usps trying to raise chick shipping charges again

[codymi]

May 17, 2013
It has come to our attention the Post Office is requesting a change to the shipment of poultry through the mail. You can read the proposal on-line at the Federal Register:

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001T8xCWEPe2oIm53QaLHo0P27XHQOWOEtzJ3S1lbDgyCbmkrP_hNSM397b0xithzCX4o4LTAe1-b09AD5LhV-qFnrSKLPe4FZy4-9y_1k3BBs3Qf0MJOcx_BztyfiYqM0YZUVkckhcddRdISl_M9AVZ0RKbDCj38RDptREQT8L1bZIOxbmJlmROneM3tAueK0pD513d9XMKpeK4mwhvFFFOZUT9QTggQGQzO22RwQa98WGoYxTp2S2MF2t9kQump2hM19T-MdKJ5E=

They are asking that a Special Handle Fee charged on every Live Animal Shipment. This proposal would increase the postage amount by $9 or $11.95 per bundle depending on the weight. Over 10 pounds is the higher price.

The proposal outlines the new fees to be charged but it does not include any new rules to insure us that service would also improve. Nor does it offer how the additional funds would address their concerns about; Protection of Postal Service employees, mail and the environment, or animals against death.

Please read the proposed changes and send your comments to the US Post Office. Here is a sample letter that you may use.



[Your name]
[Address]
[City State Zip]

[Date]


The Manager, Product Classification
U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446
Washington, DC 20260-5015

RE: 39 CFR Part 111 New Mailing Standards for Live Animals and Special Handling

Dear Sir or Madam:
I would like to voice my concerns about the proposed changes to the New Mailing Standards for Live Animals. [Explain who you are and why you raise poultry]
This proposal would increase the postage amount on our shipments by $9 or $11.95 per bundle depending on the weight. Ten pounds will be the higher price. [Describe why you purchase poultry through the mail, how this additional cost will affect you and your purchasing of poultry.]
Within the proposal it describes the additional cost but does not describe the additional services we will receive for this fee. [Describe any problems you have had in the past and services you expect.]
I feel that this rate increase is excessive and request that it not be implemented.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your name]



Make your voice heard, do it today.

The comment period ends next week May 24.



Thank you for your continued support.


Janet F. Crouch
Vice President, Ideal Poultry

 

[Tara80]

You know, I ship poultry often and I've always felt bad for our Post Office.
In Spring during the chick shipping season, the Post Office here is packed full of chirping loud pooping baby chicks and SO many people leave them there for extended periods of time and they die.
The post office employees feel terrible and mortified to watch all of these babies die and cannot do anything about it.
I'm not sure if they would use the increase for anything specifically related. I just know that they probably deserve it for what they have to go through.

 

[codymi]

i agree that there should be a charge for not picking up birds in a timely fashion. but, on the other hand if shipping continues to increase, how many businesses are going to be hurt? i usually spend around $5000 on new plants throughout the spring and fall, this year i made one $100 dollar purchase because shipping is ridiculous. i made out an order to my favorite online nursery, around $400 and then cancelled it when i saw shipping was going to be an extra $97, this place is already fairly expensive. and i won't be spending that money locally either since local nurseries don't carry anything i don't already grow. there have been several snakes i was really interested in being sold here, but to add another 40-70 on top is something i can't swing often, especially not for a single purchase. (i realize overnighting something is different)