Public vs. Private: USPS vs. FedEx
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The U.S. Postal Service loses billions per year. Some of this is understandable as they are forced to deliver mail to everybody, even if that means there are unprofitable routes. But my experience the other day with FedEx makes me wonder if a similar request to the USPS would have resulted in the same thing.
I had ordered some parts for my car and I kept missing the FedEx guy. So I called FedEx and asked them if it might be possible to see if the package could be re-delivered to my home that same day. They told me they’d see but couldn’t make any promises.
So a few hours later I’m at home and my phone rings… it’s the FedEx guy downstairs saying he had my package for re-delivery! I was saved another trip to the FedEx office and got my package.
Would the USPS have done this? I wouldn’t even know who to ask there.
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4:24 PM
The USPS is exempt from paying federal, state, or local taxes on its income, sales, purchases, or property. Unlike private companies, it is immune from most forms of regulation, such as antitrust, motor vehicle registration, parking tickets, zoning, and land use restrictions. It is also able to borrow money at the lowest possible rate through the U.S. Treasury. And with all these advantages, the USPS still can not balance its books.
FedEx and UPS have none of the above advantages and they are profitable and consumer friendly. No, I don’t hate the USPS. It’s just that it is a perfect example of a large government venture that depends heavily on taxpayers and monopoly powers to keep going.
.-= vulcanhammer´s last blog ..The Pain Goes On =-.
9:34 PM
Add AMTRAK to that list, too.