Going Postal

A study in incompetence: USPS.

About a week ago, I was watching my postman drive up and down the block, stopping every 50 feet, turning off the engine, and delivering mail to one house. It occurred to me that USPS delivery trucks would be the best hybrid vehicles ever. All they do is stop-and-go. In fact, if hybrid vehicles don’t make economic sense for USPS delivery trucks, I contend they don’t for anybody, anywhere, ever. And I’ve heard they do (make economic sense for some, that is). So, why doesn’t USPS have their act together here? Well, let’s ask them.

From: Mike Fogel <*******@gmail.com>
To: Support@USPS <uspshelpdesk@spemail.esecurecare.net>

How can I find more information about this program? Specifically, how it’s progressed in the last two years and what’s coming up?

http://www.usps.com/communications/news/press/2006/pr06_036.htm

I’ve searched all over your website and haven’t found anything beyond that original press release.

Thank you,

Michael Fogel

To which USPS replied “sorry, we aren’t allowed to click on links. What are you talking about?”

From: Support@USPS <uspshelpdesk@spemail.esecurecare.net>
To: Mike Fogel <*******@gmail.com>

Dear MICHAEL FOGEL,

Thank you for contacting us about seeking more information about our programs.

I do apologize, our systems are not able to view any attachments. In order to be assisted further, please reply with the name of the program.

If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.

Regards,

Jimara L

Uhm, wow, that’s impressively dumb ’security’ policy. I guess I’ll explain your own program to you.

From: Mike Fogel <*******@gmail.com>
To: Support@USPS <uspshelpdesk@spemail.esecurecare.net>

No problem. The link I sent you is to a press release from 2006, relating to the postal service doing a test run for using hybrid vehicles to do the deliveries. I’m wondering how I can find more up-to-date information about this program, or what it’s expanded into, or if it’s imploded, or…???

Thanks!

Mike

To bad! USPS forgot what they were doing with hybrids.

From: Support@USPS <uspshelpdesk@spemail.esecurecare.net>
To: Mike Fogel <*******@gmail.com>

Dear MICHAEL FOGEL,

Thank you for responding with requested information. I understand you are seeking up to date information regarding the hybrid postal vehicles. I do apologize, I do not have that information in my resources. (…)

If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.

Regards,

Jimara L

Wow.