I know MI packages go through a completely different system than Surepost, but what I'd like to know is the difference in where the UPS to USPS handoff happens. From what I understand, one system hands off to the USPS DC that services my local post office and the other hands off at my local post office. Do I have that right, and which is which?
Also, I'm curious about the rates and surcharges. They are not published and I believe are negotiated individually. Generally, how much lower are they, 5%, 10% or more? Many on line retailers use MI or SurePost as their free shipping and only offer upgrades for next day or select services. Sometimes I'd gladly pay an extra dollar or two so that the packages go standard ground. The only benefit with those systems is that I can get a package on Saturday, however, the same package probably would have arrived Friday if it went ground.
BTW, I noticed that Surepost uses 1Z tracking numbers while MI uses an entirely different system. Was MI an acquisition, or created ground up by UPS?
Also, how is it that the USPS handling time is always inversely proportional to how quickly I want the package to arrive?
Also, I'm curious about the rates and surcharges. They are not published and I believe are negotiated individually. Generally, how much lower are they, 5%, 10% or more? Many on line retailers use MI or SurePost as their free shipping and only offer upgrades for next day or select services. Sometimes I'd gladly pay an extra dollar or two so that the packages go standard ground. The only benefit with those systems is that I can get a package on Saturday, however, the same package probably would have arrived Friday if it went ground.
BTW, I noticed that Surepost uses 1Z tracking numbers while MI uses an entirely different system. Was MI an acquisition, or created ground up by UPS?
Also, how is it that the USPS handling time is always inversely proportional to how quickly I want the package to arrive?