usps problems

**Sweet Baby Jane** · 12-27-2008, 04:56 PM

We have been residing in So. Wal. (Dune Allen ) for 1 year now and the Postal Service still can not seem to get our mail to us. We receive mail addressed to other people at different addresses and different towns at least once a week. It sure makes us wonder where in the world our mail is ending up. Can't tell you how many of my bills have arrived just the day before they were due causing us to pay the late fees. It took 6 weeks for a letter from Valparaiso Fl to be delivered to us. We have voiced our concern several times to the Post Office but still seems to do no good. Anyone else having a problem or have any suggestions???

**scooterbug44** · 12-27-2008, 05:05 PM

Don't really have a helpful suggestion for you as far as time - part of the reason I have gone paperless is the local PO - but getting other people's mail is not the norm.

I think part of the problem is that the mail delivery is farmed out to independent carriers, so complaining to a higher level of the post office could help if the carrier is the issue and local complaints have gotten no results.

Completely ridonkulous how much longer it takes the mail to get anywhere to/from our area.

**SWGB** · 12-27-2008, 05:30 PM

I've tried complaining too, but there's a reason one of the guys working the counter is named Dick.

**Beach Runner** · 12-27-2008, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Completely ridonkulous how much longer it takes the mail to get anywhere to/from our area.

So true. Of course, stupid me used to drive the mail to the Santa Rosa post office until finally the person at the Seaside post office told me that it all ends up at the Santa Rosa post office and leaves Santa Rosa at the same time.

**SWGB** · 12-27-2008, 07:12 PM

There's also a branch at WaterSound now. Of course you have to walk around back to find it and it and the one at Seaside close at 3pm.

**rdelong43065** · 12-27-2008, 08:19 PM

There is a branch in the Market Shops at Sandestin as well. Its in the back too.

**30A Skunkape** · 12-27-2008, 09:11 PM

I have to say we have had good luck but they did pull a fast one on me a few months back. I was out front not 20 yards from the mailbox and the delivery driver pulls up, waves, deposits the mail and moves on. I walk to the box and there is a 'sorry you were not home because we have something you need to sign for' slip in the mail. She didn't even try to deliver that signature required mail

**DuneLaker** · 12-27-2008, 09:53 PM

We really are due for a summit with the U.S. Post Office and County. We started to get some resolution to issues some years ago, but that has lingered. Time to get Walton County post office addresses and issues addressed!!! I think Walton County Citizen Services can help us. Time to call.

**SHELLY** · 12-27-2008, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

I think Walton County Citizen Services can help us. Time to call.

....or write a letter.

.

**John R** · 12-28-2008, 01:59 AM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

there's also a branch at watersound now. Of course you have to walk around back to find it and it and the one at seaside close at 3pm.

2:30

**Sweet Baby Jane** · 12-28-2008, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

We really are due for a summit with the U.S. Post Office and County. We started to get some resolution to issues some years ago, but that has lingered. Time to get Walton County post office addresses and issues addressed!!! I think Walton County Citizen Services can help us. Time to call.

Dune Laker this is the first I've heard about "Walton County Citizen Services." Where are they located??? Would you happen to have their phone number handy???

Thanks,
SBJ

**DuneLaker** · 12-28-2008, 09:14 AM

The number for Citizen Services Director Ken Little listed on page A6 of the Walton Sun is 850-892-8530. litken@co.walton.fl.us He is a great guy and has been helpful in regards to this issue in the past. We citizens now need to renew the interest in correcting and improving our Walton County postal addresses and service. Ken has worked with the U.S. Post Office before, if I recall correctly.

We have issues all over the place. Some people in Sandestin or Miramar Beach don't know they aren't stuck using the Okaloosa County Destin address anymore. Some in Choctaw Beach have a Niceville, Okaloosa County address. Those in Inlet Beach or WaterSound may be hampered with a Panama City Beach, Bay County address. Those in the Paxton area may even have an Alabama address!! Those near Ponce de Leon are also stuck with or use the Holmes County address. There are others that need to be corrected to Walton County place names and zipcodes. With the approaching 2010 census and following redistricting, we need to be sure we're counted correctly. Funding and fair representation will be based on those numbers. It is very important we get an accurate count.

