else can handle the amount of mail the USPS does? They actually have a pretty good track record. A lot of the service does depend on the local office as Jvia mentioned.
As for the most secure way to send something it is by Registered mail (sorry Swampwalker). Registered mail is sent in a locked bag that is signed for at every stop. I used it when sending a MO to Canada. The next best method is Express mail. Express mail gets "golden glove" treatment. They guarantee delivery the next day if you drop it off by a certain cutoff time. Also there are some locations that do not qualify for next day guarantee. You just have to check into it.
Now comes Priority. They try their best to hit the 2-3 day window but it is not guaranteed. I don't use them just because I work there, I use them because it works for me. I've sent/received over 100 items via Priority with not one single problem. I also pack extremely well as I've mentioned on other threads and that helps too. Here are some tips to insure timely delivery of priority mail and/or packages. Use the USPS Priority boxes/envelopes. They are free & you can order them for free by phone, web and even through the mail if you can't find what you're looking for at the local post office. If you use a regular box, use plenty of priority tape & stickers. My suggestion as to an address label is to print one using nice big block characters so that there will be no mistakes as to the address. I saw an express envelope today where the spelling was so bad (city) and the handwriting so poor, well, only because the clerk checking in the mail knew the area, he figured out where it was supposed to go. Yeah, the zip was wrong too. Anyway, make sure you put some clear packing tape over the address so it remains legible.
Just as everybody has a different take on what a good sounding system is, not to mention what music sounds good, there are just as many different experiences with the USPS. I read all the above posts-some good, some bad. That's the way it is with anything. Those of you who don't want to use USPS-don't use it. You don't have to. There are plenty of other ways to securely send money or items from one place to another. I'm not trying to convince anyone to use USPS. I'm just sharing some personal experiences & some information.
USPS does have an online money transfer program. I've never used it but it might be worth checking out.
My job with the USPS is a small one. I work for a contract carrier but I see enough at 5 different facilities to have a pretty good idea of what's involved. It's not just a big business, it's a HUGE business. Sometimes I'm just amazed that the mail gets delivered at all. Of course some of you are amazed when you get your mail but for different reasons than me. Also, I only have general information to share. With a problem like the one KP has, I could only offer a suggestion, which would be to have a conference with the head postmaster.
I really hope some of what I've said helps. Please be advised that what I've just said is my own opinion & in no way should be associated as an official source from the USPS.
