]

Good morning.

I can relate to the mail woes. My property is behind another property. Everyone always goes to the other property first.

My mail carrier always delivered to the wrong address until he figured it out. Now he pulls up and honks until I go to his truck and get the package. I am ok with that since it is better than what was happening.

 

[yiddleboge6]

'Morning everyone...

 

[rosesense]

Sunrise at my place this morning.

 

[DavidOck]

What's that bright area behind the trees?

Rain continues, but snow level still around 4K, so at least the snow pack may survive. Hopefully. But still going to be warmer than usual, for the next few days, and all the rain and melt (from below 4K, of course) will be creating problems for those in the usual areas.

 

[Uncle Willie]

Hola ..

Getting some of that white stuff that falls out of the sky .. roads still warm enough that it's not creating an issue driving .. it's purdy .. .. pulled deep into the Cemetery I pass on the way to the workshop .. it's an old one .. sat and watched the snow fall for a time in total silence, vape in one hand, coffee in the other ..

Watched "Schindler's List" last night for the I don't know how many times ..

 

[rosesense]

What's that bright area behind the trees?

Rain continues, but snow level still around 4K, so at least the snow pack may survive. Hopefully. But still going to be warmer than usual, for the next few days, and all the rain and melt (from below 4K, of course) will be creating problems for those in the usual areas.

It is that thing I rarely saw in western WA......sun.

 

[MikeADore]

Good morning. 52 days until Spring!! I just ordered some plants last night. It's a sickness I acquired a few years ago and it's not going away.

Hi, Janet. Could you tell me where you ordered plants? I'm thinking of ordering a few things this year, though I'm not sure exactly what and from whom.

In fact, I'd love to hear from any others here who you order from and why you like them.

 

[Uncle Willie]

From the "Continuation of My Rant From Yesterday" File

Coining a phrase for Thieves now called "Porch Pirates" somehow, for me anyway, puts a hint of the Romantic on these people somehow .. "Porch Pirates" hints at some sort of swashbuckling, anti-establishment Captain Morgan / Jack Sparrow sexy anti-Hero .. "aarg, see those packages, Matey, let's get that booty .." .. "Pittsburg Pirates" .. "National Talk Like a Pirate Day" (yes, it's a thing" ..)

 

[Uncle]

At least I never acted like that with my plants. Is she having an asthma attack?

Well - It may not be how Ya' ever acted with your plants . . . However - Let's be really honest here, given what you have posted, comments by Mike about you and knowing the area where you & Mike live - in "My" minds eye - I thought this is was a very good representation of how "You" looked, especially with those flowers in your hair . . . Just Sayin' . . .



.

 

[Uncle]

How about new subdivisions that don't have mailboxes .. ?? They have a "Central Mailbox Dispenser" ..

Well - I'll tell Ya' this, I have a couple of Friends that live in subdivisions/closed communities with central mailbox areas and packages never get caught up withe the same problems. Matter of fact, any & all packages are delivered to their front door, unless they have provided other instructions with the delivery notice they get.

AND - As for Apartment complexes with the "similar" central mailbox system, lets' just say it depends who is delivering the mail. The regular postal person refuses to deliver any package to your door. If it is a small box (like a sm priority box) or Mailer Bag - they jam it into your mail box . . .Sometimes so tight Ya' can't even open the door . . . AND - When you do get your mail box open - even first class letter or card - it is all crumpled up. The worst part is we have 4 larger parcel boxes available in the same area when tenants get packages. OH & BTW: Went to regional post office - spoke with Supervisor, even brought damaged mail/boxes and only got lip service - nothing was really done. Until the last time it happened and there was a new Supervisor who did handle the problem. (OH - Thankfully, it doesn't happen with the relief postal person. They even delivered a package to the door. )

AS for UPS, FedEx, & DHL, I usually do not have those problems - they come to the door, tap on the door or just drop off the package - then run away . . .

Anyway, most of this has changed, as I mentioned before (quoted post below) USPS, UPS, & FedEx now have ways for "You" get he information Ya' NEED and your packages much easier then before . . . LIke provide instructions where and how to have your packages delivered, track your packages on the due date and to leave an electronic signature to have packages left at your front door when a signature is required. However, You have to sign-up for those services.