**jensieblue** · 12-28-2008, 09:56 AM

Do not live in your area but had similiar experiences with USPS. I called and set up appt. with my post office supervisoe and found them to be extremy helpful and wanting to correct any probs. My interactions with her led me to conclude that there had been problems but with no information to confirm or to point to location of the problem, she was stumped. We set up periodic communication and problems quickly diminished. I do not blame any one step of the mail delivery process...It simply was a matter of ambiguity and a new employee that was hesitant to ask. Just let them know you are having problems and you knew they would want to resolve any problems...How could you help?

**SWGB** · 12-28-2008, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

I have to say we have had good luck but they did pull a fast one on me a few months back. I was out front not 20 yards from the mailbox and the delivery driver pulls up, waves, deposits the mail and moves on. I walk to the box and there is a 'sorry you were not home because we have something you need to sign for' slip in the mail. She didn't even try to deliver that signature required mail

They never send them out with the carrier for some reason. Maybe because they are not USPS employees, but contractors.

**AAbsolute** · 12-28-2008, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

There's also a branch at WaterSound now. Of course you have to walk around back to find it and it and the one at Seaside close at 3pm.

JOE says it's an exclusive thing to have our very own Watersound, FL address with the 32461 zip code. I think I speak for a lot of my neighbors when I say I'd rather have reliable and simplified delivery services.

**SWGB** · 12-28-2008, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

JOE says it's an exclusive thing to have our very own Watersound, FL address with the 32461 zip code. I think I speak for a lot of my neighbors when I say I'd rather have reliable and simplified delivery services.

It is exclusive, you have to pay for the specialized zip code. Rosemary and Bay Point also pay for the service.

**AAbsolute** · 12-28-2008, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

It is exclusive, you have to pay for the specialized zip code. Rosemary and Bay Point also pay for the service.

That's what's funny about it. Rosemary and Watersound have the same 32461. It's more like Mail Boxes Etc. than your exclusive Town. Who are they kidding?

**scooterbug44** · 12-28-2008, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

That's what's funny about it. Rosemary and Watersound have the same 32461. It's more like Mail Boxes Etc. than your exclusive Town. Who are they kidding?

The people who think a gate that everyone in town has the code for keeps them "secure".

(this applies to all gated communities on 30-A BTW)

**ShallowsNole** · 12-28-2008, 07:41 PM

I know and like most of our local postal service employees. This makes me hesitant to say anything negative, as I know I get riled when folks talk about local county employees. Still, there is something very wrong with the system somewhere. Last year, I mailed two sets of football tickets to two different addresses in DeFuniak Springs, directly from the Santa Rosa Beach post office. This was done on the Tuesday preceding the game. They did not arrive until the Thursday AFTER the game.

In my job, there is at least one account each month, usually more, that mails me their form and payment in a pre-addressed envelope with the correct bar code, and it just absolutely doesn't get here. This creates a lot of work, embarrassment and inconvenience for me and the other party.

And then there is the seven miles of 32413 on the east end. That's just ridiculous.

**AAbsolute** · 12-28-2008, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

The people who think a gate that everyone in town has the code for keeps them "secure".

(this applies to all gated communities on 30-A BTW)

That one was o.k. See, I can give you a little credit.

**AAbsolute** · 12-28-2008, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by ShallowsNole

I know and like most of our local postal service employees. This makes me hesitant to say anything negative, as I know I get riled when folks talk about local county employees. Still, there is something very wrong with the system somewhere. Last year, I mailed two sets of football tickets to two different addresses in DeFuniak Springs, directly from the Santa Rosa Beach post office. This was done on the Tuesday preceding the game. They did not arrive until the Thursday AFTER the game.

