Package from Target, via UPS, to be delivered by the Post Office?

[techs]

I placed an order for a cordless screwdriver from Targets website. I paid for UPS shipping. I noticed that it arrived at my local UPS depot, yet was then "In transit to final destination" instead of the usual "Out for Delivery".
So I call UPS. They say that Target shipping specifies that UPS doesn't do the delivery, but that they then MAIL it via the US Post Office from the closest UPS depot.
WTF????

 

[jandrews]

ya its some deal they worked out with usps i think fedex has it too, basically instead of getting your package in 3-5 days you will wait a week and a half, congratulations.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Yup.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...y=y&keyword1=smartpost

 

[techs]

So the moron I spoke with at Target insists that UPS and USPS are the same thing. He also says he gets this complaint all the time.
Hmmm. So I ask him if people call to all the time why don't you post it on the website that when it says UPS it is really going to be delievered by the USPS?
Anyway, I told him I want the shipping money back. He declines.
So I will make a complaint to the credit card company.

 

[fatpat268]

Yea, I never really understood the point of this service either. Shouldn't it cost more in the long run if ups delivers to the post office and the USPS carriers deliver it to your house?

I dunno, it just seems like you're having to employ extra people to do a job that is easily done by either UPS or USPS alone.

 

[Nik]

Why does that seem like it would cost more to ship a package instead of just using one single delivery service the whole way through?

 

[Kaspian]

UPS sub-contracts to the USPS. UPS has so many packages to deliver, that some of them go to the UPS and them UPS takes them to whatever post office prior to the final destination. A buddy of mine is a ups driver and thats what he told me a few months ago after I saw him delivering a bunch of packages to one of our local post office.

 

[woodie1]

I see the UPS, FedEx and DHL truck at my Post Office loading and unloading. Seems they all are buddies now instead of competitors.

 

[techs]

I guess that the Post Office can actually deliver cheaper locally, but that UPS can get things long distances cheaper.
Hmmm. I wonder what this says to the people who are always saying lets turn over the post office to private industry.
btw I got the item today.
Left by my door.

 

[techs]

Follow up:
Target agreed to refund my 4.99 shipping fee.

 

[Marinski]

UPS sucks - Just had to throw that in there.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Wait, why are you blaming target to refund the fee? Your issue is with UPS/USPS, not Target. UPS is the one that arranged the delivery service.

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Wait, why are you blaming target to refund the fee? Your issue is with UPS/USPS, not Target. UPS is the one that arranged the delivery service.

No, Target arranged for this type of shipping.

 

[ATLien247]

USPS is already making daily mail deliveries to your neighborhood, so it would make more financial sense to use them rather than send out your own delivery trucks.

 

[vailr]

I would think that there's probably a size/weight limit.
Anything smaller than X or weighing less than Z, the "independent" shippers can optionally hand off to USPS for final delivery.
Maybe also depending on whether any other nearby addresses are scheduled to also require (on the same day) package deliveries by UPS, DHL, FedEx, etc. They would be using automated computer programs to see whether by handing off to USPS, so they can maybe save 13 cents on their bottom line expense.

 

[intogamer]

UPS handles the mass transit. Then hands over the "bulk" to your USPS hub.

Ideally it is assumed to be cost-effective. Giving cheaper packages less attention FTW

Similar services include DHL@Home and Fedex Smart Post

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: intogamer
UPS handles the mass transit. Then hands over the "bulk" to your USPS hub.

Ideally it is assumed to be cost-effective. Giving cheaper packages less attention FTW

Similar services include DHL@Home and Fedex Smart Post

Had a package delivered last Friday by USPS from Buy.com that used that.