( BTW: @yiddleboge6 . . . The following info might help circumvent your issues & problems with mail/packages - I hope . . . Just a thought . . . )


USPS:

Just Register for an Account: USPS.com® - Register for an online account

Or if Ya' just want - Daily notification via email when you have mail being delivered that day . . .
Informed Delivery: Informed Delivery

Not only that - whether or not you sign-in to track a package - you can select to have them inform you via email where the package is and approximately when the package will be delivered and when it is:

Also . . . USPS.com® - USPS Tracking®


With an account Ya' can also have an Electronic Signature on record (has to renewed every year) - see post below)



UPS:

Register for an account: https://www.ups.com/doapp/SignUp?loc=en_US&returnto=https://www.ups.com/us/en/Home.page

Really good for leaving delivery instructions, getting notices when package being delivered, and have an Electornic signature on file:

They will even send you notices via email especially when you don't know you are getting a package and when it is coming. Has happened to "Me" a few times . . .

FedEx:

Once Registered - Almost as good as UPS with tracking and notices via email:

Create an Account | FedEx

DHL: ? ? ? ? Not sure, haven't used them that often, however a number of packages from China have come via them.

For more info - check out the "Quoted Post" below:

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE - Posted this elsewhere, but thought I should also share & post here too . . .

FYI:

Discussion concerning USPS Signature Requirements for "NIC" Products:

Even for those who are already signed up or know . . . I just found out that USPS not only has "Informed Delivery" - Get Daily email notices of images that are of what letters/packages are being delivered to you every day . . . They now provide the ability to submit an electronic signature to release a package at your residence that is required to be signed for . . . The signature you provide stays on file for 1 year, then needs to be renewed yearly . . . which would circumvent any regulations being enacted about "Adult" sig requirments for "NIC" Products . . . However, I would not suggest this if you live in an Apartment complex with unsecured mail areas, but for people who are not home and expecting a delivery of "NIC" Products - bet this would be very helpful . . . Just Sayin' . . .

https://ivs-sign.usps.com/enroll.html


OH - And BTW: You can also order the Free Priority Mail/Express Boxes and Priority Mail Tape (Label 106) online at no cost and even have them delivered for free too . . . ​

.

Really do hope it is helpful . . . However, since it is being discussed even further whether or not that it would also not be for packages requiring an "Adult Signature" in the other thread, I just posted this info I got from an USPS confirmation email there:

FYI: Just got confirmation email from USPS about the Electronic Signature . . .​

Here is a copy of the main portion of email:

You have successfully enrolled in USPS Electronic Signature Online™.

With this new feature that is integrated with your Informed Delivery® service, you can:

• Apply an Electronic Signature only to packages that ship via Priority Mail Express®, require Signature Confirmation™, or are insured for over $500.
• Get packages delivered right to your mailbox once you've applied your signature.
• Set delivery preferences for larger packages that don't fit in your mailbox.
• Keep your Electronic Signature on file with USPS® for an entire year.

.

 

[Uncle Willie]

Well - I'll tell Ya' this, I have a couple of Friends that live in subdivisions/closed communities with central mailbox areas and packages never get caught up withe the same problems. Matter of fact, any & all packages are delivered to their front door, unless they have provided other instructions with the delivery notice they get.

AND - As for Apartment complexes with the "similar" central mailbox system, lets' just say it depends who is delivering the mail. The regular postal person refuses to deliver any package to your door. If it is a small box (like a sm priority box) or Mailer Bag - they jam it into your mail box . . .Sometimes so tight Ya' can't even open the door . . . AND - When you do get your mail box open - even first class letter or card - it is all crumpled up. The worst part is we have 4 larger parcel boxes available in the same area when tenants get packages. OH & BTW: Went to regional post office - spoke with Supervisor, even brought damaged mail/boxes and only got lip service - nothing was really done. Until the last time it happened and there was a new Supervisor who did handle the problem. (OH - Thankfully, it doesn't happen with the relief postal person. They even delivered a package to the door. )

AS for UPS, FedEx, & DHL, I usually do not have those problems - they come to the door, tap on the door or just drop off the package - then run away . . .

Anyway, most of this has changed, as I mentioned before (quoted post below) USPS, UPS, & FedEx now have ways for "You" get he information Ya' NEED and your packages much easier then before . . . LIke provide instructions where and how to have your packages delivered, track your packages on the due date and to leave an electronic signature to have packages left at your front door when a signature is required. However, You have to sign-up for those services.