In my job, there is at least one account each month, usually more, that mails me their form and payment in a pre-addressed envelope with the correct bar code, and it just absolutely doesn't get here. This creates a lot of work, embarrassment and inconvenience for me and the other party.

And then there is the seven miles of 32413 on the east end. That's just ridiculous.

I don't know anything at all, I'm just wondrin', do you think that sometimes people open your mail? I got a sensitive doc the other day that had been opened and get that feeling from time to time.

**30ashopper** · 12-29-2008, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Don't really have a helpful suggestion for you as far as time - part of the reason I have gone paperless is the local PO - but getting other people's mail is not the norm.

I think part of the problem is that the mail delivery is farmed out to independent carriers, so complaining to a higher level of the post office could help if the carrier is the issue and local complaints have gotten no results.

Completely ridonkulous how much longer it takes the mail to get anywhere to/from our area.

Amen to that. Switch to online banking and eBills, they're a godsend. As far as better service, we encouraged everyone to put their last name on the inside of their box, that seemed to help.

**SWGB** · 12-29-2008, 02:30 AM

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

I don't know anything at all, I'm just wondrin', do you think that sometimes people open your mail? I got a sensitive doc the other day that had been opened and get that feeling from time to time.

Describe opened. It's been humid as all get out lately and that does have a tendency to loosen the adhesive on envelopes. I've had that happen after a strong thunderstorm.

**AAbsolute** · 12-29-2008, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

Describe opened. It's been humid as all get out lately and that does have a tendency to loosen the adhesive on envelopes. I've had that happen after a strong thunderstorm.

That's logical, the last time I received mail that was open it was one sensitive letter out of 20 I received. It did look like humidity or steam opened it. Good call.

**Sweet Baby Jane** · 12-29-2008, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by 30ashopper

Amen to that. Switch to online banking and eBills, they're a godsend. As far as better service, we encouraged everyone to put their last name on the inside of their box, that seemed to help.

Our Last name has been on the inside of the mailbox since we put it up. Along with the house number on the outside of the box. I also have received mail that has been opened...not just come unglued. Also the mailman leaves the door on the mailbox down on a consistant basis. When we first moved in I found mail in the street that belonged to one of our neighbors. We have had people that don't even live in our neighborhood deliver mail to us that they received of ours and we have done the same. I just feel the postal service in this area needs a overhaul. After all this is not "Hooterville"

**ShallowsNole** · 12-29-2008, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

I don't know anything at all, I'm just wondrin', do you think that sometimes people open your mail? I got a sensitive doc the other day that had been opened and get that feeling from time to time.

It's possible, but if they are looking for a thrill they are looking in the wrong place.

Most of what I get in the office that is open looks like it was never sealed in the first place, or possibly humidity like swgb mentioned.

At home, everything is intact. But I've switched all but two bills to automatic debit or online bill pay, and those two bills get dropped off at the new building at Peach Creek. Scares ShallowsFuzz to death as he is afraid of internet banking, but he doesn't deal with the mail like I do. I guess it is a Catch-22 but at least I and my confirmation number feel more in control online.

**kitlit** · 12-29-2008, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by ShallowsNole

I know and like most of our local postal service employees. This makes me hesitant to say anything negative, as I know I get riled when folks talk about local county employees. Still, there is something very wrong with the system somewhere. Last year, I mailed two sets of football tickets to two different addresses in DeFuniak Springs, directly from the Santa Rosa Beach post office. This was done on the Tuesday preceding the game. They did not arrive until the Thursday AFTER the game.

I feel your pain, SN... Of course, my situation was not quite as dire as missing football tickets...

After all, it was only half of my wedding invitations that went awry! No biggie...

GGgggrrrr....

**ShallowsNole** · 12-29-2008, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by kitlit

I feel your pain, SN... Of course, my situation was not quite as dire as missing football tickets...

After all, it was only half of my wedding invitations that went awry! No biggie...

GGgggrrrr....

Ouch! That's a bit more important! The loss of $150 was kind of a

er, but not the first and certainly not the last time. Yours...wow.

