Here on the outer rim, FedEx is handled by contract carrier. If you order something and it's expected arrival via FedEx is the Thursday before a long weekend, and you aren't camped at the gate, waiting when they drive up, you can bank on getting a sticker with the note: "Unable to deliver. Next attempt will be made (date after holiday)." An easy, unaccountable way for the contract carrier to make a 3-day weekend into a 3 1/2 or 4-day weekend. But, it sucks if you, mister consumer, paid for 2nd day shipping with the fantasy you'd somehow get your package before the long weekend arrived.

UPS here is another thing entirely. The driver has my cel number and SWMBO's. He's got something, he calls one or the other of us to say he's leaving it in a plastic bag by the gate or, we need to come sign for it. UPS has my appreciation and loyalty.

USPS...Jeez. Our former rural carrier was retired in place. She honked and waved at me one day when I was working in the pasture after she left mail in my box. I went later to get the mail and discovered that she'd left a pink slip for undeliverable registered mail, signature required.

It's a 25mi round trip to the post office. She could have waved me over to sign for that letter, but no. I have to 'make the trip.' I went to the post office and spoke to the postmaster. His reply? "Well, you know Liz, she can't be trained." Well, I sure as hell can be trained and you can damned well bet I will avoid using USPS.

The USPS can't go out of business fast enough to suit me.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.