( BTW: @yiddleboge6 . . . The following info might help circumvent your issues & problems with mail/packages - I hope . . . Just a thought . . . )


USPS:

Just Register for an Account: USPS.com® - Register for an online account

Or if Ya' just want - Daily notification via email when you have mail being delivered that day . . .
Informed Delivery: Informed Delivery

Not only that - whether or not you sign-in to track a package - you can select to have them inform you via email where the package is and approximately when the package will be delivered and when it is:

Also . . . USPS.com® - USPS Tracking®


With an account Ya' can also have an Electronic Signature on record (has to renewed every year) - see post below)



UPS:

Register for an account: https://www.ups.com/doapp/SignUp?loc=en_US&returnto=https://www.ups.com/us/en/Home.page

Really good for leaving delivery instructions, getting notices when package being delivered, and have an Electornic signature on file:

They will even send you notices via email especially when you don't know you are getting a package and when it is coming. Has happened to "Me" a few times . . .

FedEx:

Once Registered - Almost as good as UPS with tracking and notices via email:

Create an Account | FedEx

DHL: ? ? ? ? Not sure, haven't used them that often, however a number of packages from China have come via them.

For more info - check out the "Quoted Post" below:

Dan, my Friend .. you are so amazingly Efficient and Organized .. were you an Accountant in a former life .. ?? Or, perhaps your People come from Germany .. ??

 

[yiddleboge6]

Hi, Janet. Could you tell me where you ordered plants? I'm thinking of ordering a few things this year, though I'm not sure exactly what and from whom.

In fact, I'd love to hear from any others here who you order from and why you like them.

This is one of my favorite places to order from...prices are reasonable, shipping is FREE, and they package their plants better than any other place I've ever ordered from.

GrowJoy – Plants to get you growing - GrowJoy, Inc

 

[Uncle]

Dan, my Friend .. you are so amazingly Efficient and Organized .. were you an Accountant in a former life .. ?? Or, perhaps your People come from Germany .. ??

NOPE - NA DA . . . Although, given what is happening today, I would not joyfully announce this outside the USA - Born, "breaded", "toasted" - American all the way (Mother's family English/Irish- oh and DAR . . . & Father's family came from Italy) . . .

AND - As for previous employment - started working at 14 yo and had many jobs (would hate to have to list all the jobs/professions I had throughout the years). Ya' know what they say - "Jack-of-all-trades" and "Master of None" - even with a couple of degrees/State licensees. So Yea - back in the day I did some basic "Book keeping" - even worked in Bank as drive-up teller during a HS work study program (was only 17yo at the time) . . . .

However, "My" efficiency & organizational skills come from always being question and told I knew nothing by family when I was going up. SO - When I finally got "Myself" together - I made a concerned effort to make sure - if I didn't know something - to Learn about whatever it is . . .

Also - If I am going to "Share" I want to make sure to have all the information sometimes to my detriment . . .


,

 

[MikeADore]

This is one of my favorite places to order from...prices are reasonable, shipping is FREE, and they package their plants better than any other place I've ever ordered from.

GrowJoy – Plants to get you growing - GrowJoy, Inc

Thank you. I'll take a good look through there. The free shipping is already a plus since some places really hurt you with shipping charges.

 

[yiddleboge6]

Update to my saga of issues with USPS... I huffed and puffed my way to the PO here where once again I encountered the dragon lady biatch...one of the rudest and unfriendly people I've ever encountered. Was told that any delivery issues would have to be taken care of in the PO in another Borough 5 miles away...wouldn't even assist me in how to change my address that their automated system wouldn't take... Told her I didn't have transportation and was given a phone number....which no one answers.

Daughter came to the rescue and took me to the other PO...what a nightmare mess. Spoke to the delivery supervisor who told me there shouldn't be any problems with my deliveries unless my regular mail carrier had the day off and there was a substitute. I requested to know what the USPS shows as my 'actual' address since their website declares what I've always used as invalid. He got out what they call their 'red book' and...gotta love this...it has both a business and residential connotation...it's now shown as neither STE 1, nor APT A, but...STE A! Solution...3" letters and numbers have been ordered to put above my door which will show **** APT A STE 1... Also found out that the 'red book' is updated monthly... Who knows what my address will be next month...

 

[Uncle Willie]

Who knows what my address will be next month...

1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights ..

Sorry, could not resist ..