**scooterbug44** · 12-29-2008, 04:07 PM

The SRB postal employees/system are so far below par that I actually pay for mailbox service at the Mialboxes etc. or the UPS store rather than deal with their incompetence (I tried, but no boxes at Seaside - bummer, as they rock there).

**GoodWitch58** · 12-29-2008, 07:26 PM

It is not just Santa Rosa Beach, although, this particular post office is one of the worst I've seen. Today I stopped in the DFS post office, just to get a book of stamps....should have gone to Winn Dixie...there were 15 people in line-and one postal clerk!

When I lived in Tallahassee I had my mail box at a Mail Box place...I preferred to pay the extra charges rather than deal with the post offices there. Did not matter which branch--they were all incompetent and slow. It really amazes me that a system can be that bad and the employees be so oblivious to it all.

None of this applies to the wonderful women who work at the Seaside Post Office. Angie and Pat are great! I let my box go from there though after the summer tourist traffic made me crazy a couple of years ago. I could never find a place to park, and sometimes it was a week or more before I picked up the mail.

So if these two women can be competent, efficient, and friendly why can't the others? It is a mystery.

**DuneLaker** · 12-29-2008, 10:03 PM

I agree with you Goodwitch. Seaside PO rocks. There is only one mail clerk at SRB PO that I like to deal with. She is efficient and professional. I fear for the rest of my mail that I send from there. I should say my local mail carrier is good for home delivery. I don't know what happens at the main post office or the trouble that occurs when most of it is routed through Panama City. Crazy.

**beachmouse** · 12-29-2008, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

Some in Choctaw Beach have a Niceville, Okaloosa County address.

And then the Choctaw Beach mail ends up in my Niceville zip code home about 8 miles away from Choctaw Beach.

I also ended up getting someone else's escrow refund check last week. Said someone else lived in the south half of Ft. Walton Beach, and that one should have been caught at either the FWB or Niceville POs.

I'm also someone who switched over to every online bill pay chance I get.

**scooterbug44** · 12-30-2008, 11:03 AM

Yes, we need to have the Seaside folks take over the entire region's post office!

The US postal system as a whole works well, and I have met many great carriers and postal employees (Mama Scooterbug won't ship a thing w/o first consulting Moose at her local branch - one of his tricks is packing baked goods in popcorn to keep them fresh longer), it's just when it gets here that it completely falls apart. I send mail from different time zones and continents and have it arrive faster than intra-Panhandle mail!!!

**North Lake** · 12-31-2008, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

The number for Citizen Services Director Ken Little listed on page A6 of the Walton Sun is 850-892-8530. litken@co.walton.fl.us He is a great guy and has been helpful in regards to this issue in the past. We citizens now need to renew the interest in correcting and improving our Walton County postal addresses and service. Ken has worked with the U.S. Post Office before, if I recall correctly.

We have issues all over the place. Some people in Sandestin or Miramar Beach don't know they aren't stuck using the Okaloosa County Destin address anymore. Some in Choctaw Beach have a Niceville, Okaloosa County address. Those in Inlet Beach or WaterSound may be hampered with a Panama City Beach, Bay County address. Those in the Paxton area may even have an Alabama address!! Those near Ponce de Leon are also stuck with or use the Holmes County address. There are others that need to be corrected to Walton County place names and zipcodes. With the approaching 2010 census and following redistricting, we need to be sure we're counted correctly. Funding and fair representation will be based on those numbers. It is very important we get an accurate count.

DL,

Thanks for the plug.

Yes, the county did address this with USPS a few years back, and after a year of meetings and letter writings, USPS did give Walton County residents a little more identity -- not new zip codes, mind you, but the ability to put a Walton County community on the address with the same zip code; e.g., 32413 is the PC Beach Post Office, but mail can be addressed to Seacrest, FL 32413 as well.

Miramar Beach and Sandestin now have their own zip - 32550 - and mail can be addressed to Miramar Beach or Sandestin with the 32550 zip. Surprisingly, many in Sandestin and Miramar Beach use the correct zip, but still use "Destin" as their city. I've been told that they feel this gives them better place recognition.

We lie between two regional USPS offices -- 324 in Panama City and 325 in Pensacola. The USPS we learned is extremely territorial in guarding their turf and protecting their home delivery routes...for funding reasons I presume. Their mantra is "more efficient delivery of the mail", but it seems to work against us in some cases.

I wouldn't hold my breath for assignment of more zip codes until our population increases to parity with Bay County or Okaloosa County. Place names has also contributed to our problem as the USPS doesn't like to use city names that are similar to other names in the state. I was surprised that Miramar Beach got through since there is a Miramar, FL which is a sizeable city down by Miami.

This brings us to the use of what is known as Contract Branch Post Offices -- e.g., Seaside is a branch of the Santa Rosa Beach (32459) post office. I will add an amen to kudos for Pat and Angie at the Seaside branch...they're terrific. The Rosemary Beach, Watersound, etc. post offices are also contract branches of the 32413 zip I believe. They did get a different zip when the USPS abandoned the Sunnyside Beach post office some time back, but if I'm not mistaken they are contract offices that are supported by those developments -- not USPS employees.

The USPS is not swayed or influenced by the county...but they are responsive to congressional interest.

**beachmouse** · 12-31-2008, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by North Lake

I wouldn't hold my breath for assignment of more zip codes until our population increases to parity with Bay County or Okaloosa County. Place names has also contributed to our problem as the USPS doesn't like to use city names that are similar to other names in the state. I was surprised that Miramar Beach got through since there is a Miramar, FL which is a sizeable city down by Miami.

Heck, the Bluewater area has about 10K people in a recognizable, compact town-like area, and it's own contract post office, and we're still stuck with a Niceville zip code.

**DuneLaker** · 12-31-2008, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by North Lake

DL,

Thanks for the plug.

You are welcome. I meant it.

Miramar Beach and Sandestin now have their own zip - 32550 - and mail can be addressed to Miramar Beach or Sandestin with the 32550 zip. Surprisingly, many in Sandestin and Miramar Beach use the correct zip, but still use "Destin" as their city. I've been told that they feel this gives them better place recognition.

Glad to see so many switching. At least the hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is now using Miramar Beach more. Good idea. Safety issue, etc. By those not using Sandestin or Miramar Beach just continues the confusion. A decade or so ago, Destin didn't have all that "Place Recognition." If SoWal people would use a SoWal address consistently, pretty soon there would be all the place recognition we could possibly want. It would also help guests, etc. from not being disappointed when they go to places in Destin and realize that since they are not a citizen or guest of the incorporated city of Destin, they do not get the same rates or admission to services such as the Destin Library or Parks. More than once I've talked to someone at Sandestin that was shocked about library usage in Destin, etc.

The USPS is not swayed or influenced by the county...but they are responsive to congressional interest.

Thanks for this tip. We need to contact the two congressional offices for Walton County, then. Congressman Miller for District 1 and Congressman Boyd for District 2. Personal phone calls or hand written messages from constituents go a long way.

(didn't quite get quotes copied and shaded right, but you should be able to see comment and then my response)

**SWGB** · 01-01-2009, 01:27 AM

202-224-3132

Main number for congress. Good luck getting through.

**wrobert** · 01-01-2009, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

The SRB postal employees/system are so far below par that I actually pay for mailbox service at the Mialboxes etc. or the UPS store rather than deal with their incompetence (I tried, but no boxes at Seaside - bummer, as they rock there).

Public Employee Unions make it all but impossible to terminate an employee for incompetence.

**AAbsolute** · 01-01-2009, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by wrobert

Public Employee Unions make it all but impossible to terminate an employee for incompetence.

My company was a sub-contractor for the USPS. Nobody pays as well as them. The moment we would finish our project I would submit an invoice to the local Postmaster and he would print us a money order for full payment. Does anyone know how to spell cha-ching???

I loved it, but it it can't be good for budgets.